So for those of us wanting to be certified interpreters, we are eventually going to have to take the National Interpreter Certification Test or the NIC. The NIC recently received a makeover and is now headed by the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI).  The NIC includes two parts; a written knowledge exam and a performance exam. After taking and passing the knowledge exam, the interpreter has 5 years to take the Performance Exam.

The Knowledge exam includes topics and scenarios pertaining to the Interpreter’s Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) . YouTube has an awesome playlist that includes scenarios and an overview of the CPC. Once certified, an interpreter is not limited to the field they can enter.

Video Link: NIC Practice

Now if you’re pre-certified and a little worried about the NIC, like me, I suggest taking the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). It evaluates the skills of interpreters in regards to interpreting in the Educational field or K-12.  However, it is only limited to the Educational field, unlike the NIC. The text consists of voice to sign and sign to voice skills testing, and unlike the NIC, they provide feedback!! You are rated on a scale of 1-6 and Georgia requires a 3.5 to interpret in the state. Here’s some practice videos:

Video Link:

EIPA Practice 1

EIPA Practice 2