Interpreter testing can be daunting, especially if the candidate has not taken an exam in a long time. Here are a few tips that helped me prepare for written and oral exams.
- register early
- study and practice... then study and practice more
- remember you will need at least 3 months of intensive preparation for the court interpreter oral exam
- if you are offered a test prep class, take it
- understand the type of exam and how results are scored
- know what subjects will be tested
- create strategies to overcome problems during testing
- if possible, drive to the testing location in advance to become familiar with the route, where to park, etc.
- prepare over time instead of cramming at the last minute
- use practice kits, study in groups
- record yourself, then listen to yourself and evaluate your performance
- do not work the morning before your oral exam if you are testing in the afternoon or after 1pm the day before your AM test
- arrive early
- leave your electronic devices at home or in your car
- breathe and smile
- remain quiet and calm
- use the restroom before the exam
- visualize positive images and role models
- use your repetitions (consecutive section)
- take notes during the oral exam
- remember that the people testing you are not rating your exam and may not even know the language
- do not ask to stop the test unless absolutely sure you cannot or do not wish to continue- the rest of the exam will be counted as incorrect
- take the exam seriously- many states have a limit on how many times you can test
- eat well and drink water
- while you are testing do the best you can and don't judge yourself after each mistake
Note-taking is a skill that is acquired then continuously practiced. Attending note-taking classes is helpful, but there is no secret set of symbols that will magically improve your consecutive interpretation.
Symbols, abbreviations, memory exercises, chunking, comprehension of main ideas, linking, visualizing, and the ability to concentrate are just some of the components of good interpretation.
Research other interpreters' symbols and adopt what works for you. Invent your own symbols. Practice your symbols to test and memorize them. Try using spiraled notepads and writing tools that do not smudge or bleed, and organize notes by idea in a sequence that makes sense and are easy to decipher.
Buy or borrow interpretation practice kits such as "Acebo" and practice note-taking for consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. The Acebo website offers information on becoming a court interpreter here: https://acebo.myshopify.com/pages/becoming-a-certified-interpreter
I write down numbers, dates, proper names, and lengthy descriptions also during simultaneous interpretation, even during my team-member's turn to actively interpret.
Using YouTube, Netflix, and recordings to practice for the oral exam
One of the most common mistake candidates make is that they do not record themselves while practicing. You can read a report on most common reasons candidates fail the oral exam here: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/oral-commonerrors.pdf
You can check out the following links to learn about the exam:
You can find TV shows to help you practice. Here are some, to start:
One of the most common mistake candidates make is that they do not record themselves while practicing. You can read a report on most common reasons candidates fail the oral exam here: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/oral-commonerrors.pdf
You can check out the following links to learn about the exam:
- Self assessment tools
- Resources guide
- Oral exam overview for candidates
You can find TV shows to help you practice. Here are some, to start:
- PBS tv show Frontline, Season 30, episode 10: "The Real CSI". It is available free on Amazon Prime Video or try: pbs.org
- The Interpreter's Gym
- Simultaneous tips and tricks
