Court Interpreter Written Examination:

Overview

National Center for State Courts, Language Access Services

Section
Court Interpreter Or al Examination: Test Administration Standards [1]
 Copyright © 2011 by the National Center for State Courts. All rights reserved.

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National Center for State Courts
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Williamsburg, VA 23185

This document is also available on the website of the National Center’s Language Access Division:
http://www.ncsc.org/Education-and-Careers/State-Interpreter-Certification.aspx

Publication Date: July 2012

 Court Interpreter Written Examination:
Overview

Court Interpreter Or al Examination: Test Administration Standards

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
What does the test look like? ....................................................................................... 1
How will the test be scheduled-What do I need to know? ......................................... 2
Special Accommodations for Americans with Disabilities........................................ 2
How will the test be administered?.............................................................................. 3
What is the passing score? .......................................................................................... 4
What can I do to prepare for the test? ......................................................................... 4
What if I don’t pass the exam? ..................................................................................... 4
[Appendix 1] Request for ADA Accommodation .................................................... 6
[Appendix 2] Sample questions ............................................................................... 8
[Appendix 3] Preparing for the test ........................................................................ 12
 Introduction

This document has been prepared to help persons aspiring to become certified court
interpreters understand what the written test measures, how it is administered, and how to
prepare for taking the exam. Each examinee should study this overview thoroughly in order to
be more fully prepared for the written exam.

The written examination is only one part of the process for becoming a certified or approved
court interpreter. Passing this test does not mean a person has become a “certified court
interpreter;” rather, it means the examinee has met one of several requirements for
certification.

The written test measures candidates’ knowledge of three areas central to the work of a court
interpreter at the level of a minimally qualified court interpreter:

1. English Language. To function as a professional court interpreter, one indispensable

component is a high degree of proficiency in the English language. Accordingly, the written
examination assumes a high degree of literacy in the English language and familiarity with a
range of language constructions. It tests comprehension of written English vocabulary and
idioms.

2. Court-Related Terms and Usage. A second area of knowledge essential to successful

professional performance is familiarity with the terminology and procedures of the court
system. Accordingly, the written examination also measures recognition of common court-
related situations and vocabulary, especially in the area of criminal courts.

3. Ethics and Professional Conduct. The third area of knowledge required of professional court
interpreters encompassed in the written test is general knowledge of standards guiding the
performance of duties. Accordingly, the written exam includes questions aimed at measuring
candidates’ knowledge of ethical behavior and professional conduct.

What does the test look like?

The examination contains 135 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four choices,
labeled A, B, C, and D. The candidate is instructed to select the best choice and mark that
choice on the answer sheet (the specific form of the answer sheet will vary by state).

The test has two parts:

Part I: General Language Proficiency, and
Part II: Court-Related Terms & Usage, and Ethics & Professional Conduct.

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Within each part there are several sections, each of which contains a particular category of
questions. There are specific instructions for how to proceed at the beginning of each section.
A complete list of the sections, including one or more sample questions for each, is provided in
Appendix A.

How will the test be scheduled-What do I need to know?

An official of the state where you are taking the exam will notify you in writing by mail or e-mail
a minimum of two weeks before the test date. The notice will advise you when and where to
report for the test and may include directions to the test site.

Arrive early. No one will be admitted late. There are no exceptions and no one arriving late for
any reason will be able to take the test at that test session.

Only small purses or wallets are allowed in the testing room. Leave everything else at home or
in your car. Do not try to bring briefcases, palm pilots, dictionaries, gym bags, cell phones,
calculators, paper, pens, pencils, or any other similar items into the test room as you will not be
admitted to the test room with them. Pencils will be provided in the test room.

There may be a registration area where you will report and sign in. In the testing room, there
will be a test administration supervisor, and there may be another test proctor present to
assist.

