Medical Interpreter Practice Test

Unofficial practice for the written medical interpreter exams: ethics, the encounter, medical terms and health law, with sources.

Both written exams are in English for every language pair. The Spanish set is extra term practice.

What does the ending -itis mean, as in tonsillitis?

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Exam mode: 51 questions, 75 minutes, 39 right to pass (75%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with CCHI or NBCMI, the two bodies that certify medical interpreters. Bank checked October 9, 2026.

The two real written exams, as their owners describe them

CoreCHI exam (CCHI)
100 questions, multiple-choice and in English, of which 85 are scored, in 2 hours. Each has four options and one best answer.
CoreCHI result
Pass or fail shows as soon as the test is submitted. The official score follows by email.
National Board written exam
51 multiple-choice questions in English, up to 75 minutes. The passing score is 75%. It leads to the Hub-CMI credential.
Language
Both written exams are given in English, whatever languages the interpreter works in.
Oral exam
A separate, later step at both bodies. It is not practised on this page.

Checked October 9, 2026 against CCHI's CoreCHI exam page and Exam Specifications, and the National Board's Candidate Handbook (February 13, 2026) and Hub-CMI page. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

CCHI's own test content outlines

Next step More clinical terms: CMA practice examSpanish interpreter practice test

Written exam topics: all 93 questions

Ethics and professional responsibility 19

  • A doctor uses a technical term that has an equivalent in the patient's language. Under the standard on register, what does the interpreter do? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • A freelance interpreter follows a patient to a different hospital. The new staff ask what she learned at the first one. What does the Code of Ethics commentary say she needs first? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • A neighbor who knows the patient stops the interpreter after a clinic visit and asks what the doctor said. What does the confidentiality standard call for? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
Show all 93 questions (90 more)

Ethics and professional responsibility, continued

  • A nurse is about to give a drug that the patient earlier named as a life-threatening allergy, and nobody has noticed. What may the interpreter do under the advocacy standard? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • A patient mutters a rude remark about the doctor. What does the accuracy standard say the interpreter does? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • According to the National Code of Ethics, when may advocacy by an interpreter be undertaken? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • An interpreter arrives and finds that the patient is her own cousin. What does the impartiality standard call for? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • An interpreter finds the content of a session so upsetting that she cannot interpret it faithfully. What does the Code of Ethics commentary say she should do? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • An interpreter has passed a written exam but not the oral one. A clinic asks if she is fully certified. What does the professionalism standard require? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • An interpreter privately disagrees with a patient's decision to refuse a treatment. What does the impartiality standard ask of her? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • An interpreter took notes with a patient's name on them during a session. What does the standard on written patient information require? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • An interpreter wants to discuss a hard case at a professional seminar. Under the Code of Ethics commentary, what makes that acceptable? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • Does the principle of impartiality mean an interpreter must be uncaring toward a frightened patient? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • In the National Standards of Practice, who makes up the "treating team"? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • In the waiting room a patient asks the interpreter, "Should I keep taking this pill?" What does the role boundaries standard say? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • Midway through a visit an interpreter realizes she left the words "twice a day" out of the dosing instructions. What now? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • What does the Code of Ethics commentary say an interpreter should know about reporting abuse? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • Which three core values is the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care grounded on? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.
  • While they wait, a patient starts asking the interpreter about her marriage and her money. What does the role boundaries standard suggest? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain I, Professional Responsibility and Interpreter Ethics; National Board topics 2 and 6, Medical Interpreter Ethics and Interpreter Standards of Practice.

The interpreter's role and the encounter 15

  • A doctor keeps looking at the interpreter and saying "Ask her if it hurts." What does the standard on direct communication suggest? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • A nurse hands the interpreter a discharge sheet in English and asks her to read it aloud in the patient's language. What is this task called? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • A provider speaks for several minutes without a break and the interpreter is losing detail. What does the standard on flow allow? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • A specialist uses a highly technical term the interpreter has never heard. What does the standard on skill limitations call for? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • After the visit a patient asks the interpreter for a ride home. What does the standard on patient autonomy suggest? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • An interpreter is booked for a first visit at a cancer clinic next week. What does the standard on preparation expect? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • An interpreter who is also a nurse is asked a clinical question by the doctor, in English, in front of the patient. What does the standard on additional roles require? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • Before a session begins, what does the standard say the interpreter advises the parties? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • In interpreting, what is "register"? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • The interpreter needs to ask the doctor what a phrase means. What does transparency require while she does it? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • No interpreter on hand works between English and a patient's language, so two interpreters work through a third language. What does the federal rule call this? 45 CFR 92.4, Definitions (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • Three hours into a long assignment an interpreter notices she is making slips. What does the standard on working conditions say? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • Under 45 CFR 92.201, what must the image in video remote interpreting be large enough to show? 45 CFR 92.201, Meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • Which four roles does the National Board's written exam outline list under "Roles of the Medical Interpreter"? National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, NBCMI Candidate Handbook (February 13, 2026), Written Exam Content Outline. Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.
  • Within the language profession, the word "translation" is restricted to what? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain II, Managing the Interpreting Encounter; National Board topic 1, Roles of the Medical Interpreter.

