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. The anatomical region called the 'antecubital fossa' is located: → In front of the elbow
3. How frequently must CCHI-certified interpreters renew their credentials? → Every two years
4. During a cardiology visit, the provider mentions 'beta-1 selective' regarding a new blood pressure medication. What does beta-1 selectivity mean? → The drug preferentially acts on receptors in the heart rather than the lungs
5. Which assessment scenario most warrants the interpreter requesting a pre-session briefing with the provider? → A complex neuropsychological evaluation involving multiple standardized tools
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Which of the following note-taking practices is considered poor technique for healthcare interpreters? → Writing full sentences word-for-word during the speaker's utterance
10. Under HIPAA, healthcare interpreters employed by a covered entity are considered: → Workforce members of the covered entity and are directly bound by HIPAA
11. Under CCHI eligibility rules, which of the following would NOT count toward the required interpreting experience or training hours? → Translating written patient discharge instructions into another language
12. 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
13. Which of the following is an acceptable form of continuing education for CCHI recertification? → Attending an IMIA-accredited healthcare interpreting workshop
14. Which term describes the process by which an individual adopts the culture, behaviors, and norms of a new society? → Acculturation
15. The NCIHC National Standards of Practice describe the healthcare interpreter's primary role as: → Accurate and complete message converter who facilitates communication between parties
16. 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
17. An interpreter is assisting during a blood draw when the patient suddenly faints. What is the interpreter's primary responsibility? → Immediately alert the clinical staff and step aside
18. A healthcare provider documents that a patient has 'renal impairment' and needs dose adjustment. Why does kidney function affect drug dosing? → Many drugs and metabolites are eliminated via the kidneys
19. A patient's electronic health record contains an outdated interpreter note. The appropriate person to correct this record is: → The licensed clinical or administrative staff member responsible for the record
20. What is the purpose of transmission-based precautions? → To provide additional protection for patients with specific infections
21. Which party is responsible for the official medical record of a patient encounter that involved an interpreter? → The healthcare provider and the healthcare organization
22. What is the purpose of reassessment in ongoing patient care? → To monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust the care plan
23. When should documentation of a service or intervention be completed? → As soon as possible after the service is provided
24. A healthcare interpreter is informed that the patient they will be interpreting for has scabies. What precautions should the interpreter expect to follow? → Contact precautions including gloves and gown
25. 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
26. Which of the following is NOT a component tested in the CCHI CoreCHI written exam? → Live oral interpreting performance
27. A candidate who holds the CoreCHI credential wants to upgrade to the full CHI designation. Which step is required? → Successfully pass the CHI oral performance exam
28. 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
29. Which CCHI credential is designed for healthcare interpreters who do not yet meet the full CHI exam requirements? → CoreCHI
30. 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