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Interpreter Certification
Depending on where you live, the term "certified interpreter" can have different meanings. Some states have their own certification process. Others have a "quality assurance" screening, and others have nothing at all. The one thing that is recognized pretty much everywhere is the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification. The certification from RID has such rigorous standards that it is usually accepted anywhere in the country. Currently the test being offered by RID is the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) which has three levels: NIC, NIC Advanced, and NIC Master. For an overview of the entire test you can read the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC) examination TEST OUTLINE Tasks and Knowledge and Skill Statements.
Written Test
In order to take the test which demonstrates your competency in sign language interpreting, you must first pass the written test. Make no mistake, this is not an easy test. You will need to be able to show that you have a complete understanding of the Code of Professional Conduct. You must be able to demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to culturally and ethnically diverse groups. You need to show that you know how to choose the appropriate communicative mode and language register. You also must know how to properly prepare for an assignment...and much more. You definitely want to be sure you have studied the recommended reading materials before you take the test. For more on what the written test entails, read the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Knowledge Test Candidate Bulletin. When you are serious about taking the written test, it's also a good idea to join a study group. There is a lot of information to learn, and it's much easier to cover everything when working together as a group. For your convenience, the written test study materials are available through the link above.
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Performance Test
Once you have passed the written test, it's time to move on to the performance and interview portions of the test, which are done on the same day. The RID has provided the NATIONAL INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE TEST CANDIDATE BULLETIN to help interpreters plan for this part of the test. There is also a list of recommended reading material that will help you get ready to complete the testing process. In the performance part of the test, you demonstrate your ability to interpret into sign language, and your ability to interpret the signed message into spoken English. You must be able to interpret for a range of signing styles, both expressively and receptively. The NIC Performance Criteria will give you a good idea of what the raters are looking for when they rate your interpreting skills. It's also a good idea to have a mentor who has been in the field for quite some time and has successfully completed the certification process. Make sure it is someone who will be honest with you, and not someone who will tell you what they think you want to hear. Before you spend the money on the test, make sure your mentor feels you are ready for it. You'll find the links to many of the suggested reading materials for this test below. Performance Interview
During the performance portion of the testing process, the interpreter must answer several interview questions. The interpreter is presented with possible interpreting scenarios and asked how s/he would handle that scenario. The answers the interpreter gives most demonstrate that the interpreter is able to identify the problem, provide possible solutions to the problem that was presented, and identify the possible consequenses of the decision. This allows the interpreter to demonstrate his/her understanding of cultural influences, the Code of Professional Conduct, and other factors that influence the interpreting process. The RID has published a matrix to help interpreters prepare for this portion of the exam. They have also produced a practice DVD that will help prepare you for the entire performance part of the exam. I would strongly recommend that you DO NOT use this DVD until you are fairly certain that you are ready to take the test. At that time you can use the DVD as a final check of your readiness. If you use it too soon, you will become familiar with the content of the DVD and it will no longer be helpful in assessing your readiness. There is only one official practice DVD, so use it wisely.
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Copyright 2007 Signing His Praises
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