Why doesn’t MITS offer language proficiency testing or certification or qualification exams?

MITS focuses exclusively on providing high-quality medical interpreter training. We intentionally separate training from testing because interpreter qualification is strongest when instruction and assessment are handled independently. This mirrors how national certification systems and professional credentialing bodies operate across healthcare and other regulated fields.

Doesn’t offering training and testing together make things easier for employers?

It can appear more convenient on paper, but combining training and testing within the same organization can raise questions about independence and reliability. Many healthcare organizations prefer a multi-step qualification modelthat includes formal training from one provider and independent assessment or certification from another.

This approach supports stronger compliance, clearer documentation, and reduced risk.

How does this align with ACA (Section 1557) requirements?

The Affordable Care Act requires healthcare organizations to provide qualified interpreters, but it does not define a specific exam, credential, or provider that establishes qualification. Instead, organizations determine qualification through a combination of training, language proficiency verification, ethics knowledge, and internal policies.

MITS provides the formal training component that organizations rely on as part of that framework.

Why is independent testing important in medical interpreting?

Independent assessment helps ensure that:

• Language proficiency is evaluated objectively

• Training outcomes are not self-certified

• Employers can demonstrate due diligence if questioned by regulators or auditors

This is why national certification exams (such as those offered by CCHI and NBCMI) are administered by organizations that are separate from training providers.

Does MITS prepare students for national certification exams?

Yes. MITS training is designed to build the foundational competencies required for professional medical interpreting and to support eligibility for national certification exams. We also offer optional exam preparation resources, while maintaining a clear separation between training and certification.

What does MITS provide instead of testing?

MITS provides:

• Comprehensive medical interpreter training (40- and 60-hour programs)

• Instruction aligned with national standards and best practices

• Certificates of Completion documenting training hours

• Preparation that supports employer qualification processes and national certification pathways

How do employers typically use MITS training?

Employers commonly use MITS training as:

• The formal training requirement within their interpreter qualification policy

• A prerequisite for internal language assessments

• Preparation for interpreters pursuing national certification

• Documentation supporting ACA Section 1557 compliance efforts

In short, why choose this model?

Because it is intentional, defensible, and professional.
Separating training from testing supports transparency, credibility, and long-term interpreter competence—especially in healthcare environments where accuracy and accountability matter.