Spanish Language testing or "certification" questions?

[Walden-Puddle, RN]

Hi Everyone.... Happy New Year!

I was wondering about "certifications" for being able to translate for Spanish language patients in the hospitals. (I'm in Nor Cal.) I have heard that there are two levels of certification and that you required to have passed one of these levels before you can "officially" translate for patients regarding medical / nursing interventions.

Can someone confirm this information for me and/or help me find more information about what it takes to become certified? Is it on a hospital by hospital basis? Is it a BON certification?

I looked around online and did see some language programs that offer CE credits, but that's not the same as being able to put a certain level of certification on the resume, which I would like to do.

Thanks very much for any and all info you can provide.