Interpreter Certification Path Finder
Not sure which certification to pursue? Answer 4 quick questions and get a personalized roadmap based on your language, specialty, and goals.
What's your primary language pair?
Select the language you interpret to/from English.
Spend less energy on note-taking. Real-time transcription shows both sides of the conversation on screen so you can focus on interpreting.
Try FreeUS interpreter certifications at a glance
CCHI (Medical)
The only NCCA-accredited interpreter certifications in the US. Offers CHI (Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin) and CoreCHI-P (all languages). The industry gold standard.
NBCMI (Medical)
Offers CMI certification in 6 languages and Hub-CMI (written only) for all others. Not NCCA accredited, but recognized by many employers.
Court (Legal)
Federal court certification (Spanish only) and state certifications through the NCSC/CLAC consortium (exams in 20 languages). Required for most court work.
Frequently asked questions
Which interpreter certification should I get?
It depends on your language, specialty, and goals. Medical interpreters choose between CCHI (CHI or CoreCHI-P) and NBCMI (CMI). Legal interpreters pursue state or federal court certification. Use the tool above to get a personalized recommendation.
What's the difference between CHI and CMI?
CHI is from CCHI and is NCCA accredited — available for Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin only. CMI is from NBCMI — available for Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Korean, and Vietnamese. Both require at least 40 hours of interpreter training. CCHI credentials carry more weight due to NCCA accreditation.
How much does interpreter certification cost?
CCHI certifications cost $300 total with the 2026 #AddCCHI special ($150 each for CoreCHI + CHI or ETOE). NBCMI CMI costs $490 total ($40 registration + $175 written + $275 oral). Hub-CMI costs $215. Budget $550-$785 for the 40-hour training prerequisite if you haven't completed one yet.
What is CoreCHI-P and why does it matter?
CoreCHI-P (CoreCHI-Performance) replaces the standalone CoreCHI credential after December 2026. It combines the CoreCHI written exam with a performance-based ETOE (English-to-English) exam, proving you can actually interpret — not just pass a multiple-choice test. Available for ALL language pairs. Current CoreCHI holders must pass the ETOE to remain certified.
Do I need certification to work as an interpreter?
Certification is not legally required in most settings, but it significantly increases job opportunities. Many healthcare systems and language service agencies prefer or require certified interpreters. Court interpreting typically requires state certification.
Get real-time transcription for your calls
See every word on screen. Stop taking notes. Focus on interpreting.
Try Free1 hour free. No credit card required.