OVERVIEW OF THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION
FOR REGISTERED INTERPRETERS

This overview is adapted from an original text prepared by the Consortium

for State Court Interpreter Certification. The written examination is a product of
the Consortium, and the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts administers the
written examination in a manner consistent with the Consortium’s guidelines.

Introduction

This document has been prepared to help persons aspiring to become

certified court interpreters understand what the written test measures, how it is
administered, and how to prepare for taking the exam. Each examinee should
study this overview thoroughly in order to be more fully prepared for the written
exam.

The written examination is only one part of the process for becoming a

certified or approved court interpreter. Passing this test does not mean a person
has become a “certified” court interpreter; rather, it means that the examinee
has met one of several requirements for certification.

The written test measures candidates’ knowledge of three areas central to

the work of a court interpreter at the level of a minimally qualified court
interpreter:

1. English Language. To function as a professional court interpreter, a

candidate must possess a high degree of proficiency in the English language.
Accordingly, the written examination assumes a high degree of literacy in the
English language and familiarity with a range of language constructions. It tests
comprehension of written English vocabulary and idioms.

2. Court-Related Terms and Usage. A successful candidate must also

be familiar with the terminology and procedures of the court system.
Accordingly, the written examination also measures recognition of common
court-related situations and vocabulary, especially in the area of criminal
procedure.

3. Ethics and Professional Conduct. The third area of knowledge
required of professional court interpreters is general knowledge of standards
guiding the performance of duties. Accordingly, the written exam includes
questions aimed at measuring candidates’ knowledge of ethical behavior and
professional conduct.

What does the test look like?

The examination contains 135 multiple-choice questions. Each question

has four choices, labeled A, B, C, and D. The candidate is instructed to select the
best choice and mark that choice on the answer sheet.

The test has two parts:

Part I: General Language Proficiency, and

Part II: Court-Related Terms & Usage, and Ethics & Professional
Conduct.

Within each part there are several sections, each of which contains a

particular category of questions. There are specific instructions for how to
proceed at the beginning of each section. A complete list of the sections,
including one or more sample questions for each, is provided in Appendix A.

How will the test be scheduled and what do I need to know
about the test in advance?

To be included on our mailing list, you must first register with the
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. This registration form is on this
website, or you request this form by calling or writing to the Administrative
Office of Courts:

Alabama Foreign Language Interpreter Program 
Attention: Legal Division
300 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama  36104
(334) 954-5014

Once you are on our mailing list, you will be notified when and where 

the test will be administered. You must complete and return the enclosed 
registration form by the due date in order to be permitted to take the test.

Arrive early. No one will be admitted after the test begins. Only small 
purses or wallets are allowed in the testing room. Leave everything else at home 
or in your car. Do not try to bring briefcases, palm pilots, dictionaries, gym bags, 
cell phones, calculators, paper, pens, pencils, or any other similar items into the 
test room, as you will not be admitted to the test room with them. Pencils will be 
provided in the test room.

There will be a registration area where you will sign in. You will need a
picture identification to verify your identity. In the testing room, there will be a
test administration supervisor, and there may be another test proctor present to
assist.

Also, use the restroom prior to entering the testing room. If you ask to
leave the testing room after the test has begun, you will be instructed to leave
all of your test materials with the test administration supervisor prior to leaving
the room. You may be escorted to the restroom to ensure that you do not use a
telephone or converse with other individuals while you are outside of the testing
room. No more than one candidate will be allowed to leave the testing room at
a time. No adjustments to the time allotted for completion of the exam will be
made for any time you are outside of the testing room.

What if I need special accommodation due to a disability?

If you have a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA), you must request special accommodation in advance. In order to do that,
you should complete the attached Request for Special Accommodation and
submit it to Human Resources Division of the Alabama Administrative Office of
Courts as far ahead of the test date as possible. You must describe your
disability and describe the type or kind of accommodation you are requesting. In
addition, you must submit a statement from an appropriate professional
documenting the diagnosis or evaluation of your disability.

How will the test be administered?

The test will be given in a conference room to a number of candidates at

the same time. Seating will be assigned. Depending upon the seating
arrangements, some candidates may be asked to move from one seat and
occupy another. If this happens, it is for test security measures and the
candidates should not be troubled or concerned.

