Policies

Whenever possible, CCHI is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in its examination processes and other activities to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Appropriate accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent that such accommodation does not fundamentally alter the examination, or cause an undue burden to CCHI or the agency administering the examination.

It is the responsibility of individuals with disabilities to notify CCHI in writing of the applicant’s need for an accommodation and submit the pertinent supporting documentation in electronic format at the time of submitting a request for scheduling an exam via our online application system no later than 45 days before the examination date. Applicants must state the type of accommodation(s) needed, in addition to providing current and appropriate documentation of the disability.

If a special need arises after the candidate submits a request for scheduling but before they actually take an exam, the candidate must complete and submit CCHI’s ADA Accommodation Request Form (click here or see it in Appendix C of the CCHI Candidate’s Examination Handbook). This form and accompanying documentation may be submitted by email to: apply@CCHIcertification.org.

The documentation accompanying CCHI’s ADA Accommodation Request Form must not be more than three years old from the date of the application or payment of an examination fee. It should include an official statement from a healthcare provider who has first-hand knowledge of the disability, describing the nature of the disability and specific recommendations regarding the type of accommodation needed to address the disability. The letter should be on the letterhead stationery of the healthcare provider in question, and include his or her title, address, phone number, and original signature. By submitting the ADA Accommodation Request Form, the applicant grants CCHI permission to contact the professionals who submitted documentation in support of a request for accommodation in order to obtain further clarification concerning a request.

The following testing accommodations, if granted by CCHI, are available only at test centers (i.e., they are not available for online-proctored delivery of the CoreCHI™ exam): human reader, notetaker, actuator, bathroom break.

All accommodation determinations will be made by CCHI at its discretion. Failure to notify CCHI of needed accommodation(s) and submitting supporting documentation in one’s application and/or at least 45 days prior to scheduling an exam may result in the accommodations not being available at the time of the examination.

Candidates shall not hold CCHI accountable for any lack of appropriate accommodation deriving from the candidate’s own failure to notify CCHI of their needs on a timely basis. Once special accommodations have been granted, they may not be altered during the examination.

CCHI has specific different types of ADA accommodations for candidates who are blind and for candidates who have low vision.

CoreCHI™ Exam 

ADA Accommodation Policy for the CoreCHI™ Exam for Candidates Who Are Blind

(Individuals who have low vision, i.e. are not blind, are not provided with any special accommodation for the CoreCHI™ exam because it contains an on-screen font enlargement tool which allows to enlarge the font to a comfortable level.)

CHI™ Exams

ADA Accommodation Policy for CHI™ Exam for Candidates Who Are Blind

ADA Accommodation Policy for CHI™ Exam for Candidates with Low Vision

ETOE™ Exam

ADA Accommodation Policy for ETOE™ Exam for Candidates Who Are Blind

ADA Accommodation Policy for ETOE™ Exam for Candidates with Low Vision

Candidates who are blind or have low vision may print and take this Template Letter To Medical Provider (click on the title do download) to their doctor to request documentation needed for determining which ADA accommodation such candidates qualify for.

CCHI has specific ADA accommodations for candidates who are not blind and need help operating a mouse/keyboard (for any exam) or notetaking (for performance exams only):

ADA Accommodation for Actuator-Assisted Examinations

ADA Accommodation Note-Taker-Assisted Examinations

Click here to download the ADA Accommodations Request Form.

Click below to read or download the full text of the policy.

CCHI Appeals Policy

CCHI’s Candidate Examination Handbook (click here to view) contains description of CCHI’s certification programs, related policies and procedures, and resources for applicants and certificants.

All applicants enter into an agreement with CCHI and must comply with all CCHI’s policies. The online application contains the Statement of Understanding which represents this agreement. To view the text of the Statement of Understanding, click here.