Use the restroom prior to entering the testing room. If you ask to leave the testing room after
the test has begun, you will be instructed to leave all of your test materials with the test
administration supervisor prior to leaving the room. You may be escorted to the restroom to
ensure that you do not use a telephone or converse with other individuals while you are
outside of the testing room. No more than one candidate will be allowed to leave the testing
room at the same time. No adjustments to the time allotted for completion of the exam will be
made for any time you are outside of the testing room.

Special Accommodations for Americans with Disabilities

If you have a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you must
request special accommodation in advance. In order to do that, you should complete the
attached Request for Special Accommodation and submit it to the director of the court
interpreting program in your state as far ahead of the test date as possible. You must describe
your disability and describe the type or kind of accommodation you are requesting. In addition,
you must submit a statement from an appropriate professional documenting the diagnosis or
evaluation of your disability.

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 How will the test be administered?

The administration protocol, described below, is recommended practice. It is specifically noted

here that from state to state, there may be some deviation from the exact recommendation.
However the protocol described will, in large part, reflect administration practices.

In most states, the test will be given in classroom style to a number of candidates at the same
time in the same room. A test administration supervisor, who is responsible for oversight of
the entire test administration process, will decide what staff members are present to assist with
proctoring the examination.

Seating will be assigned. Depending upon the seating arrangements, some candidates may be
asked to move from one seat and occupy another. If this happens, it is for test security
measures and the candidates should not be troubled or concerned.

Security of the test materials is obviously essential. Examinees may not take notes or copy any
portion of the exam.

Proctors will monitor candidates throughout the examination to prevent cheating and, if
cheating occurs, detect and deal with it. They may circulate throughout the room, but they will
not disturb the examinees. If a proctor suspects that an examinee is cheating in any way,
including giving or receiving assistance during the examination, communicating with others,
retaining or copying examination questions, or using prohibited aids, the proctor will follow
specific protocol for addressing the situation.

If an examinee is disruptive, engages in clear or flagrant cheating, or attempts to copy questions

or retain or record test materials, the examinee may be expelled from the testing room and
advised that his or her examination will not be scored. Documentation of the expulsion and the
reasons for it will be maintained by the state.

Once all examinees are seated for the exam, the test administrator will hand out materials
packets and two pencils to each person. He or she will read scripted instructions to the
examinees in order to ensure that all candidates receive the same instructions each time the
examination is given. Then the examinees will be directed to read and execute an Agreement
and Oath Form. Next, examinees will prepare their answer sheets by entering their name and
social security number, the test date, and the test site. Examinees must listen to the
instructions carefully and must not begin the examination until the test administration
supervisor says, “You may begin.”

Candidates are allowed two hours and fifteen minutes to complete the examination. A clock
will be provided in each testing room to assist candidates who do not bring their own

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timepiece. Fifteen minutes before the end of the test, the test administrator will make the
following announcement out loud: “You have fifteen minutes remaining.”

At the beginning of each section there are instructions on how to answer the questions in that
section. As examinees work their way through the test, they should carefully read the
instructions for each section to be sure they understand how to answer that section’s
questions. The types of instructions you will find will be to select the answer that:
o Is closest in meaning;
o Most appropriately completes a sentence;
o Best answers a question or provides the best solution to a situation;
o Has the correct sequence of events; or
o Is opposite in meaning.

See Appendix A for sample questions from the various sections of the exam.

What is the passing score?

In order to pass the test, 80 percent of the items must be answered correctly. That means the
examinee must answer at least 108 of the 135 items correctly in order to pass. The state’s test
administration supervisor will ordinarily advise the examinee of the results of his or her test by
mail or e-mail. Reminder: Passing this test does not mean you are now a “certified” or
“approved” court interpreter.

What can I do to prepare for the test?

A list of possible activities and resources has been compiled to help you identify actions you can
take to help prepare for the exam. Some of the resources may help you decided whether you
are ready to participate in a test of this nature. The list is attached and marked as Appendix B.

What if I don’t pass the exam?

