New RID test--is it passable???

Is it passable??

Kinda wanted to add my 2 cents about the NIC being passable...take a look in the VIEWS...people ARE passing. Many factors go into the pass/fail aspect though. Test anxiety, pressure to perform (for well-known and well-respected terps), personal factors (death in the family, divorce, etc.), being ILL PREPARED (for those who have been terping for some time and feel that this is just another test), and many more. I find that many terps fail to accept responsibility for how poorly they do on the test and find it easier to just blame the test. That makes no sense to me. Raters are monitored to be within the normal range of the other raters. If three raters give someone a LOW on some areas, chances are the person didn't do as well as s/he expected. This is a psychometrically valid and constantly monitored exam. I find it disheartening that terps will invalidate the test (and in turn, those who passed) rather than just doing some self-inventory. Any thoughts on that?
 
I took my written generalist test long ago, never passed either the CI or CT. I have post-traumatic stress issues and admit that although I am considered a competent interpreter, in testing situations I tend to be a "deer in the headlights." Needless to say I have been in counselling to overcome this, as well as other related stuff. It took me forever to finally get the score required for the EIPA---I must have taken that test six times, I swear.

I passed my NIC written (I could pass those tests blindfolded, I swear). I prepared in workshops and with colleagues, videotaping and practicing ethics interview q & a. I felt comfortable in taking the test, and I felt the test itself was quite valid---very realistic. I actually liked the test. But, guess what...I failed yet again. I don't even know where to begin.

I, too, know a couple of people who are highly experienced, certified interpreters who have failed the NIC. I don't know why. I also know that, according to the stats printed in Views, the percentages of those passing the test were (surprisingly, at least to me) lower than those who had been passing the CI or CT. I don't know how to account for it. At first I just thought the NIC was such a new test that people didn't really know how to prepare for it. I still believe that may be at least part of it.

My boss is sending me to a week-long symposium for NIC preparation in high hopes that it will help me strengthen whatever need to pass this test. I feel tremendous pressure to pass. If I fail again....I just don't know if this career is for me. Failing once or twice is no big deal---I'm tenacious enough to try again. But if I end up failing over and over, like I did before, I just have to ask myself if it's worth the beating, not to mention the expense.

I'm trying hard not to knock the testing process or the rating system. I believe we need to do this for the interpreting profession and for the users of the language whom we serve.

If I quit interpreting, then I believe I will need to stop using sign language altogether because it will truly break my heart. I cannot imagining doing anything else that is as challenging and rewarding and enjoyable as interpreting.

Okay...I'm done. Just had to express it. Thanks for listening. :ily::ily::ily::ily::ily:
 
frogsign said:
What do you mean "social part?"
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I think he means the interview.

Which, having taken a NIC workshop recently, I can now say is REALLY hard. I already have CI/CT, I'm not going to bother with the NIC. Too much stress for too little additional credentials.
 
I know several people who already had a couple of certificates who also sat for the NIC. I think if I had my CI/CT, I wouldn't even bother with the NIC. Maybe if I had an NAD and wanted to get a higher level...but really, I agree--why stress yourself out when you're already validly certified? It's like sitting on the summit of Everest---you're already at the top. Maybe I would try for a specialist certificate or a degree in linguistics, but I'll probably be retired before I get those opportunities!!! :laugh2::laugh2:
 
frogsign said:
I know several people who already had a couple of certificates who also sat for the NIC. I think if I had my CI/CT, I wouldn't even bother with the NIC. Maybe if I had an NAD and wanted to get a higher level...but really, I agree--why stress yourself out when you're already validly certified? It's like sitting on the summit of Everest---you're already at the top. Maybe I would try for a specialist certificate or a degree in linguistics, but I'll probably be retired before I get those opportunities!!! :laugh2::laugh2:
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Agreed, I know several people who hold older certificates as well as the NIC. But after seeing how hard that interview is, I just don't think it's worth the stress for me! I stressed enough over the CI and CT. :D They did give excellent pointers in the workshop, and there were several people there who had passed, but man...it's just really hard. I suggest looking at the rubric and memorizing it!
 
frogsign said:
I took my written generalist test long ago, never passed either the CI or CT. I have post-traumatic stress issues and admit that although I am considered a competent interpreter, in testing situations I tend to be a "deer in the headlights." Needless to say I have been in counselling to overcome this, as well as other related stuff. It took me forever to finally get the score required for the EIPA---I must have taken that test six times, I swear.

