Healthcare · Medical interpreting
Healthcare Interpreter Written Exam (CCHI CoreCHI / NBCMI) — Practice
The English written exam that healthcare interpreters of every language take first: the CCHI CoreCHI exam and the NBCMI written (Hub-CMI) exam. Interpreter ethics and the NCIHC standards, managing the encounter, medical terminology, the U.S. health system and language-access law, and cultural responsiveness.
Questions last checked against the official sources on October 11, 2026.
The real exam at a glance
- CoreCHI
- 100 multiple choice (85 scored), 120 minutes, pass 450 on a 300–600 scale
- NBCMI written
- 51 multiple choice, 75 minutes, pass 75%
- Language
- English, for interpreters of every language
- Fees
- CCHI $40 application + $191 CoreCHI exam
- Retakes
- NBCMI: wait 3 months; CCHI: pay the exam fee again
- Based on
- NCIHC code of ethics and standards of practice, IMIA and CHIA standards
What you'll practise
Try a question
A patient's relative keeps answering questions the provider asked the patient. What can the interpreter do?
- Tell the relative to be quiet
- Interpret only the patient's answers and ignore what the relative says
- Ask the relative to leave the room so the patient can answer alone
- Interpret what the relative says and let the provider decide how to handle it
Show the answer
D. Interpret what the relative says and let the provider decide how to handle it — The interpreter interprets everything and leaves management of the encounter to the provider, while promoting direct communication.
Sample questions by topic (in English)
- Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics
- Managing the Interpreting Encounter
- Healthcare Terminology
- U.S. Health Systems
- Cultural Responsiveness
Ask the examiner
Ask about this exam: why an answer is wrong, a grammar point, or “quiz me on …”.
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Questions about the Healthcare interpreter (CoreCHI / NBCMI)
Is this the official Healthcare interpreter (CoreCHI / NBCMI)?
No. Semplr is independent and not affiliated with the exam body. We write every question ourselves, in the official format and at the official level.
What is the real Healthcare interpreter (CoreCHI / NBCMI) like?
CoreCHI: 100 multiple choice (85 scored), 120 minutes, pass 450 on a 300–600 scale. NBCMI written: 51 multiple choice, 75 minutes, pass 75%. Language: English, for interpreters of every language. Fees: CCHI $40 application + $191 CoreCHI exam. Retakes: NBCMI: wait 3 months; CCHI: pay the exam fee again. Based on: NCIHC code of ethics and standards of practice, IMIA and CHIA standards.
How is my practice marked?
Instantly. You see your score against the pass mark, and an explanation for every question — including the ones you got right.
Can I take it on my phone?
Yes. The whole mock exam works on a phone, and your progress is saved in your browser.
Ready for a full run?
One sitting, real timing, then your score against the pass mark.
Start the free mock exam