This written examination is constructed to measure entry-level knowledge of

English general vocabulary

common words and phrases likely to be heard in court

the typical progression of cases through the court system, and

provisions of a code of professional responsibility
that a minimally competent person entering the court interpreting field would need.
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If you do not pass the exam, it is suggested that you resist the temptation to simply register to
retake the exam. Experience shows that retaking an examination of this kind within a short
time period will not substantially change the results. Instead, you are encouraged to review the
section of this Overview entitled “What can I do to prepare for the test?” and Appendix B, and
engage in some reading and preparatory study before retaking the examination.

The time frame within which you can register to retake the written examination varies from
state to state. Check with your state’s interpreting program manager, administrator, or
coordinator to find out details. It is recommended to every state that no candidate should take
the same test more than once in a calendar year and in no event, more than twice.

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[Appendix 1] Request for ADA Accommodation
Complete this form only if you are requesting individual testing arrangements because you
have a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

APPLICANT NAME: ____________________________________________

Have you been diagnosed with a disability that is recognized by the ADA: Yes___ No___

Describe the type of disability:

I request an accommodation, which is described on the Documentation of Accommodation,

attached hereto.

Signature Date

Attach the Documentation of Accommodation form and submit to:

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DOCUMENTATION OF ACCOMMODATION

This section must be completed by an appropriate professional (doctor, psychologist,

psychiatrist, or education professional) to certify that your disabling condition requires the
requested exam accommodation.

If you have existing documentation of having the same or similar accommodation provided to
you in another test situation, you may submit such documentation instead of having this
portion of the form completed.

I HAVE KNOWN ___________________________________ SINCE _____________

(APPLICANT NAME) (DATE)

AS A __________________________________________.
(PATIENT, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP)

I HAVE DIAGNOSED OR EVALUATED THE APPLICANT MYSELF AND I AM NOT RELYING UPON
FACTS RELATED TO ME BY THE APPLICANT. MY DIAGNOSIS IS________________________

__________________________________________________________________________.

(DESCRIBE THE MEDICAL OR OTHER CONDITION)

THE APPLICANT HAS DISCUSSED WITH ME THE NATURE OF THE TEST TO BE ADMINISTERED. IT
IS MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT BECAUSE OF THIS APPLICANT’S DISABILITY, HE/SHE
SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED BY PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING: (CHECK ONLY THOSE THAT
APPLY)
Large print type Extra time (how much?)
Separate testing area An examination reader
Other oral administration (describe) Other accommodation (describe)

Signature and title of professional ___________________________________________

Printed name and title_____________________________________________________

Date_______________________ Telephone Number____________________________

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[Appendix 2] Sample questions

Sections in Part I, General Language Proficiency

Sentence Completion. Items 1 through 9 consist of unfinished sentences. The candidate is

instructed to select from a list of four words or phrases the one that best completes the
sentence.

Example: A person who feels persecuted in his/her home country may apply for
political
A. appellation
B. appraisal
C. asylum
D. ascendance
(C is the best answer)

Synonyms in Context. Items 10 through 17 consist of sentences that contain an underlined

word or phrase. The candidate is instructed to choose from a list of four words or phrases the
one that is closest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.

Example: It was done pursuant to the proceedings of the court.

A. in accordance with
B. in addition to
C. in conjunction with
D. in spite of
(A is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Synonyms. Items 18 through 38 consist of words or phrases. The candidate is instructed to

select from a list of four words or phrases the one that has the same meaning or closest to the
same meaning as the word or phrase provided.

Example 1: Scaffold
A. platform
B. table
C. prop
D. curtain
(A is the answer that is closest in meaning)

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 Example 2: Hubris
A. exaggerated pride
B. steadfast loyalty
C. extreme shyness
D. committed fidelity
(A is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Antonyms. Items 39 through 50 consist of words or phrases. The candidate is instructed to

select from a list of four words or phrases the one that is opposite in meaning to the word or
phrase provided.