I passed my NIC written (I could pass those tests blindfolded, I swear). I prepared in workshops and with colleagues, videotaping and practicing ethics interview q & a. I felt comfortable in taking the test, and I felt the test itself was quite valid---very realistic. I actually liked the test. But, guess what...I failed yet again. I don't even know where to begin.

I, too, know a couple of people who are highly experienced, certified interpreters who have failed the NIC. I don't know why. I also know that, according to the stats printed in Views, the percentages of those passing the test were (surprisingly, at least to me) lower than those who had been passing the CI or CT. I don't know how to account for it. At first I just thought the NIC was such a new test that people didn't really know how to prepare for it. I still believe that may be at least part of it.

My boss is sending me to a week-long symposium for NIC preparation in high hopes that it will help me strengthen whatever need to pass this test. I feel tremendous pressure to pass. If I fail again....I just don't know if this career is for me. Failing once or twice is no big deal---I'm tenacious enough to try again. But if I end up failing over and over, like I did before, I just have to ask myself if it's worth the beating, not to mention the expense.

I'm trying hard not to knock the testing process or the rating system. I believe we need to do this for the interpreting profession and for the users of the language whom we serve.

If I quit interpreting, then I believe I will need to stop using sign language altogether because it will truly break my heart. I cannot imagining doing anything else that is as challenging and rewarding and enjoyable as interpreting.

Okay...I'm done. Just had to express it. Thanks for listening. :ily::ily::ily::ily::ily:
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I failed 4 times :gpost:
 
Scared To Death

I don't know about the NID, but I am scheduled to take the written RID test this next month and I'm not real excited! The language used in the questions is the real job - too bad they don't test you on the actual job info instead of how well you can take standardized tests. I am just scrambling to find enough "practice" tests to really get myself ready.
 
jr4uisign said:
I don't know about the NID, but I am scheduled to take the written RID test this next month and I'm not real excited! The language used in the questions is the real job - too bad they don't test you on the actual job info instead of how well you can take standardized tests. I am just scrambling to find enough "practice" tests to really get myself ready.
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The RID test is the NIC test. It's a product of both RID and NAD working together. So that's the one you'll be taking. But I agree, it's difficult to prepare for the written test...you have to know how to understand what they're asking you and figure out which answer they want. Sometimes there's more than one right answer!
 
NIC test comments from terp

I recently took the NIC test and my personal experience about taking the test was fairly positive. I didn't find the performance or interview part that difficult. weird to say, but it was actually kind of enjoyable and fun. The quality of the tape was great and after a few minutes into the test, I forgot all about the camera being on and the nervousness just melted away.

I guess it all in how you approach it..... but there were a few times on the performance part that I got super stumped , especially on the more difficult voicing part scenarios. I also think I didnt give enough lag time but guess I'll have to wait and see what my results are in a another month or so. If anyone has any questions about the test, ask away.

Rose4peace
 
I agree. you must prep yourself for what they expect from you in this test, especially the interview portion. I suggest you study what the raters are looking for in regards to how you answer the ethical questions, makes a big difference in why qualified terps are passing or failing.
 
Congratulations! You took the performance test! I bet you are anxious for the results. Let's hope you passed! :fingersx:
 
NIC test prep

I think that one of the main things an interpreter can do to prepare for the NIC is to STOP LISTENING to all the people teaching about the NIC who have never taken it! RID is awarding CEUs to presenters looking to make a buck off of interpreters who are scared to death and are looking for some direction. Personally, I teach on the NIC and I cannot tell you how many times my attendees have shared horror stories about their experiences in workshops, implementing those ideas, only to fail. Presenters who have no experience taking the NIC are passing off their "theories" to anyone who will listen. I've written to RID about this over a year ago. They assured me it would be addressed but there are still individuals out there (no names are necessary) who are guessing, at best, on how to take this exam.