Security of the test materials is essential. Examinees may not take notes
or copy any portion of the exam. If an examinee is disruptive, attempts to copy
questions, or retain or record test materials, the examinee may be expelled from
the testing room and advised that his or her examination will not be scored.
Documentation of the expulsion and the reasons for it will be maintained by the
State.

Once all examinees are seated for the exam, the test administrator will
hand out materials packets and two pencils to each person. He or she will read
scripted instructions to the examinees in order to ensure that all candidates

receive the same instructions each time the examination is given. Then the
examinees will be directed to read and execute an Agreement and Oath Form.
Next, examinees will prepare their answer sheets by entering their name and the
last four digits of their social security number, the test date, and the test site.

Examinees must listen to the instructions carefully and must not begin the

examination until the test administration supervisor says, “You may begin.”
Candidates are allowed two hours and fifteen minutes to complete the
examination. A clock will be provided in each testing room to assist candidates
who do not bring their own timepiece. Fifteen minutes before the end of the
test, the test administrator will make the following announcement out loud: “You
have fifteen minutes remaining.” At the beginning of each section there are
instructions on how to answer the questions in that section. As examinees work
their way through the test, they should carefully read the instructions for each
section to be sure they understand how to answer that section’s questions. The
types of instructions you will find will be to select the answer that:

o
o
o
o
o

is closest in meaning;
most appropriately completes a sentence;
best answers a question or provides the best solution to a situation;
has the correct sequence of events; or
is opposite in meaning.

See Appendix A for sample questions from the various sections of the exam.

What is the score required for passing and how will I be
notified about the results?

In order to pass the test, 80 percent of the items must be answered

correctly. That means the examinee must answer at least 108 of the 135 items
correctly in order to pass. The examinees will be notified in writing of the results
of their tests. Remember, passing this test is the first step towards becoming
“certified” court interpreter.

What can I do to prepare for the test?

A list of possible activities and resources has been compiled to help you

identify actions you can take to help prepare for the exam. Some of the
resources may help you decide whether you are ready to participate in a test of
this nature. The list is attached and marked as Appendix B.

What if I do not pass the examination?

This written examination is constructed to measure entry-level knowledge of
each of the following:

English general vocabulary
common words and phrases likely to be heard in court
the typical progression of cases through the court system, and
provisions of a code of professional responsibility that a minimally
competent person entering the court interpreting field would need.

If you do not pass the exam, it is suggested that you resist the temptation

to simply register to retake the exam. Experience shows that retaking an
examination of this kind within a short time period will not substantially change
the results. Instead, you are encouraged to review the section of this Overview
entitled “What can I do to prepare for the test?” and Appendix B, and
engage in some reading and preparatory study before retaking the examination.

CONSORTIUM FOR STATE COURT INTERPRETER
CERTIFICATION REQUEST FOR ADA ACCOMMODATION

Complete this form only if you are requesting individual testing
arrangements because you have a disability recognized by the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).

I request an accommodation, which is described on the Documentation of
Accommodation, attached hereto. Attach the Documentation of Accommodation
form and submit to:

Alabama Foreign Language Interpreter Program 
ATTN: Legal Division 
300 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL  36104

REQUEST FOR TESTING ACCOMODATION (ADA)

APPLICANT NAME:_________________________________________

Have you been diagnosed with a disability that is recognized by the ADA: Yes___ No___
Describe the type of disability:_________________________________________
________________________________________________________________ .

Signature:___________________________________ Date:________________

DOCUMENTATION OF ACCOMMODATION

(doctor,
This section must be completed by an appropriate professional
psychologist, psychiatrist, or education professional) to certify that your disabling
If you have existing
condition requires
documentation of having the same or similar accommodation provided to you in another
test situation, you may submit such documentation instead of having this portion of the
form completed.

the requested exam accommodation.

I HAVE KNOWN ___________________________________________ SINCE _______

(Date)

(Applicant Name)
AS A ____________________________________.

