All events take place in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh. Events are subject to change, rescheduling or cancellation depending on demand, space availability, and any other special circumstances related to program or event management. Changes will be posted on this web site when necessary. It is the interpreter’s responsibility to keep informed about program events. (Abbreviations: HAR= Harrisburg; PHI= 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 attend either the June or the October workshops. Go to the Orientation page to learn more details and register for an orientation workshop.
| Date |
Location |
Deadline |
Open To |
Requirement |
| March 10-11 |
PHI |
February 22, 2012 |
Foreign Lang. Int. |
Register w/ program |
| June 2-3 |
PIT |
May 16, 2012 |
ASL & Foreign Int. |
Register w/ program |
| August 4-5 |
HAR |
July 18, 2012 |
Foreign Lang. Int. |
Register w/ program |
| October 6-7 |
PHI |
September 19, 2012 |
ASL & Foreign Int. |
Register w/ program |
Written Examinations
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 20 |
PHI |
March 28, 2012 |
Attend orientation |
| July 20 (PM only) |
PIT |
June 27, 2012 |
Attend orientation |
| September 14 |
HAR |
August 22, 2012 |
Attend orientation |
| November 16 |
PHI |
October 31, 2012 |
Attend orientation |
Oral Proficiency Examinations
The oral examination consists of two phases administered on separate dates. 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 17 |
PHI |
January 25, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
| May 11 |
HAR |
April 18, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
| June 22 |
PHI |
May 30, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
| August 24 |
PHI |
August 1, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
| Sept. 21 (PM only) |
PIT |
August 29, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
| October 26 |
HAR |
October 3, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
| December 7 |
PHI |
November 14, 2012 |
Pass written /simultaneous exam |
Testing Sequences
The calendar events are organized in sequences that allow candidates to complete each step 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 in one calendar year. 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.
Sequence 1
| Date |
Event |
Location |
| March 10-11 |
Orientation |
PHI |
| April 20 |
Written Exam |
PHI |
| August 24 |
Simultaneous Exam |
PHI |
| December 7 |
Consecutive/Sight Exam |
PHI |
Sequence 2
| Date |
Event |
Location |
| June 9-10 |
Orientation |
PIT |
| July 20 |
Written Exam |
PIT |
| September 21 |
Simultaneous Exam |
PIT |
| December 7 |
Consecutive/Sight Exam |
PHI |
Sequence 3
| Date |
Event |
Location |
| August 4-5 |
Orientation |
HAR |
| September 14 |
Written Exam |
HAR |
| October 26 |
Simultaneous Exam |
HAR |
| December 7 |
Consecutive/Sight Exam |
PHI |
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 no later than six (6) months after the candidate passes the written exam, or as 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.