Word of advice: Check the credentials of the individual(s) teaching your NIC workshop. If they have not "mastered" this exam, how can they teach you to???

On a side note: I have 13 NIC MASTERS (along with 6 NIC ADVANCED and many NIC certified interpreters )that I have trained and mentored. Seek the advice, workshops, mentoring, etc of someone who has proven that they KNOW how to pass the NIC.

Thanks!
 
passed NIC!!

Just got my results back today- and to my surprise, I passed with an advanced level. The fear is always 1000x greater in your head, it wasn't that difficult, you really do have to follow the rubrix chart and you'll do fine as long as your interpreting skills are up to par.

Good luck,

Everyone!
 
rose4peace said:
Just got my results back today- and to my surprise, I passed with an advanced level. The fear is always 1000x greater in your head, it wasn't that difficult, you really do have to follow the rubrix chart and you'll do fine as long as your interpreting skills are up to par.

Good luck,

Everyone!
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:cheers:Maybe, you can mentor me :giggle: I was 7 points shy on the written exam NIC
 
rose4peace said:
Just got my results back today- and to my surprise, I passed with an advanced level. The fear is always 1000x greater in your head, it wasn't that difficult, you really do have to follow the rubrix chart and you'll do fine as long as your interpreting skills are up to par.

Good luck,

Everyone!
Click to expand...
Congrats!
 
I haven't been on this forum in a year and a half.

In that year and a half, I've failed the NIC performance not once, but twice. Both times I did well (the second time VERY well) on the interview portion, but blew the performance part.

Needless to say, I'm feeling a bit discouraged. I am very much (as someone else wrote in an earlier post in this thread) a "deer in the headlights" when I test.

The first failure I chalked up to nerves and labelled it a "learning experience". The second time I really felt prepared mentally and, well, skill-wise. After getting my first "fail" results, I knew what I'd do differently the second time. But that still wasn't enough.

I was heartened to read that so many clearly competent interpreters had also failed; some more than once, like me.

So I'm just back on here looking for a little "misery loves company" and moral support.

Not sure when I'll be ready to toss another $275 into the fire, but I suppose I will at some point. I'm gonna try to look for a mentor and hopefully if I find one (who has passed the NIC, of course), they can tell me where I'm going wrong.

Glad to see you guys are still around after being away so long... :wave:
 
Still kicking! Sorry to hear of the struggles you've had with the NIC. I recommend checking into the programs at Signs of Development - Lynne Weisman's materials. That's how I passed the old written test, was through one of her study programs.

Hang in there, you WILL get it!
 
I appreciate the tip! I will definitely look into it and keep you guys posted... I figured it was time to stop licking my proverbial wounds, dust myself off and get back on the horse.

:ty:
 
I have just gotten my results back from my 3rd attempt at the NIC. This is now the 8th certification test i have taken and failed. I have completed 6 different NIC prep workshops with a variety of presenters, Shonnuf's included. I found them all helpful in my preparations. Unfortunately none of them have gotten me any closer to a passing mark on the NIC test. There is apparently something about me that raters are not responding favorably too. I have an interpreting degree, 14 years interpreting experience, favorable feedback when working or just interacting with Deaf people, the encouragement of interpreting colleagues, mentors, etc. I just don't do well with subjective tests and that is really all the NIC is rating you on...How well do you take tests? My most recent result says that my skills haven't improved at all since I first began this journey straight out of terp school. I don't even know how to prepare since I felt the best about my performance this time than ever before and yet my score was the lowest possible. If i stood with my back to the camera and did nothing, i would have had the same score. So now its time to look to other career possibilities because the certification isn't going to happen through RID no matter how many times I take it. But i'm sure they'll be happy to continue collecting the fee. My head has been sufficiently bloodied from this particular brick wall. I surrender!
 
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