Testing

Each interpreter is required to pass a written health/legal terminology test at the end of their training, and then to demonstrate both their language and interpreting skills at an oral assessment.

Terminology Test

Students are tested on health and legal terminology. If a student fails the terminology test but passes the oral assessment, they may be allowed to re-sit using a different version of the test prior to being offered a contract.

Oral Assessment

The assessment should include two dialogues and two pieces of sight translation covering:

1. 1. a health topic frequently encountered in the hospital or general practice setting.
  2. a legal topic in a police, court or legal office setting.

Interpreters are also given two ethics scenarios and invited to explain what they would do and why.

The dialogues are read “live” to better simulate what a professional interpreter might face on a challenging assignment. The assessment can be carried out face to face or via video conference. The test is designed to assess competence across a range of criteria – see skills page.

Assessment checks interpreters’ linguistic capabilities including proficiency in their working languages, the accuracy of their translations and their knowledge of specialised terms. The oral assessment also allows evaluation of other qualitative aspects a professional interpreter should possess, such as remaining impartial, maintaining role boundaries, acting professionally and being able to manage the interpreting process adequately.

Interpreting competencies

Skills and attributes

Key components/explanation

Accuracy in contents and in the way of delivery

Ability to produce in target language an equivalent that preserves key points and specifics, as well as the intent of the original

Use of Language other than English

Idiomatic and linguistically correct use of the language other than English

Use of English

Idiomatic and linguistically correct use of English

Knowledge of general vocabulary

Use of appropriate equivalent of general vocabulary in both languages as used in the test material, noting frequency of requests for clarification, number of wrong equivalences

Knowledge of specialised terminology

Use of appropriate equivalent of technical terms in both languages as used in the test material, noting frequency of requests for clarification, number of wrong equivalences

Staying within the professional role boundary

Whether assuming roles other than that of communication facilitator, handling of inappropriate requests, maintenance of suitable detachment e.g. not expressing personal opinions or engaging in side conversations

Demonstrated professional standards of interpreter ethics

Awareness of ethical principles of interpreting and ability to make ethical decisions

Proper management of the interpreting process

Handling of pre-interview briefing and all necessary interventions, e.g. requesting repetition, clarification, reporting side-conversations

Ability to cope with standard-length dialogue segments

Ability to accurately interpret speech segments of up to 35 words, using note-taking if necessary

Diction and pronunciation

Speech delivery flow, appropriate volume and clarity of diction and pronunciation

Demeanour and manner

Situationally appropriate engagement with both parties.

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