The Polices below document appropriate use of CCHI’s Marks and Designations:

• CORE CERTIFICATION HEALTHCARE INTERPRETER™ (CoreCHI™)
• CORE CERTIFICATION HEALTHCARE INTERPRETER – PERFORMANCE™ (CoreCHI-Performance™ or CoreCHI-P™)
• CERTIFIED HEALTHCARE INTERPRETER™ (CHI™): CHI™-Spanish, CHI™-Arabic, CHI™-Mandarin

In brief, the following distinctions are important:

• CoreCHI certificants cannot specify a language with the CoreCHI mark.
• The CoreCHI mark is not available for interpreters of Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish, they can only earn a higher, language-specific designation (CHI).
• CHI certificants must specify the primary language of the credential’s performance exam by providing it immediately after the designation either with a hyphen or in parentheses. E.g., Certified Healthcare Interpreter™-Spanish OR Certified Healthcare Interpreter (Arabic) OR CHI-Mandarin. They can no longer use the CHI designation alone after their name.
• CoreCHI-Performance certificants may specify the primary language of verified language proficiency in the Language Other Than English (LOTE) as long as they follow these conventions:
  – This statement must be placed immediately after the designation, with a coma or with the symbol & or in parentheses.
  – This statement must include either the word “proficient” or “proficiency.”
  E.g., Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter –Performance™, French proficient
  OR Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter – Performance™ (French Language Proficiency)
  OR Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter – Performance™ & French Language Proficiency

Review the Guide to the Use of the CoreCHI™ Mark by clicking here. It is not to be used by interpreters working in languages for which the CHI™ certification exists (not for Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish).

Review the Guide to the Use of the CoreCHI-Performance™ Mark by clicking here. Pay special attention to how certificants may specify their primary language of verified language proficiency.

Review the Guide to the Use of the CHI™ Mark by clicking here. It applies to interpreters working in languages for which the bilingual CHI™ performance examination exists (Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish).

Failure to comply with these policies may result in a disciplinary action and/or revocation of certification. If you have questions about these guidelines, or if you become aware of any unauthorized use of any CCHI’s mark, you can send an e-mail to CCHI to info@cchicertification.org. Please include a copy or screenshot of unauthorized use with the e-mail.

CCHI respects the privacy of all applicants and candidates. All materials submitted or received in connection with applications and all test scores are held in confidence, except upon permission for disclosure from the applicant or candidate or except as required by law, including disclosure to governmental licensing bodies upon appropriate written request.

CCHI has established a number of policies and procedures to ensure the integrity of its examination procedures and protect applicant and candidate privacy:

• With candidate permission, CCHI may release exam results to the educational program(s) which the candidate graduated from to assist the educational program or aid in reimbursement of fees. Individual candidate results may be counted, without authorization, in aggregate data gathered for program evaluation and reporting purposes.
• Performance feedback reports providing data on exam performance will be released only to the candidate.
• All exam content and materials are strictly confidential and will not be released to anyone except those involved in the development and administration of the exam.
• Candidates and certificants shall not disclose, reproduce, or distribute examination content or otherwise compromise the security of a CCHI examination.
• Official exam results are sent via e-mail to candidates only.
• CCHI may provide verification of certification status without authorization.
• CCHI will display in the public online Registry only information to which candidates and certificants agree to by accepting the Statement of Understanding (its text is provided on pp. 62-63 of CCHI’s Candidate’s Examination Handbook and in the actual online application) and submitting their online application(s), namely: name, primary language, city, zip code and state of residence, step or status in the certification process, date of certification award and renewal. Candidates and certificants must select an appropriate setting in their account themselves if they wish to have their email address displayed in this Registry.
• During test administration in computer-based Test Centers, CCHI’s testing vendor may deploy Digital Video Recording (DVR or CCTV) throughout its network of test delivery locations. Where allowed by applicable law this includes audio-recordings within the reception/locker, proctor/security check-in, and test lab areas. This is necessary in order to protect the security of high-stakes proprietary test content, the integrity of the test delivery experience, to deter fraud and cheating, to protect against theft and pilferage, and for the security of staff and company property. Access to the recorded material is strictly limited to authorized personnel of CCHI and its testing vendor and retained for a period as allowed by local applicable law.
• During test administration in the remote-proctoring online platform, CCHI’s testing vendor collects video-recordings that include audio recordings from the start of the check-in process and throughout the duration of the test. At times, this will include your desk and workspace. You and your workspace, your desk, and the sounds within your workspace will be monitored in real-time, captured and recorded during the testing session in order to protect the security of high-stakes proprietary test content, the integrity of the test delivery experience, to deter fraud and cheating, to protect against theft and pilferage. Access to the remote-proctored recordings is strictly limited to authorized personnel of CCHI and its testing vendor and retained for a period of thirty (30) days, or as otherwise allowed by applicable law (i.e. legal evidence).
• CCHI will maintain a system of safeguarding confidential information provided by applicants/candidates and those granted certification.

