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Introduction
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The following materials include instructions, practice test material, and sample renderings.
The text parallels the instructions and test material on the CD. The final section of these
materials include a list of model translation/interpretation files rendered by certified
interpreters and recorded on the CD.
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THREE IMPORTANT NOTICES:
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CPS interpreter experts acknowledge that there are many ways of rendering the
material presented into the target language. Several recorded renditions of the
simultaneous interpreting component have been provided to illustrate various
acceptable versions.
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If you are viewing these pages over a dial-up connection, you may experience
some delay in accessing the audio portions of the sample exams. You can
eliminate this by right-clicking on "listen", saving
the files to your local machine, and listening to the files after they are saved.
You can also purchase an audio CD version of these materials by clicking
here.
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These audio files are in MP3 format. You will need an audio player to listen to
them. If your audio player does not open automatically, you may need to download
one. You can do so for free at any one of these links:
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Proctor Instructions - Consecutive Interpretation
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The instructions you will hear are excerpts from the instructions you would receive prior
to taking the Medical Interpreter Oral Examination.
Click here to hear instructions.
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"You will participate in three exam components:
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I will provide you with information about the consecutive interpreting component at
this time. Other instructions will be given later.
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The consecutive interpreting component is designed as a role play exercise
with a Doctor and/or Nurse, and a Spanish-speaking
patient. The roles may have been recorded in a masculine or a feminine voice, so do
not let that confuse you if the person happens to be of the opposite gender. YOUR ROLE
is to act as the interpreter, so everything you hear in English must be translated
into Spanish and vice versa.
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Note-taking is allowed during the exam, so you may want to have a tablet and pen so
that you can take notes. Most candidates find that it is helpful if they write down
pertinent details such as names, dates, etc. Note-taking should enhance your recall abilities,
but not interfere with your ability to interpret without lengthy pauses. You should NOT
attempt to write down everything you hear, as you MUST rely on your retention skills.
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Passages are 2 - 30 words in length. As soon as a passage ends, you are required to
immediately provide your interpretation of what you heard. During the exam you will be
allowed to ask for a maximum of six repeats during the consecutive portion.
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When interpreting, remember that accuracy is your key to success. You should not add
or delete material nor should you paraphrase or summarize.
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(Proctor pauses for five seconds and begins recording. There is a three-second pause
between each utterance to allow the opportunity to pause the recording.)
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Oral Examination Evaluation
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Every profession requires a significant level of expertise in a particular field that
serves to distinguish the profession from other occupations. The distinguishing
characteristics of the profession of administrative hearing and medical interpreting
are twofold: the requisite level of expertise expected in two languages and the ability
to perform the modes of interpretation. Therefore, the candidate's language proficiency
in English and Spanish and interpreting skill for each mode of interpretation are evaluated.
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Language Proficiency: To pass the examination, it is essential that the candidate
demonstrate the ability to speak both languages properly. This includes using correct
grammar and syntax, the precise vocabulary (including legal and technical terms) required
to convey the meaning accurately, and correct pronunciation in both languages. It also
includes preserving the language level of the speaker.
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Interpreting Skills: To pass the examination, the candidate must demonstrate the skills
and abilities required to perform each mode of interpretation competently and to render
interpretations and translations that are precise and accurate. Indications of competency
include the ability to interpret and to render the sight translations without:
- Pausing or hesitating;
- Requesting excessive repetitions (during the consecutive component);
- Backtracking;
- Rendering multiple interpretations of a word, phrase, or sentence;
- Omitting words, phrases, or sentences;
- Adding words not spoken or written (embellishing);
- Paraphrasing or summarizing;
- Changing the meaning of a word, phrase, or sentence;
- Speaking in an inaudible or inappropriately loud voice; and
- Slurring words, mumbling, or uttering "um" or "ah" if not in the original utterance.
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The following sample oral passages contain underlined words.
These are samples
of keywords and/or units of meaning that are used
to assist raters in scoring the exam. Following the actual test,
CPS provides feedback that includes the number of keywords/units
of meaning you rendered correctly.
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Interpreter Test Preparation Materials Introduction |
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