(1) Certification examinations evaluate bilingual proficiency and interpretation/translation skills by comparing your proficiency and skills to minimum competency standards.

(2) Minimum competency standards are determined by the nature of the work involved and by experienced practicing interpreters/translators, bilingual professionals, and language specialists.

(3) Five different types of tests are used to evaluate the bilingual proficiency and interpretation/translation skills of the following categories of people:

(a) Department employees and employment candidates with bilingual assignments (employee test);

(b) Social services interpreters providing oral interpretation services to department social service programs (social services interpreter test);

(d) Medical interpreters providing interpretation services to department clients in medical settings (medical interpreter test); and

(e) Licensed agency personnel (LAPL) whose agency is providing contracted services to the department (LAPL test).

(4) For a list of the specific types of examinations and languages tested (and other important testing information), see the most recent edition of the "professional language certification examination manual" published on the LTC web site.

(5) Examinations for interpreters include written and oral components. To satisfy testing requirements, an interpreter must pass both the written and oral test components.

(6) Examinations for DSHS bilingual positions and LAPL usually include written and oral components and these can be taken on the same day if the test schedule allows it.

(7) Examinations for translators include only a written document translation component.

PDFWAC 388-03-122

What type of test is given by the department to certify and authorize persons providing language services to DSHS clients?