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Does CPS offer test preparation materials?
Yes. Test Preparation Materials for Administrative Hearing and Medical
Interpreter are available online. You may also purchase the materials
that include two CD's and a workbook for $75.00 (purchase on-line using
your credit card or send a money order or cashier's check by mail). To
access the Test Preparation Materials Click
here.
How do I become a certified interpreter?
You must pass a written and an oral State Certification Exam.
How many types of interpreters are there?
Currently there are three types of Certified Interpreters: Administrative
Hearing, Medical, and Court. There is also the Registered Interpreter exam for non-designated languages.
This web site deals with Administrative Hearing and Medical Interpreters only.
What does an Administrative Hearing Interpreter do?
An Administrative Hearing Interpreter interprets during state agency hearings before Administrative Law Judges (Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Labor Relations Board, etc.)
What does a Medical Interpreter do?
A Medical Interpreter provides interpreting services at medical exams conducted for the purpose of determining compensation or monetary award in a civil case.
How do I become a translator?
A translator reads and writes documents. Contact the American Translators Association at (703) 683-6100.
What languages are tested?
There are five certifiable languages. Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
All other languages are considered "Non-designated."
What if I speak a non-tested language?
Then you are automatically in the category of Registered Interpreter.
Go to the Judicial Council's website.
How much does the test cost?
Admin. - $250
Med. - $325
How long does it take to become a certified interpreter?
It is approximately a three month process, if you pass the written and oral test.
Are there any requirements to take the test?
There are no minimum qualifications per se.
However, you must have excellent language skills in both English and the other language.
Are there any training classes?
There are a few colleges in California that offer interpretation classes.
See "Suggestions on how to prepare" in the interpreter application information packet or
click here for some training institutions.
Who does CPS administer the interpreter exams for?
CPS administers these tests for Administrative Hearing and Medical the State Personnel Board (SPB).
How much do interpreters make?
It varies from county to county and agency to agency. CPS has no role in hiring or paying interpreters.
Call your local county and State agencies for information.
How can I get a job as an interpreter after I become certified?
You must find employment on your own. Call State agencies, and translation/interpretation agencies.
Do I have to recertify each year? How much does it cost? When will you notify me?
Yes. For Administrative and Medical Interpreters as of 2005, the recertification fee is $100.00.
We notify interpreters by mail prior to the recertification date of June 30th each year (usually in April or May).
You must keep us informed of your current address.
Are continuing education credits required?
Not at this time.
What is the written exam like?
The written exam is comprised of approximately 140 to 170 questions, multiple choice, with 4 or 5 different subscales in each language depending on the exam.
Subscales include basic vocabulary, grammar and word usage, reading comprehension, etc.
Do you have study materials? How much do they cost?
Yes. Test preparation materials are available online. You may also purchase the materials for $75.00.
Click here for the on-line test preparation materials.
If I don’t pass the written exam do I have to pay the full fee again? How often can I take it?
Yes the full fee is required again.
You may take the test each time it is offered as long as you file an application and filing fee by the final filing date.
Can I get feedback on my written exam? Can I appeal if I don’t pass?
Feedback on your written examination is available.
You should request it in writing, including your name, social security number, and test date in the letter.
You cannot appeal if you do not pass the written examination.
What if I find a problem with a certain item on the written exam?
The proctor in charge of the written examination will give you instructions during the examination that include this information.
Basically, if you have a problem with a test question, you must ask the proctor for a form and write down the item number and the problem with that item.
Test Development and Subject Matter Experts review all these forms and determine whether or not the item should be changed or removed from the test.
If so, all candidates would get credit for that item.
Can I review my test and answer sheet if I don’t pass the written test?
No, test materials are confidential and cannot be over-exposed in this way.
Each test booklet states that the "examination is standardized, and copies will not be available for key inspection or answer sheet review."
What is the oral exam like?
It is designed like a role-play exercise with three sections: Consecutive, Simultaneous Interpreting and Sight Translating.
Your performance is recorded and will be rated by two examiners at a later date.
Do I need specific training or experience to apply?
There are currently no minimum qualification requirements to apply for the examinations.
It is always advisable to take a training course if you can. Please also see the online test preparation materials
If I don’t pass the oral can I appeal?
The appeal policy is included with all oral examination results.
You must appeal within the time frame noted, and you must have a basis for your appeal.
If not, your appeal will not be acted upon.
If your appeal is acceptable, you will receive a letter confirming receipt of your appeal and a date that you can expect to hear the results of our review after another subject matter expert listens to your performance tape.
Can I get feedback on my performance?
Your result letter includes feedback in the form of a Performance Summary sheet with various performance factors listed and a comment section.
Your ratings on all the modes (Consecutive, Sight, Simultaneous) will appear in your results letters.
You will also receive a rating guide defining the ratings you received.
How do you grade the written exam?
Scannable answer sheets are electronically scored.
A comprehensive item analysis is created showing how each candidate performed and how each test question performed.
Questions that did not perform well can be thrown out.
A cutoff point is then chosen; the cutoff score is mathematically converted to equal 70 and all scores are similarly converted upward.
You must pass both the English and other language portions of the examination in order to be invited to the oral examination.
How do you grade the oral exam?
Two Subject Matter Experts who are trained in standardized testing and rating procedures will listen to your oral performance tape and make individual ratings for each of the oral exam components (Language Fluency and Interpreting skills in Consecutive, Sight Translating, and Simultaneous Interpreting).
If a disagreement occurs, a third rater would be asked to rate.
If I pass the written exam, how long do I have to pass the oral exam?
Your written exam eligibility is 48 months, which means you have 48 months in which to pass the oral exam before having to retake the written. (Eligbility subject to change)
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