(Patient, or other professional relationship)

I HAVE DIAGNOSED OR EVALUATED THE APPLICANT MYSELF AND I AM NOT RELYING
UPON FACTS RELATED TO ME BY THE APPLICANT. MY DIAGNOSIS IS
________________________________________________________________ .
(Describe medical or other condition)

THE APPLICANT HAS DISCUSSED WITH ME THE NATURE OF THE TEST TO BE
ADMINISTERED. AND IT IS MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT, BECAUSE OF THIS
APPLICANT’S DISABILITY, HE/SHE SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED BY PROVIDING THE
FOLLOWING: (CHECK ONLY THOSE THAT APPLY)

□
□
□
□

Large-print type Extra time (how much?) __________________________
Separate testing area
An examination reader
Otheroral administration (describe) Other accommodation (describe)
____________________________________________________________

Signature and title of professional ___________________________________________

Printed name and title_____________________________________________________

Date_______________________ Telephone Number____________________________

APPENDIX A

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Sections in Part I, General Language Proficiency

Sentence Completion. Items 1 through 9 consist of unfinished sentences. The
candidate is instructed to select from a list of four words or phrases the one that best
completes the sentence.

Example: A person who feels persecuted in his/her home country may apply for political
A. appellation
B. appraisal
C. asylum
D. ascendance
(C is the best answer)

Synonyms in Context. Items 10 through 17 consist of sentences that contain an
underlined word or phrase. The candidate is instructed to choose from a list of four
words or phrases the one that is closest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.

Example: It was done pursuant to the proceedings of the court.
A. in accordance with
B. in addition to
C. in conjunction with
D. in spite of
(A is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Synonyms. Items 18 through 38 consist of words or phrases. The candidate is
instructed to select from a list of four words or phrases the one that has the same
meaning or closest to the same meaning as the word or phrase provided.

Example 1: Scaffold
A. platform
B. table
C. prop
D. curtain
(A is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Example 2: Hubris
A. exaggerated pride
B. steadfast loyalty
C. extreme shyness
D. committed fidelity
(A is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Antonyms. Items 39 through 50 consist of words or phrases. The candidate is
instructed to select from a list of four words or phrases the one that is opposite in
meaning to the word or phrase provided.

Example: Excessive
A. stingy
B. large
C. robust
D. restricted
(D is the correct answer, opposite in meaning)

Idioms. Items 51 through 75 consist of sentences that contain an underlined idiomatic
expression. The candidate is instructed to select from the list of four words or phrases
the one that is closest in meaning to the underlined idiom.

Example 1: Do you need to make a pit stop before we get there?
A. get some money
B. go to the bathroom
C. empty the trash
D. make a phone call
(B is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Example 2: His career as an attorney is all washed up.
A. off to a late start
B. off to a good start
C. completely over
D. very profitable
(C is the answer that is closest in meaning)

Sections in Part II, Court-Related Terms & Usage, and Ethics & Professional
Conduct (*The legal terms found in items 76 through 125 are taken largely from
criminal court case types.)

Sentence Completion. Items 76-111 consist of unfinished sentences that are likely to
be heard in the court environment. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of
four words or phrases the one that most appropriately completes the sentence.

Example 1: A case decided without prejudice means that
A. there is no right to a new trial
B. there is an automatic appeal of the case
C. there is a right to a new trial
D. there are no racial overtones in the case
(C is the answer that most appropriately completes the sentence)

Example 2: A defendant is required to give up certain constitutional rights
A. after being found guilty at trial
B. before entering a plea of guilty
C. only if represented by a public defender
D. only after probation is granted
(B is the answer that most appropriately completes the sentence)

Court-Related Questions. Items 112 through 121 consist of questions on court-
related topics. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four choices the one
that is the best answer.

Example: Which of the following would be a concurrent sentence?
A. two years for burglary, two years for robbery: two years in jail
B. two years for theft, two years for assault: four years in jail
C. four years for rape, three years for a second rape: seven years in jail
D. four years for rape, two years for assault: two years in jail
(A is the best answer)

Sequence. Items 122 through 125 consist of questions about the proper sequence of
events in court-related situations. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four
choices the one that correctly describes the order in which the events should occur.