No outside agency or persons shall have access to any individual’s files/records unless permission is granted in writing by the applicant/candidate or credentialed individual. In the event of legal proceedings, records will have to be requested in writing by the court or the individual’s legal counsel.

CCHI certificants are listed in CCHI’s Credential Verification, and the Interpreter Registry, available here. Individuals may elect to have their name withheld from publication in the online directory of certificants. However, CCHI can provide verification of their certification status to the public per request.

CCHI reserves the right to independently verify all information submitted by applicants on their applications or as supplementary materials. CCHI authorized individuals will check applications for accuracy of information. Information may be verified by telephone, e-mail, and/or letter. All information obtained through verification procedures will be confidential except in instances where the law demands disclosure. Should any information submitted by an applicant on the application or as supplementary material be found false, the applicant will be notified and declared ineligible to continue in the application and credentialing process. If the applicant has been granted a credential, the credential may be revoked. Other sanctions may be applied in accordance with CCHI Disciplinary policy.

Click here to view the full text of the policy: CCHI’s Disciplinary Policy

CCHI-certified interpreters must inform CCHI within 30 days regarding the following matters:

• change in email or mailing address (the best way to update a mailing address is by editing the profile info at https://cchi.learningbuilder.com)
• any criminal conviction related to healthcare interpreting.

Candidates who do not pass the CoreCHI™, CHI™ or ETOE™ examination may re-take these examinations. If the eligibility requirements (prerequisites) have changed after the last administration of the examination, CCHI will determine if an applicant has to meet the new prerequisites.

CoreCHI™ exam

Candidates can retake the CoreCHI™ exam after a 90-day waiting period. Candidates can take it up to three times within a one-year (12-month) period. Candidates who fail this exam for the third time must wait 12 months before they can pay for and take the exam again. Starting with this fourth attempt, candidates may take this exam only once a year (i.e., once every 12 months).

CHI™ and ETOE™ exams

Candidates can retake the CHI™ or ETOE™ oral performance exams after either a 90-day waiting period or during the next testing window, whichever occurs first. Candidates can take it up to three times within a one-year (12-month) period. Candidates who fail either of these exams for the third time must wait 12 months and re-take the CoreCHI™ exam before they can attempt the CHI™ or ETOE™ exam again for the fourth time.  Starting with this fourth attempt, candidates may take these exams only once a year (i.e., once every 12 months), which means that they will have to re-take the CoreCHI™ exam each time, because the passing scores of the CoreCHI™ exam are valid only for 12 months.

The waiting time between retakes is mandatory in order to preserve the integrity of the tests and allow the candidate to improve their knowledge and performance.

IMPORTANT: CHI™ candidates must take and pass their bilingual performance CHI™ exam within 12 months of passing the CoreCHI™ exam. If they do not pass a CHI™ exam within 12 months, their CoreCHI™ score expires, and they must re-take the CoreCHI™ exam before taking a CHI™ exam again.

All applicants and candidates seeking CCHI’s certification and CCHI certificants must comply with this Refund Policy. Submitting an application online constitutes understanding of and agreement to follow this Policy.

1.       Examination Fees

You may receive an exam fee refund ONLY IF your eligibility to take the corresponding exam has not expired, AND:

• you have not scheduled your exam appointment yet, OR
• if you have cancelled your exam appointment with Prometric, CCHI’s testing vendor. (Please be aware a $25 cancellation/rescheduling fee paid to Prometric will not be refunded.)

After you have taken the examination, OR if you missed your exam appointment, NO refunds will be granted.

Requests for a refund must be received prior to the end of your exam eligibility period:

• For the CoreCHI™ exam – 6 (six) months from the date of the application approval;
• For a CHI™ or ETOE™ exam – 12 (twelve) months from the date of passing the CoreCHI exam.

