Supreme Court Courtroom, Harrisburg
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  2010 Program Calendar
  AOPC > Interpreter Program > Program Calendar
  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

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.