Etoile

Also, uncertified interpreters are less likely to be ethical, because they know they can get away with it. Certified interpreters risk losing their certification if they are not ethical.

Deafness

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interpreter

I have heard that this new NIC test has an 80% failure rate.

ASLGAL

Still reading and catching up on good information here.

I have not hoped to go much higher than SCPI and other state certifications because of the horror stories I have heard about RID.

I imagine some are true and some are exaggerated

I certainly see your point and value your opinion because you are at the top end, I do know plenty of interpreters who are not RID but can and do interpret rings around some I have met that have the certification.

I guess my question is that if the test is so subjective, How can it be fixed to reflect skill from a truely objective level?

Do those here who are RID certified get to input into the process for those who follow?

SxyPorkie

Yes I know what you mean.... I know a guy who has deaf parents.. he went to the deaf clun all the times.. he was very fluent with ASL.... yet he failed RID tests 5 times before he finally passed....

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Life Goes On!!

Etoile

I'm not sure what you mean, but I know that there are very few people on this board who have passed the NIC test. I have my CI/CT but since that test isn't offered anymore the knowledge I have about it wouldn't be helpful to anyone looking to get certified with the NIC! What did you mean by "input into the process?"

ASLGAL

I was asking if those who become certified are asked for their input as far as making the testing better or improving the whole process. A survey or roundtable type thing.

No offense intended, there is always room for improvement in everything.

Etoile

Oh...I don't think they are at this stage. When the NIC was first being developed, it went through numerous refinement processes from experts from all different perspectives - metrics, interpreting, psychology, etc. I haven't heard about a survey or focus group for the NIC test anymore. I think the first few rounds of people who took it might have been asked for their feedback, but I doubt they are anymore. Nobody I know who has passed the NIC has mentioned being asked for feedback; I was never asked for any on the CI/CT.

Interpretrator

True, but think of it this way: by requesting an interpreter you are pretty much rolling the dice. The dice aren't always going to go your way no matter what you do, but going with a certified interpreter at least weights the dice in your favor to some extent.

And it isn't just the test's fault. There is literally no way to make an interpreting performance test totally objective. It's just not possible, by the very nature of interpreting. And there are other non-test-related factors to figure in, like for example the fact that some excellent interpreters are very bad test-takers. I also have encountered fabulous interpreters who could not pass the new RID performance test and in at least once case I know it's because he has issues with being videotaped and tested.

Oceanblue7

I am back on track studying with an online mentor program , this is for anyone whose going to take the written or performance.

Signs of Development Home Page

You have to register accordingly, right now the session is going on will have another one in September I believe. Its worth it! I should have spent my money on this one instead of the previous mentor I had. I highly recommend it you will learn a lot!

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All year round Patriots Gal

Ps.103:12 He washes our sins away into the ocean

Etoile

Signs of Development is a good course, I took their program for the old written test and when I actually took the test I felt their program was very helpful.

Oceanblue7

Thanks for the feedback, I hope to take the NIC written test again this fall with a passing score. It will be my 4th time let this be the last

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All year round Patriots Gal

Ps.103:12 He washes our sins away into the ocean

Tousi

In that case, best wishes and oceans of luck to you, Ocean. There are some people who just have difficulty in a test situation, irregardless of skill level. Hang in there!!!

Oceanblue7

Tousi,

for the encouragment
Oceanblue7

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All year round Patriots Gal

Ps.103:12 He washes our sins away into the ocean

frogsign

I just found this site---wow! Glad I'm not the only one with apprehension about the NIC performance. I took both the old and new written tests and passed with no trouble. I did not pass my CI or CT. I'm gearing up for NIC performance. I think the best thing I can do is just go into the test like it's a workshop or something, get as much experience out of it as I can with no expectations. That way, no matter how I do, I know the next time what I can work on and what I might expect. I think I just need to take the proverbial "plunge."

HoHGuyOhio

I attended an NIC preparation workshop a week before my performance test. I didn't have to take the written because I was already certified (NAD). The only thing you can really prepare for is the interview. For the interview, I suggest you study all the suggested reference materials and join a study group if possible. Also, look at the rubric on RID's website. Make sure you frame your interview answers in the rubric.

As far as the interpreting portion of the test, there isn't a whole lot you can do to become a significantly better interpreter in a few weeks. I went to bed early the night before my test. I got up early the day of my test. I had my coffee. I wore clothes that helped me to feel good about myself. I thought about every compliment I've ever been given by deaf consumers and interpreting colleagues. You really need confidence. You have to go in with the idea that you ARE a good interpreter. You can't walk in wondering if you are a good interpreter and expect your results to give you the answer.

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Chris
Certified Interpreter
NAD V, NIC Advanced

Terpreter

I agree. The interview portion is what seems to be messing a lot of people up.
If you take any kind of preparation course they will probably tell you to frame your answers in 4 parts after you name what the conflict is (They will ask what is the conflict? What do you do? Why?*)

-Name all stakeholders in your decision.
-Name all your possible options.
-Name the best option (what you would do)
-Tell why, and try to include tenets from the CPC.

I have never taken a national certification test before until the NIC so I cannot compare with prior tests, but I did pass.

*If you have the option to watch the practice DVD I highly suggest you do so. It will show you exactly what you're in store for.

Etoile

Congrats on passing the NIC! I am going to become one of those terps who clings to their older certifications. Just like some terps with CSC never took the CI/CT, I will be one of those terps with CI/CT who never takes the NIC. It sounds too scary!

Terpreter

It's really not scary. The scary part is how it really doesn't seem to matter how good or bad you are, they draw your pass/fail out of a hat.

They need to get their shit together. That's all I'll say on that.

HoHGuyOhio

Just wondering what led you to that conclusion, because the results I'm seeing from interpreters who are failing or passing at a particular level (certified, advanced, master) seem to be appropriate. It's also worth noting that wait times have significantly increased (6 - 9 months) and it doesn't take that long to pull something out of a hat.

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Chris
Certified Interpreter
NAD V, NIC Advanced

Etoile

Good grief, they're back up to 6-9 months? I thought the NIC was supposed to take away the long waiting times. I waited 10 months for my CT and 4 months for my CI, and considering I got raises after passing each of them, it was definitely hurtful for it to take so long. I was really hoping the NIC wouldn't be as bad.

Oceanblue7

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All year round Patriots Gal

Ps.103:12 He washes our sins away into the ocean

Interpretrator

Aw man, I have until the end of this year if I'm ever going to get my CI. With those wait times I should get on it, I suppose.

Byrdie714

Reminds me of an interpreter joke.....How many interpreters does it take to change a light bulb? 25. One to do it and 24 to sit back and say, " I would do it differently."

jillio

That's scary.

Interpretrator

QFMFT.

Byrdie714

The law says qualified.

Nothing about certification.

jillio

And how do you think qualification is determined under the law?

jillio