Written examination

The written examination is in English and consists of a two-part multiple choice test with a written translation exercise. The multiple-choice portion is comprised of 135 questions covering General Language Proficiency (Part I) and Court related Terms and Usage and Ethics/Professional Conduct (Part II).

To be eligible for the written examination, a candidate must have attended and completed a two-day orientation training. The written test is offered approximately four weeks after the orientation.

Doing well on the written test does not indicate a person is a certified interpreter. Certification is granted by the courts of a state only after an interpreter passes an oral performance test.

2008 exam schedule

2008 written exam application – fillable Word format

Overview of the Written Examination for Candidates - Consortium for State Court Interpreter 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.

This exam was developed by the National Center for State Courts on behalf of the Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification.

Part I: General English proficiency test

• Sentence completion (choosing the appropriate word to finish a sentence): Items 1-9
• Synonyms in context (choosing the word/phrase closest to an chosen word/phrase): Items 10-17
• Synonyms (choosing the word/phrase closest in meaning to the chosen word/phrase): Items 18-38
• Antonyms (choosing the word/phrase opposite in meaning to the chosen word/phrase): Items 39-50
• Idioms (choosing the phrase that is closest in meaning to the underlined idiom in the idiom): Items 51-75

Part II: Court-related terms and usage

• Sentence completion (choosing the most appropriate phrase to complete the sentence): Items 76-111
• Court related questions (choosing the best answer to the question given): Items 112-121
• Sequences (choosing the correct order in which certain court events occur): Items 122-125
• Professional conduct questions (choosing the best answer to the question given): Items 126-127
• Scenarios (choosing the best response for an interpreter in this situation): Items 128-135

Time allotted for written test: 2 hours and 15 minutes -- Passing score: 80%

Written Translation

Translation of ten items, which are two to three, sentences long each. The language is typical of lay witness testimony.

Time allotted for written translation: 1 hour -- Scored: Pass/Fail

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