CCHI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CCHI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under HIPAA, what constitutes protected health information (PHI) that an interpreter must not disclose? → Any information that could identify a patient and is related to their health or treatment
2. An interpreter accidentally sees a patient's medical chart while waiting to assist with an appointment. What is the correct action? → Close or look away from the chart immediately and do not disclose the information seen
3. What is the interpreter's role when a patient asks the interpreter directly to explain why a procedure is necessary? → Interpret the question to the provider and interpret the answer back to the patient
4. What should be done if an error is discovered in a patient record? → Draw a single line through the error, correct it, and initial with date
5. Under HIPAA, healthcare interpreters employed by a covered entity are considered: → Workforce members of the covered entity and are directly bound by HIPAA
6. Which of the following statements about CCHI exam eligibility is accurate? → Applicants must attest that they understand and will comply with CCHI's Code of Ethics
7. Which of the following is an acceptable form of continuing education for CCHI recertification? → Attending an IMIA-accredited healthcare interpreting workshop
8. Which term describes the process by which an individual adopts the culture, behaviors, and norms of a new society? → Acculturation
9. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, healthcare facilities that receive federal funding must provide language access services to: → Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) at no cost to the patient
10. What is the purpose of transmission-based precautions? → To provide additional protection for patients with specific infections
11. Which party is responsible for the official medical record of a patient encounter that involved an interpreter? → The healthcare provider and the healthcare organization
12. What is the purpose of reassessment in ongoing patient care? → To monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust the care plan
13. When should documentation of a service or intervention be completed? → As soon as possible after the service is provided
14. How does CCHI assess an interpreter’s ability to handle complex healthcare situations during the oral exam? → By using role-playing scenarios involving patients and medical professionals
15. Which of the following is NOT a component tested in the CCHI CoreCHI written exam? → Live oral interpreting performance
16. During a psychiatric evaluation, a patient discloses they are having thoughts of self-harm. What should the interpreter do? → Interpret the disclosure accurately and completely to the provider immediately
17. Which CCHI credential is designed for healthcare interpreters who do not yet meet the full CHI exam requirements? → CoreCHI
18. When a provider gives pre-procedure instructions that the patient does not understand, what is the interpreter's first responsibility? → Accurately interpret the instructions and alert the provider to the communication gap
19. What anatomical term describes the front surface of the body? → Anterior
20. What does the anatomical term 'inferior' mean? → Below or lower in position
21. What are the two main components of the CCHI certification exam? → Written exam and oral exam
22. A patient in the emergency department suddenly becomes unresponsive mid-conversation. What should the interpreter do first? → Alert the clinical staff immediately and step back to allow them to respond
23. What is the purpose of the "Knowledge Exam" in the CCHI certification process? → To measure the candidate’s language fluency in healthcare terms
24. Which of the following is a basic eligibility requirement for the CCHI certification exam? → Completion of an accredited interpreter training program
25. The term 'bilateral' in a clinical setting means: → On both sides
26. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for eligibility for CCHI certification? → Completion of a cultural competency course
27. What is the primary certification offered by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)? → Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI)
28. What is one of the benefits of obtaining the CHI certification from CCHI? → Official recognition of specialized skills in healthcare interpreting
29. What is a drug contraindication? → A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable
30. Which ethical principle requires the healthcare interpreter to represent all parties' communications equally without taking sides? → Impartiality