CCHI does not grant refunds after that date (i.e., after the end of your eligibility).

CCHI charges a processing fee of $12 on all refunds. This amount is subject to change without notice.

To request a refund, you must contact CCHI via email at info@cchicertification.org.

To apply for a future exam after cancelling and receiving a refund, you must pay full costs.

2.       Application Fees

Application fees are non-refundable.

CCHI does NOT refund the following processing fees for:

• Initial application
• Renewal application

Reversing transaction charges in connection with payment of these fees without requesting a refund (in cases when fees are refundable and refund conditions are met) constitutes non-compliance with this policy and may incur disciplinary actions.

CoreCHI™, CHI™ and CoreCHI-P™ certifications are valid for four (4) years from the date when CCHI granted the credential. Individuals who are granted a CoreCHI™, CHI™ or CoreCHI-P™ certification must meet the following certification renewal requirements within this four-year period:

• have 40 hours of work experience,
• complete 32 hours of healthcare interpreter continuing education.
• Out of 32 CE hours, a minimum of 4 CE hours must be in performance based topics.
• Out of the 32 CE hours, a maximum of 8 CE hours may be earned as non-instructional CE activities. (These hours are optional, not required.) Non-instructional CE activities are defined as “activities that support the healthcare interpreting profession through volunteerism, leadership and research.”
• Out of the 32 CE hours, a maximum of 8 CE hours may be earned in qualified written translation topics.

As long as the individual completes these requirements and submits their online renewal application, the individual will not need to retake CCHI’s examinations.

All certified interpreters will need to submit one online application for renewal of their credential, proof of continuing education, and pay the renewal fee at least 30 days before the renewal of the credential is due. If a CoreCHI™, CoreCHI-P™ or CHI™ certificant does not submit their renewal applications before expiration of the credential, they will be automatically removed from CCHI’s National Registry of Certified Interpreters, and will need to reapply and retest.

When a certification credential is renewed for an additional four-year period, the credential renewal date will be four (4) years from the date the credential was initially awarded, regardless of when the renewal application is submitted.

CCHI’s staff reviews certification renewal applications and notifies certificants of the determination within 4-6 weeks of the submission date. Certificants may appeal the determination in writing within 60 days of the determination receipt (see Appeals section of CCHI’s Certification Renewal Handbook).

Click here to download CCHI’s Certification Renewal Handbook.

Candidates must agree to abide by CCHI’s policies protecting the integrity of CCHI’s certification examination at the time of submitting their application. The online application contains the Statement of Understanding that, among other issues, states:

“I understand that all examination content is confidential. I agree not to discuss it with anyone except for CCHI authorized representatives if needed to exercise my right to provide feedback, describe exam irregularity or appeal. I understand that disclosure of the examination content is a violation of CCHI’s Disciplinary Policy, and CCHI will apply sanctions deemed appropriate pursuant to the said policy and may seek legal action against me.

I agree to abide by all CCHI’s policies, including but not limited to CCHI’s Confidentiality and Disciplinary Policies as well as all instructions regarding taking any of CCHI’s examinations.”

Candidates must abide by the testing administration security procedures that are stated in:

• CCHI’s Candidate’s Examination Handbook (p. 29-31)
• Notice to Schedule/Admission Ticket to the exam
• Online Testing instructions (for the CoreCHI™ exam).

Failure to comply with CCHI’s security policies and procedures may result in disciplinary sanctions. See CCHI’s Disciplinary Policy for the incident review process and possible sanctions.

The certification examinations and all items on the examinations are the exclusive property of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. Candidates who apply for CCHI certification acknowledge that they understand and agree to the following:

• Disclosure, discussion, or receipt of any CCHI certification examination questions and/or the examination, in whole or in part, on social media networking, in study groups, or by other methods is strictly prohibited.
• Retention, possession, copying, distribution, disclosure, discussion, or receipt of any CCHI examination question/item, in whole or in part, by any form of communication, including but not limited to emailing, copying or printing of electronic files, and reconstruction through memorization and/or dictation, before, during or after the certification examination is strictly prohibited.
• Candidate participation in any irregularity occurring before, during or after the examination, such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid, as evidenced by observation or subsequent statistical analysis, may be sufficient cause to terminate participation, invalidate results of the examination, or necessitate other appropriate actions in accordance with CCHI Disciplinary Policy.

