We are interpreters and we depend on our leaders, pioneers, and experts to guide and inform our profession. We are exposed to all kinds of information and often need experts in other fields to interpret this information to help us sort out what is myth and what is the truth.

When topics come our way that are easily misunderstood or confusing, we have a network of experts that we rely on for clarification. We will post "the bottom line" on a new topic every two weeks to ensure that our community knows the truth.  We invite you to read it, think about it, and send us an email if you have additional information on that topic.

• Essential Facts About CCHI’s Pilot Exam Process

  CCHI received several questions this month about whether CCHI will be able to grant a credential or certification to an individual who participates in our pilot examination. The answer to this question comes from the certification experts and psychometricians that CCHI has been working with to develop CCHI exams and certification processes. Click here to read the full story.

• Validating a Certification Exam

  Have you heard the buzz about validity? If you haven’t yet, you will. It is the single most important testing concept in certification. CCHI has the goal of developing "a national, valid, credible, vendor-neutral certification program for healthcare interpreters." CCHI is doing an outstanding job of creating validity. As a consultant in the certification industry I have seen many certification start ups, but few have focused so effectively on validity and the stakeholders. Before I explain why I snuck the word stakeholders into the discussion, let me define validity. Click here to read the full story.

• Can Certification be Patented?

  Some questions have been raised regarding patents on certification. The bottom line is that although nonprofit organizations will often obtain copyright protection for examinations and related certification materials, as well as trademark protection for the name of the certification organization and/or program and the certification mark, we are not aware of any nonprofit, non-governmental organizations that have successfully obtained patent protection for their respective certification programs. Click here to read the full story.

• What Does Vendor Neutral Mean?

  CCHI is taking a vendor-neutral approach to its certification program development. Many have asked what this means and if it matters. The bottom line is vendor neutral means that the certification is not connected to a specific training company, specific training program, or any other enterprise that requires that you purchase a membership, training program or service from them as a requirement to sit for the examination for their certification. Click here to read the full story.

• NOCA Accreditation?

  We were recently asked how a certification organization gets "NOCA Accreditation"?  The bottom line is that there is no such thing as "NOCA Accreditation".  The person asking the question was likely referring to NCCA accreditation as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is the Institute for Credentialing Excellence's (formely NOCA) accrediting body.  Click here to read the full story.

• CCHI's Relationship with NCIHC?

  It came to our attention that misinformation and false statements were being circulated about CCHI and our relationship with NCIHC. The bottom line is that CCHI is independent of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC). Click here to read the full story.

• Certification or Certificate?

  Many in our community have asked us about the difference between a certificate and certification. The bottom line is that even though millions are involved in the credentialing business on a full‑time, part‑time and volunteer basis, their conversations are filled with terms used inconsistently. Click here to read the full story.