Medical terminology 22

  • A chart note reads NKDA. What does it stand for? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • A discharge summary says the patient had a CVA. In plain words, what is that? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • A doctor orders a CBC. What is it? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • A lab report says "hypoglycemia". What does the word part hypo- mean? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • A patient's skin and the whites of her eyes have turned yellow. What is this sign called? MedlinePlus, Jaundice. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • A provider prescribes a diuretic for swollen ankles. What is its everyday name? MedlinePlus, Edema. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • A word ending in -ostomy names what? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • An order says to give a drug IM. What kind of injection is that? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Going by the word part derm-, which part of the body does a dermatologist treat? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, what is the first number called? MedlinePlus, High Blood Pressure. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • In a medical word, what do the word parts hepat- and hepato- refer to? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • In a triage note, what does SOB stand for? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • On a prescription, what does BID mean? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What do the word parts phleb- and phlebo- refer to? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does an MRI scan use to make pictures of the inside of the body? MedlinePlus, MRI Scans. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does the abbreviation HTN stand for? MedlinePlus, Appendix B: Some Common Abbreviations. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does the ending -gram or -graphy mean, as in mammogram? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does the ending -itis mean, as in tonsillitis? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does the ending -plegia mean? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does the word part dys- mean, as in dysphagia? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What does the word part tachy- mean, as in tachycardia? MedlinePlus, Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • What is the difference between a sprain and a strain? MedlinePlus, Sprains and Strains. Outline: CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology; National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.

Medical specialties 14

  • A baby is born at 34 weeks. What does MedlinePlus call a birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy? MedlinePlus, Premature Babies. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • A cardiologist recommends an ICD. What does an implantable cardioverter defibrillator do? MedlinePlus, Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • A neurologist diagnoses epilepsy. What does MedlinePlus say epilepsy causes? MedlinePlus, Epilepsy. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • A pediatrician says a toddler has croup. Which parts of the body are inflamed? MedlinePlus, Croup. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • A pharmacist explains that antibiotics fight which kind of infection? MedlinePlus, Antibiotics. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • A radiology report on a wrist x-ray says "fracture". What is a fracture? MedlinePlus, Fractures. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • After a biopsy, which doctor looks at the cells or tissue under a microscope? MedlinePlus, Biopsy. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • An endocrinologist explains hypothyroidism. What is happening? MedlinePlus, Hypothyroidism. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • An ophthalmologist tells a patient she has a cataract. What is it? MedlinePlus, Cataract. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • Before a procedure, the anesthesia team offers sedation. How does sedation differ from full anesthesia? MedlinePlus, Anesthesia. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • In hematology, what is hemophilia? MedlinePlus, Hemophilia. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • In nephrology, which kind of dialysis uses a machine sometimes called an artificial kidney? MedlinePlus, Dialysis. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • In obstetrics, what is a cesarean delivery? MedlinePlus, Cesarean Delivery. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.
  • In organ transplantation, where can a donated organ come from? MedlinePlus, Organ Transplantation. Outline: National Board topic 5, Medical Specialties in Working Languages; CoreCHI domain III, Healthcare Terminology.