Example: Excessive
A. stingy
B. large
C. robust
D. restricted
(D is the correct answer, opposite in meaning)

Idioms. Items 51 through 75 consist of sentences that contain an underlined idiomatic

expression. The candidate is instructed to select from the list of four words or phrases the one
that is closest in meaning to the underlined idiom.

Example 1: Do you need to make a pit stop before we get there?

A. get some money
B. go to the bathroom
C. empty the trash
D. make a phone call
(B is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Example 2: His career as an attorney is all washed up.

A. off to a late start
B. off to a good start
C. completely over
D. very profitable
(C is the answer that is closest in meaning)

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 Sections in Part II, Court-Related Terms & Usage, and
Ethics & Professional Conduct
Sentence Completion. Items 76-111 consist of unfinished sentences that are likely to be heard
in the court environment. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four words or
phrases the one that most appropriately completes the sentence.

Example 1: A case decided without prejudice means that

A. there is no right to a new trial
B. there is an automatic appeal of the case
C. there is a right to a new trial
D. there are no racial overtones in the case
(C is the answer that most appropriately completes the sentence)

Example 2: A defendant is required to give up certain constitutional rights

A. after being found guilty at trial
B. before entering a plea of guilty
C. only if represented by a public defender
D. only after probation is granted
(B is the answer that most appropriately completes the sentence)

Court-Related Questions. Items 112 through 121 consist of questions on court-related topics.
The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four choices the one that is the best answer.

Example: Which of the following would be a concurrent sentence?

A. two years for burglary, two years for robbery: two years in jail
B. two years for theft, two years for assault: four years in jail
C. four years for rape, three years for a second rape: seven years in jail
D. four years for rape, two years for assault: two years in jail
(A is the best answer)

Sequence. Items 122 through 125 consist of questions about the proper sequence of events in
court-related situations. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four choices the one
that correctly describes the order in which the events should occur.

Example: Which of the following is a correct sequence of event?

A. Jury Charge, Jury Deliberation, Jury Instructions, Jury Verdict
B. Jury Sworn, Jury Verdict, Jury Charge, Jury Deliberation
C. Jury Deliberation, Jury Sworn, Jury Instructions, Jury Verdict
D. Jury Sworn, Jury Charge, Jury Deliberation, Jury Verdict
(D is the correct sequence of events)

Professional Conduct Questions. Items 126 and 127 consist of questions about the appropriate
course of professional conduct an interpreter should take. The candidate is instructed to select
from a list of four choices the one that is the best answer.

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 Example: Which of the following is most important for you to do when you are
interpreting at the witness stand?
A. keep your eyes on the jury
B. keep your dictionary and note pad at hand
C. keep eye contact with the witness at all times
D. keep the judge informed of contradictory testimony
(B is the best answer)

Scenarios. Items 128 through 135 consist of brief scenarios describing situations an interpreter
might encounter while interpreting in the courts that would pose ethical or professional
problems. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four alternatives the best solution
or course of action.

Example: An expert witness is giving testimony regarding blood alcohol content while
you are interpreting for the defendant. The testimony is very complex, and even though
you can interpret it at the same level, you sense that the defendant does not
understand such technical language. What is the best thing for you to do in this
situation?
A. advise the judge that the defendant does not understand
B. interpret at the same level as the witness
C. ask the judge for permission to explain for the witness
D. summarize the testimony for the defendant in language he can
understand
(B is the best solution)

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[Appendix 3] Preparing for the test

If you are not familiar with taking written, multiple-choice tests, you may find it beneficial to:

1. Review instructions and suggestions on taking multiple-choice tests such as:

a. “Information about the Written Examination,” Federal Court Interpreter
Certification Examination (http://www.ncsc.org/fcice/) on page 16.
2. Study preparation material developed for similar exams, or even take the exams
a. TOEFL: (http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare/). There are many other
publications available as well.

