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. A candidate completed 40 hours of interpreter training focused entirely on legal interpreting. Does this satisfy CCHI's training requirement? → No, the training must be specific to healthcare interpreting
3. How frequently must CCHI-certified interpreters renew their credentials? → Every two years
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. Under HIPAA, healthcare interpreters employed by a covered entity are considered: → Workforce members of the covered entity and are directly bound by HIPAA
9. 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
10. Which of the following is an acceptable form of continuing education for CCHI recertification? → Attending an IMIA-accredited healthcare interpreting workshop
11. Which term describes the process by which an individual adopts the culture, behaviors, and norms of a new society? → Acculturation
12. The NCIHC National Standards of Practice describe the healthcare interpreter's primary role as: → Accurate and complete message converter who facilitates communication between parties
13. 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
14. What is the purpose of transmission-based precautions? → To provide additional protection for patients with specific infections
15. Which party is responsible for the official medical record of a patient encounter that involved an interpreter? → The healthcare provider and the healthcare organization
16. What is the purpose of reassessment in ongoing patient care? → To monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust the care plan
17. When should documentation of a service or intervention be completed? → As soon as possible after the service is provided
18. What is the primary purpose of a comprehensive patient assessment in CCHI practice? → To establish a baseline for treatment planning
19. 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
20. 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
21. Which of the following is NOT a component tested in the CCHI CoreCHI written exam? → Live oral interpreting performance
22. 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
23. Which CCHI credential is designed for healthcare interpreters who do not yet meet the full CHI exam requirements? → CoreCHI
24. 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
25. What anatomical term describes the front surface of the body? → Anterior
26. What does the anatomical term 'inferior' mean? → Below or lower in position
27. What is the correct sequence for a physical assessment? → Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
28. What are the two main components of the CCHI certification exam? → Written exam and oral exam
29. 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
30. What is the purpose of the "Knowledge Exam" in the CCHI certification process? → To measure the candidate’s language fluency in healthcare terms