U.S. health system and the law 15

  • A hospital's volunteer interpreter is unpaid. Is she part of the hospital's "workforce" under the HIPAA rules? 45 CFR 160.103, Definitions (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • A patient wants her adult sister to interpret instead of the qualified interpreter. Under 45 CFR 92.201, how must that request be made? 45 CFR 92.201, Meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Does HIPAA's definition of protected health information cover what is said aloud in an exam room? 45 CFR 160.103, Definitions (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Hospice care is care for whom? MedlinePlus, Hospice Care. Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • In a health maintenance organization (HMO), who usually coordinates most of a member's care? MedlinePlus, Managed Care. Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • May a covered health program require a patient with limited English proficiency to bring her own interpreter? 45 CFR 92.201, Meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Under 45 CFR 92.201, what does a patient with limited English proficiency pay for the language assistance a covered health program must provide? 45 CFR 92.201, Meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Under 45 CFR 92.201, when may a covered entity rely on a minor child to interpret? 45 CFR 92.201, Meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, how much protected health information should be used or disclosed for a task? 45 CFR 164.502, Uses and disclosures of protected health information: general rules (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, what right does a patient have regarding her own medical record? 45 CFR 164.524, Access of individuals to protected health information (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • What is informed consent? MedlinePlus, Patient Rights. Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Which advance directive names a health care proxy, someone trusted to make health decisions if the patient cannot? MedlinePlus, Advance Directives. Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Which of these is part of the federal definition of a qualified interpreter for a person with limited English proficiency? 45 CFR 92.4, Definitions (eCFR). Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Which part of Medicare is prescription drug coverage? MedlinePlus, Medicare. Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.
  • Which program is the U.S. government's health insurance for people age 65 or older? MedlinePlus, Medicare. Outline: CoreCHI domain IV, U.S. Health Systems; National Board topic 7, Legislation and Regulations.

Cultural responsiveness 8

  • A family asks that a diagnosis be kept from the patient. Under the Code of Ethics commentary, with whom does the "right to know" rest in the U.S. medical system? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • A patient is fasting for religious reasons, and the doctor says to take a tablet by mouth at midday. What may the interpreter do under the cultural awareness standard? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • A patient uses a word for an illness that has no counterpart in the provider's culture. What does the Code of Ethics commentary say about such "untranslatable" words? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • According to the Code of Ethics commentary, what is the interpreter's obligation when culture may be getting in the way of understanding? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • An interpreter knows that families from the patient's region usually share all medical news. The patient's daughter asks her for the test results. What does the Code of Ethics commentary say? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, A National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (2004). Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • The cultural awareness standard asks interpreters to understand the cultures tied to their languages. Which culture does it name as included? National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (2005). Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • In the National CLAS Standards, what does CLAS stand for? HHS Office of Minority Health, National CLAS Standards. Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.
  • What do the National CLAS Standards say about using untrained individuals or minors as interpreters? HHS Office of Minority Health, National CLAS Standards. Outline: CoreCHI domain V, Cultural Responsiveness; National Board topic 3, Cultural Competence.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the two published outlines of the written exams for medical interpreters: the CoreCHI Exam Specifications of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters, effective May 1, 2023 (https://cchicertification.org/uploads/2023-CoreCHI-Examination-Outline.pdf, linked from https://cchicertification.org/certifications/preparing/), and the Written Exam Content Outline in the NBCMI Candidate Handbook of the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, dated February 13, 2026 (https://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/candidate-handbook). Both were opened and read on 2026-10-09. The 93 questions are: 19 on ethics and professional responsibility, 15 on the interpreter's role and the encounter, 22 on medical terminology, 14 on medical specialties, 15 on the U.S. health system and the law, 8 on cultural responsiveness. Every fact was read on 2026-10-09 in the public source the question names: the National Code of Ethics (2004) and the National Standards of Practice (2005) of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (ncihc.org); 45 CFR 92.4, 92.201, 160.103, 164.502 and 164.524 on ecfr.gov (title 45 up to date as of 2026-10-07); the National CLAS Standards of the HHS Office of Minority Health (thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov); and MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine (its health topic summaries, Appendix A and Appendix B). Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

Spanish medical terms: all 27 questions

English to Spanish 15

  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "a bowel movement"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Bowel Movement and its Spanish page, Evacuación de las heces (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/bowelmovement.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "blood thinners"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Blood Thinners and its Spanish page, Anticoagulantes y antiplaquetarios (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/bloodthinners.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "CPR"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic CPR and its Spanish page, Reanimación cardiopulmonar (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/cpr.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
Show all 27 questions (24 more)