The CCHI accepts monetary and in‐kind support from private and public organizations to pursue the development of a single, national, valid, credible and vendor‐neutral certification program for healthcare interpreters. To help ensure the independence, integrity, credibility, and validity of its work, the CCHI adheres to the following principles and policies in accepting such support. In general, the CCHI accepts monetary and in‐kind support that:

• Does not affect the Commission’s independence to pursue its work;
• Does not endanger the Commission’s integrity or reputation.

The determination of whether financial support is being provided as a gift will be based upon the guidance provided in the policy, and will depend upon the particular characteristics of the funder and funding.

There are four ways to advertise with CCHI:

• Banner Advertisement on this website
• Email Advertising to CCHI Customers (CCHI does not disclose email addresses to advertisers)
• Listing on your “Prerequisite Programs” webpages

The purpose of Commissioner Policies is to set forth a clear description of who is eligible for participation as a commissioner to the CCHI; how eligible persons will be admitted as commissioner or working group/committee member; and the rights and obligations associated with being a commissioner or working group/committee member to the CCHI.

Each commissioner agrees to share completely any and all of their own materials and information related to National Healthcare Interpreter Certification in order to inform and further the work of the CCHI.

Upon request, each committee/working group member agrees to share completely any and all of their own materials and information related to National Healthcare Interpreter Certification in order to inform and further the work of the CCHI.

“Materials or information related to healthcare interpreting” include all materials or information that reasonably might further the development of National Healthcare Interpreter Certification, including without limitation materials related to pre‐qualifications, training, certification testing, or continuing education.

CCHI’s Commissioners, Advisors, staff and volunteers are required to disclose any conflict of interest with performing their respective duties and tasks for CCHI. Special considerations are given to individuals involved in certification decisions or examination development, implementation, maintenance, delivery, and updating.

CCHI’s Conflict of Interest policy ensures that decisions which impact development of CCHI work product are made as objectively as possible, without improper bias or influence.  Disclosure of conflicts of interest provides notice to the CCHI and Commissioners and Committee/Working Group participants of the interest and potential bias of the disclosing party and enables others to evaluate the disclosing party’s opinions and recommendations in light of this interest.  Where an interest is determined to present a material conflict, further actions may be taken, such as recusal of the disclosing party from applicable votes, deliberation on items that implicate the interest, and possible discontinued participation in the CCHI.

CCHI announces its board vacancies in the “News” section of this website, via email and social media posts. CCHI selects candidates for the board from the various stakeholder groups based on the criteria defined in CCHI’s Criteria for Selecting Commissioners  and taking into account the current composition of the board to ensure diversity in stakeholder groups representation and in professional expertise of the Commissioners. A nominee that receives the majority of Commissioners’ votes is invited to serve on the board.

The purpose of these Policies is to set forth a clear description of:

• who is eligible for participation as an Advisor or Committee/Working Group participant or Subject Matter Expert to the CCHI;
• how eligible persons will be admitted as Advisors or Committee/Working Group participants or Subject Matter Experts (including raters), and
• the rights and obligations associated with being an Advisor or Committee/Working Group participant or Subject Matter Expert to the CCHI.

Click on the button below to read or download the full text of the Policies.

Please read the Guidelines carefully and submit your request in writing to managing.director@cchicertification.org before using CCHI’s logo.

Effective Date: 04/13/2022

Read or download the full text of the Privacy Policy by clicking the button below. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at privacy@cchicertification.org.

This Terms of Use Agreement (the “Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you and the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (“CCHI,” “we” or “us”) governing your use of our websites: www.cchicertification.org,  www.ceapcchi.org, http://cchiinterpreters.org, and our online application platform https://cchi.learningbuilder.com (the “Websites”).

By using or accessing the Websites or downloading materials from the Websites, you agree to be legally bound by this Agreement.

To view or download the full text of the Terms of Use click on the button below.