PDFWAC 388-03-060

What is the responsibility of the language testing and certification (LTC) section in certifying and authorizing interpreters, translators, employees, and LAPL?

Language testing and certification (LTC) is the section within DSHS responsible for:
(1) Establishing and publishing systems, methods, and procedures for certifying, screening and/or evaluating the interpretation and/or translation skills of employees, LAPL, interpreters and translators who work with department clients, employees, and service providers;
(2) Ensuring that certified/authorized interpreters, translators, employees, and LAPL are aware of DSHS's code of professional conduct for interpreters, translators, and LAPL;
(3) Overseeing that the test development process is empirically sound, the test instruments are valid and reliable, and the test administration procedures and test evaluation criteria are consistent with the standards established by the department;
(4) Coordinating and managing precertification/authorization training requirements, postcertification/authorization continuing education requirements, and coordinating the decertification process for interpreters/translators; and
(5) Maintaining the online interpreter database for public access.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.025, 74.08.090, 45 C.F.R. Section 80.3 (b)(2), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Reyes vs. Thompson Consent Order. WSR 15-17-092, § 388-03-060, filed 8/18/15, effective 9/18/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.025, 74.08.090, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and 45 C.F.R. Section 80.3 (b)(2). WSR 15-07-008, § 388-03-060, filed 3/6/15, effective 4/6/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 2.43.010, 74.04.025, and 74.08.090. WSR 00-06-014, § 388-03-060, filed 2/22/00, effective 3/24/00.]