English to Spanish, continued

  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "critical care"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Critical Care and its Spanish page, Terapia intensiva (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/criticalcare.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "gallstones"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Gallstones and its Spanish page, Cálculos biliares (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/gallstones.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "hearing aids"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Hearing Aids and its Spanish page, Audífonos (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/hearingaids.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "kidney failure"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Kidney Failure and its Spanish page, Insuficiencia renal (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/kidneyfailure.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "miscarriage"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Miscarriage and its Spanish page, Pérdida del embarazo (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/miscarriage.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "nursing homes"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Nursing Homes and its Spanish page, Residencias para personas mayores (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/nursinghomes.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "pressure sores"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Pressure Sores and its Spanish page, Úlcera por presión (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pressuresores.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "shingles"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Shingles and its Spanish page, Culebrilla (herpes zóster) (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/shingles.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "stroke"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Stroke and its Spanish page, Accidente cerebrovascular (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/stroke.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "sudden cardiac arrest"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Sudden Cardiac Arrest and its Spanish page, Paro cardíaco (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/suddencardiacarrest.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "swallowing disorders"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Swallowing Disorders and its Spanish page, Problemas para tragar (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/swallowingdisorders.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is Spanish for "tooth decay"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Tooth Decay and its Spanish page, Caries (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/toothdecay.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.

Spanish to English 12

  • Medical term: which is English for "analgésicos"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Pain Relievers and its Spanish page, Analgésicos (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/painrelievers.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "atragantamiento"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Choking and its Spanish page, Atragantamiento (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/choking.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "congelación"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Frostbite and its Spanish page, Congelación (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/frostbite.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "daltonismo"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Color Blindness and its Spanish page, Daltonismo (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/colorblindness.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "desmayo"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Fainting and its Spanish page, Desmayo (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/fainting.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "estomas"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Ostomy and its Spanish page, Estomas (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ostomy.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "ictericia"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Jaundice and its Spanish page, Ictericia (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/jaundice.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "ligadura de trompas"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Tubal Ligation and its Spanish page, Ligadura de trompas (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/tuballigation.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "lunares"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Moles and its Spanish page, Lunares (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/moles.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "moretones"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Bruises and its Spanish page, Moretones (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/bruises.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "paperas"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Mumps and its Spanish page, Paperas (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/mumps.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.
  • Medical term: which is English for "várices"? MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: the health topic Varicose Veins and its Spanish page, Várices (https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/varicoseveins.html). Outline: National Board topic 4, Medical Terminology in Working Languages.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions. Every English and Spanish pair, the right answer and the wrong choices alike, is a health topic of MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, and the Spanish page MedlinePlus pairs with it (https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html and https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/healthtopics.html), read on 2026-10-09 in the topic file of 2026-10-08 and checked against it. Neither written exam is given in Spanish: this set is extra practice for Spanish interpreters. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site. The term pairs are MedlinePlus's own.

How it works

This free medical interpreter practice test has 93 questions of our own on the two written certification exams. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters.

Read the full guide

What the questions follow

The bank blends the CoreCHI Exam Specifications of CCHI (effective May 1, 2023) and the National Board's Written Exam Content Outline (handbook of February 13, 2026), both read October 9, 2026. Ethics answers cite the National Code of Ethics and National Standards of Practice, law answers 45 CFR, and medical terms MedlinePlus.

For Spanish interpreters

The second question set works as a Spanish medical interpreter practice test: 27 medical terms, English to Spanish and back, each a MedlinePlus pair.

Questions and answers

Is there a free medical interpreter practice test?

Yes. This one is free with no sign-up: each question shows the right answer, a short reason and its public source. The National Board says it has no practice test of its own for the written exam.

What is on the medical interpreter written exam?

CoreCHI: ethics 23%, managing the encounter 24%, healthcare terminology 25%, U.S. health systems 13%, cultural responsiveness 15%. National Board: terminology 38%, specialties 23%, ethics 15%, roles 8%, cultural competence 8%, standards of practice 5%, legislation 3%.

How many questions are on the medical interpreter written exam?

The CoreCHI exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, 85 of them scored, in 2 hours. The National Board's written exam has 51 questions in up to 75 minutes, and its passing score is 75%. Exam mode here follows the National Board's figures.

Is the medical interpreter written exam in Spanish?

No. Both are given in English for every language pair, and Spanish is tested in the separate oral exams. A practice test for Spanish medical interpreters is therefore the same English questions, plus term practice.

Is this the official CCHI or NBCMI practice test?

No. It is an unofficial practice test for medical interpreters, not affiliated with the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Every question is our own.

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