Testing interpreters: Issues regarding the development, administration and grading of court interpreter examinations

Lois M. Feuerle, Former Coordinator of Court Interpreter Services, Office of Court Administration, New York State Unified Court System, Former Coordinator of Court Interpreter Certification, Testing & Training, Oregon Judicial Department

Currently there are three major tests administered nationally in the USA to assess Spanish interpreting skills in courtroom settings in the United States (Federal Certification exam, Consortium exam and the exam developed by the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators). In addition, New York and California, based on their historical position as states that have traditionally received large numbers of immigrants, developed their own testing programs which pre-date the work of the Consortium. These examinations share many commonalties, but they are also different in a variety of ways. This presentation will provide an overview of these testing models, outlining their similarities and differences and evaluating some of the advantages and disadvantages of each model. The presentation will also address the special issues that arise when it is necessary to assess language skills and interpreting abilities in the languages for which the interpreter need is not as great, including the languages of limited diffusion.

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Testing interpreters.pdf