Member Login
Search

Program Overview

Welcome to the National Board's Medical Interpreter Credentialing Programs!

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offers the most prestigious credentials available in the field of medical interpreting. The Hub-CMI credential and the CMI certification are entry-level credentials for medical interpreters who meet industry-standard educational requirements and pass the appropriate NBCMI exam(s). These exams test adequate knowledge of the medical interpreting profession, including ethics, standards of practice, role boundaries and medical terminology, among other important competencies.

The National Board currently offers the Hub-CMI credential and the CMI (Certified Medical Interpreter) certification. The Hub-CMI is a credential available to all interpreters, regardless of target language. If there is a CMI certification available in your target language, your Hub-CMI will expire in two years with no option for renewal.

The CMI (Certified Medical Interpreter) certification is offered in six languages: Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Korean, and Vietnamese. After achieving the Hub-CMI credential, you will be allowed 2 years to complete the oral exam for the CMI certification.

Upon registration, you will be assigned a program advisor to help you navigate your way through the NBCMI Program.

There are two pathways to certification:

Hub-CMI

If CMI is not available in your target language:

  • Step 1. Register for the CMI Program: $35
  • Step 2. Take and pass the Written Exam: $175
  • Step 3. Hub-CMI is granted with 4 year renewal $300
  • You are then qualified for Hub-CMI for 4 years, after which your credential can be renewed for $300.
Hub-CMI Registration

CMI

If CMI is available in your target language (for Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Korean, and Vietnamese).

  • Step 1. Register for the CMI program: $35
  • Step 2. Take and pass the written exam: $175
  • You are then qualified for the Hub-CMI for 2 years with no option for renewal but can continue to step 3.
  • Step 3. Take and pass the oral exam: $275
  • Step 4. CMI is granted with 5 year renewal: $300

Please review the tab for each step (above, under Get Started) for comprehensive details on how to get started and obtain your credentials! Then register on that page or register below:

CMI Registration

Please note: If you have already passed the written exam and wish to obtain the Hub-CMI ($75), register here:

Hub-CMI Application

You will be asked to provide proof of passing the exam. If you speak one of the six languages for which we already have an oral exam, there is no option for renewal after two years.

Maintaining Your Credential/Certification

Renewal for the Hub-CMI is due every 4 years. To maintain your credential for another 4 years, the Hub-CMI must submit the renewal fee ($300) and 3 CEUs (30 contact hours of approved continuing education). You also have the option of making a payment after the first two years ($150) and submitting 1.5 CEUs (15 contact hours).

Please note: if there is a CMI available in your target language (for Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Korean, and Vietnamese), your Hub-CMI credential will expire in 2 years with no option for renewal.

Renewal for the CMI is due every 5 years. To maintain your credential for another five years, the CMI must submit the renewal fee ($300) and 3 CEUs (30 hours of approved continuing education). See the "renewal" tab for more details.

Fees Expiration and Refunds Policies: The program registration fee is non-refundable. if you have been inactive for over one year and you want to take additional tests, you might be asked for a $35 re-registration, which is non-refundable. The exam fees, Hub-CMI fees, and renewal fees are non-refundable.