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All events will take place in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh. Written and oral exams may take place simultaneously at more than one location when necessary on the dates indicated in the calendar. Whether an event takes place as scheduled at a given location will depend on demand, space availability, and any other special circumstances related to program or event management. (Abbreviations: HAR= Harrisburg; PHL= Philadelphia; PIT= Pittsburgh.)
Orientations
All new candidates must first attend an orientation workshop. Before being eligible to attend an orientation, candidates must register with the program by completing a program registration form in the Registration page. Foreign language interpreters may register for any orientation session. Sign language interpreters may only attend the August workshop. Go to the Orientation page to learn more details and register for an orientation workshop.
| Date |
Location |
Deadline |
Open To |
Requirement |
| March 6-7 |
PHL |
February 12, 2010 |
Foreign Lang. |
Register w/ Program |
| June 12-13 |
PIT |
May 21, 2010 |
Foreign Lang. |
Register w/ Program |
| August 28-29 |
HAR |
August 6, 2010 |
ASL & Foreign |
Register w/ Program |
Written Exams
Interpreters must attend an orientation workshop before being eligible to register for the written examination. The written exam consists of a 135 multiple-choice question section and a foreign language assessment exercise consisting of translating 10 items into the candidate’s working language. The test is given during a four hour morning or afternoon session limited to fifty examinees each. For further information, an overview of the test, and to register go to the Written Exam page.
| Date |
Location |
Deadline |
Requirement |
| April 16 |
PHL |
March 26, 2010 |
Attend Orientation |
| May 5 |
HAR |
April 14, 2010 |
Attend Orientation |
| July 23 |
PIT |
June 30, 2010 |
Attend Orientation |
| October 7 |
HAR |
September 15, 2010 |
Attend Orientation |
| November 24 |
PHL |
November 3, 2010 |
Attend Orientation |
Oral Proficiency Examinations
The oral examination consists of two phases. Phase one is the simultaneous test and is administered first. After passing the simultaneous, candidates take phase two, the consecutive and sight portions. Interpreters in languages with abbreviated oral exams will be advised which sections of the test in their respective languages are available for them to take. Candidates cannot register for an oral exam until they have received the results of the written examination. Oral exam dates and locations are subject to change depending on the passing rates of the written exam and other factors. For additional information about the oral proficiency exams and their administration, go to the Oral Examination page.
| Date |
Location |
Deadline |
Requirement |
| February 24 |
PHL |
January 22, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| April 28 |
HAR |
March 26, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| June 24-25 |
PHL |
May 21, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| July 1-2 |
HAR |
June 2, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| August 4 |
PHL |
July 7, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| September 17 |
PIT |
August 18, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| December 2 |
HAR |
November 3, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
| December 3 |
PHL |
November 3, 2010 |
Pass Written Exam |
Testing Sequences
The calendar events are organized in sequences that allow candidates to complete each of the steps in the certification process in the required order. Each sequence consists of orientation, written, and oral exams. They allow enough time between events to give candidates optimum preparation time for each event. Candidates who attend an early orientation will have more options for completing all requirements. However, candidates may attend any of the scheduled events statewide on whatever date and location is most convenient for them. The following sequences illustrate how a candidate can complete the certification requirements.
|
Date |
Event |
Location |
| Sequence 1 |
|
|
| March 6-7 |
Orientation |
PHL |
| April 16 |
Written Exam |
PHL |
| June 24-25 |
Simultaneous Exam |
PHL |
| September 17 |
Consecutive/Sight Exam |
PIT |
| |
|
|
| Sequence 2 |
|
|
| June 12-13 |
Orientation |
PIT |
| July 23 |
Written Exam |
PIT |
| September 17 |
Simultaneous Exam |
PIT |
| December 2-3 |
Consecutive/Sight Exam |
HAR/PHL |
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Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI)
Oral Proficiency Interviews for candidates who interpret in languages for which there is no Consortium based full or abbreviated oral examinations will be scheduled after the candidate passes the written exam, or as they become necessary. The OPI is a telephone-based interview with a trained rater who assesses a candidate’s command of their foreign language. Interpreters must perform at the superior level. Candidates will take the OPI at specific locations on weekdays during business hours in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh. They will receive information and instructions about how to register for the test once they pass the written exam. For additional information about the OPI, go to the Oral Examination page.
The orientation, written, and oral examinations are only part of the certification process. For a complete overview and an explanation of all certification requirements, candidates should read the information on the Certification page.
Note: All events are subject to change, rescheduling and cancellation. Changes will be announced and posted on this website when necessary. It is the interpreter’s responsibility to keep informed about program events. |