With respect to Part I, General Language Proficiency, one needs to have a very broad command
of the English language. That is not something that is quickly or easily acquired. However,
some of the following activities might be helpful in expanding one’s knowledge of the English
language and preparing for the test:

1. Take upper-level English courses at a college or university.

2. Read widely such items as books and professional journals in many fields, American
literature, and editorials and articles in major newspapers.
3. Brush up on English vocabulary and lexical concepts (go back to the basics and review
antonyms, synonyms, and idioms).
4. Review sample tests from other interpreter certification programs:
a. Administrative Office of the United States Courts: For a description of the
written portion of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination
(FCICE), go to www.ncsc.org/fcice/. A sample test can be found in the Examinee
Handbook.
5. Consult other resources, such as:
a. The Idiom Connection, available online at: http://www.idiomconnection.com/.
b. The ESL Idiom Page, (Dennis Oliver), available online at:
www.eslcafe.com/idioms.
c. The Synonyms Page, available online at: http://www.synonyms.net/.
d. SAT and GRE workbooks.
e. Vocabulary-building books found in the reference section of libraries and
bookstores.

With respect to Part II, Court-Related Terms & Usage, and Ethics & Professional Conduct, the
following activities would be helpful in expanding or acquiring the substantive knowledge
pertinent to these fields:

1. Read news items related to legal matters, law enforcement, and the courts in major
newspapers, consulting a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.
2. Visit courthouses and observe court proceedings in civil, criminal, and family matters.

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3. Take college/university courses in criminal justice and court administration.
4. Read any standard introductory textbook on the criminal justice system.
5. Read publications about the administration of justice such as the following documents
issued by the American Bar Association
(http://apps.americanbar.org/abastore/index.cfm?section=Main&fm=Product.Search&t
ype=b&sgcd=&k=law+and+the+courts), which are available for $2.50 each:
a. Law & the Courts, Volume I, The Role of the Courts, 2000.
b. Law & the Courts, Volume II, Court Procedures, 1998.
c. Law & the Courts, Volume III, Juries, 2001.
6. Study legal terms from the following sources:
a. Black’s Law Dictionary
b. Glossary of Commonly Used Court & Justice System Terminology (a publication
that is available at http://www.ncsc.org/Education-and-
Careers/~/media/Files/PDF/Education%20and%20Careers/State%20Interpreter
%20Certification/Glossary%20of%20Legal%20Terms%2010-10.ashx).

Ethics & Professional Conduct

1. Become familiar your state’s Code of Professional Responsibility [or Conduct] for Court
Interpreters and its Rules of Court pertaining to court interpreting, if any.
2. Study the model code of professional responsibility, which is available at
http://www.ncsconline.org/wc/publications/Res_CtInte_ModelGuidePub.pdf.
3. Join and participate actively in a professional association such as the National
Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators (www.najit.org) or the American
Translators Association (www.atanet.org), studying their respective codes of ethics.
4. Read at least one of the classic texts in the field:
a. Berk-Seligson, Susan (1990). The Bilingual Courtroom: Court Interpreters in the
Judicial Process. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
b. de Jongh, E.M. (1992). An Introduction to Court Interpreting: Theory and
Practice. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
c. de Jongh, Elena M. From the Classroom to the Courtroom: A guide to interpreting
in the U.S. justice system. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing
Company, 2012. ISBN 978 90 272 3194 9
d. Edwards, Alicia B. (1995). The Practice of Court Interpreting.
Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
e. Gonzalez, R.D., Vasquez, V.F., and Mikkelson, H. (1991). Fundamentals of Court
Interpretation: Theory, Policy and Practice. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic
Press.
f. Hewitt, William E. (1995). Court Interpretation: Model Guides for Policy and
Practice in the State Courts. Williamsburg, VA: National Center for State Courts
(available online at:
http://cdm16501.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/accessfair/id/162).
g. Mikkelson, H. (2000). Introduction to Court Interpreting. Manchester, UK: St.
Jerome Publishing.

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© 2011 by the National Center for State Courts
www.ncsc.org [14]