Associate Healthcare Interpreter™ (AHI™) written examination

The AHI™ exam uses four-option, multiple-choice questions scored electronically. The total number of correct responses on each version (or “form”) of the test are scaled to the distribution of 300 to 600 with the passing score set at 450. Since different forms of the test may differ slightly in difficulty, a statistical procedure called equating is used to ensure that the passing score of 450 is comparable from form to form. In addition to a scaled score, candidates are provided with a breakdown of scores by domain (e.g. managing an interpreting encounter; understanding healthcare terminology; interacting with other healthcare professionals; preparing for an interpreting encounter; and cultural responsiveness). Domain scores are reported as percentages of the correct answers within each test domain to help candidates identify weaker areas for future study in case a candidate doesn’t pass the examination. Because each domain has a different number of questions, you cannot add up the domain percentages to obtain your score. For more information on the domains, see CCHI’s Test Content Outline at http://www.healthcareinterpretercertification.org/certification/apply-now/136.html.

Candidates will receive preliminary results from the written examination immediately after finishing the test. Official results will be emailed within approximately four-six weeks of completing the AHI™ examination. The method of scoring is described in more detail in the Technical Report on the Development and Pilot Testing of the CCHI Examination (http://www.healthcareinterpretercertification.org/certification/technical-reports.htm, see page 16).

Certified Healthcare Interpreter™ (CHI™) oral performance examination

The oral performance CHI™ examination consists of seven questions(or “vignettes”) scored by human raters and one four-option, multiple-choice question scored electronically as a single correct response. Raters score the examination by applying the Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale which was developed and validated by CCHI’s Subject Matter Experts under the guidance of a nationally-recognized psychometrician. All raters have undergone extensive training and are monitored by a psychometrician to assure valid and reliable performance. Raters do not know candidate identities when scoring examinations. Each oral response is scored by two raters. Total scores are weighted according to CCHI’s Technical Report on the Development and Pilot Testing of the CCHI Examination (http://www.healthcareinterpretercertification.org/certification/technical-reports.htm, see page 12) and scaled to the distribution of 300 to 600 with the passing score set at 450. Since different forms of the test may differ slightly in difficulty, a statistical procedure called equating is used to ensure that the passing score of 450 is comparable from form to form. The score report indicates whether candidates scored low by section (e.g. consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, and sight translation) to help candidates identify weaker areas for future study in case a candidate doesn’t pass the examination.

Candidates will receive the official results within approximately ten-twelve weeks of completing the CHI™ examination via email. The method of scoring is described in more detail in the Technical Report on the Development and Pilot Testing of the CCHI Examination (http://www.healthcareinterpretercertification.org/certification/technical-reports.html, see pages 20-22).