Example: Which of the following is a correct sequence of event?
A. Jury Charge, Jury Deliberation, Jury Instructions, Jury Verdict
B. Jury Sworn, Jury Verdict, Jury Charge, Jury Deliberation
C. Jury Deliberation, Jury Sworn, Jury Instructions, Jury Verdict
D. Jury Sworn, Jury Charge, Jury Deliberation, Jury Verdict
(D is the correct sequence of events)

Professional Conduct Questions. Items 126 and 127 consist of questions about the
appropriate course of professional conduct an interpreter should take. The candidate is
instructed to select from a list of four choices the one that is the best answer.

Example: Which of the following is most important for you to do when you are
interpreting at the witness stand?
A. keep your eyes on the jury
B. keep your dictionary and note pad at hand
C. keep eye contact with the witness at all times
D. keep the judge informed of contradictory testimony
(B is the best answer)

Scenarios. Items 128 through 135 consist of brief scenarios describing situations an
interpreter might encounter while interpreting in the courts that would pose ethical or
professional problems. The candidate is instructed to select from a list of four
alternatives the best solution or course of action.

Example: An expert witness is giving testimony regarding blood alcohol content while
you are interpreting for the defendant. The testimony is very complex, and even though
you can interpret it at the same level, you sense that the defendant does not
understand such technical language. What is the best thing for you to do in this
situation?
A. advise the judge that the defendant does not understand
B. interpret at the same level as the witness
C. ask the judge for permission to explain for the witness
D. summarize the testimony for the defendant in language he can understand
(B is the best solution)

Appendix B

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

If you are not familiar with taking written, multiple-choice tests, you may find it
beneficial to:

1. Review instructions and suggestions on taking multiple-choice tests such as:

a. “General Strategies for Taking Written Examinations” (available at
www.cps.ca.gov/spb/2GenSTratWrit.asp).

b. “Information about the Written Examination,” Federal Court Interpreter
Certification Examination (www.cps.ca.gov/fcice-spanish/eh3.htm).

2. Study preparation material developed for similar exams, or even take the exams.

a. TOEFL: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Sample Test
(www.ets.org). There are many other publications available as well.

b. California Administrative Hearing Interpreter (www.cps.ca.gov/spb/).

c. California Medical Interpreter (www.cps.ca.gov/spb/).
With respect to Part I, General Language Proficiency, one needs to have a very broad
command of the English language. That is not something that is quickly or easily
acquired. However, some of the following activities might be helpful in expanding one’s
knowledge of the English language and preparing for the test:

1. Take upper-level English courses at a college or university.

2. Read widely such items as books and professional journals in many fields, American
literature, and editorials and articles in major newspapers.

3. Brush up on English vocabulary and lexical concepts (go back to the basics and
review antonyms, synonyms, and idioms).

4. Review sample tests from other interpreter certification programs:

a. California: Request the “practice written examination” which is available for
$15.00 (payable by money order or cashier’s check) from CPS-Human Resource
Services, Interpreter Division, 241 Lathrop Way, Sacramento, CA 95815.

b. Administrative Office of the United States Courts: For a description of the
written portion of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination
(FCICE), go to www.cps.ca.gov/fcice-spanish/eh3.htm. The sample test is at
www.cps.ca.gov/test_registration/FCICE-Spanish/files/spwtest.pdf.

5. Consult other resources, such as:

a. The Idiom Connection, available online at:
www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/6720.

b. The ESL Idiom Page, (Dennis Oliver), available online at:
www.eslcafe.com/idioms.

c. The Synonyms Page, available online at:
www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/synonyms.htm.

d. SAT and GRE workbooks.

e. Vocabulary-building books found in the reference section of libraries and
bookstores.

With respect to Part II, Court-Related Terms & Usage, and Ethics & Professional
Conduct, the following activities would be helpful in expanding or acquiring the
substantive knowledge pertinent to these fields:

Court-Related Terms & Usage

1. Read news items related to legal matters, law enforcement, and the courts in major
newspapers, consulting a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.

2. Visit courthouses and observe court proceedings in civil, criminal, and family matters.

3. Take college/university courses in criminal justice and court administration.

4. Read any standard introductory textbook on the criminal justice system.

5. Read publications about the administration of justice such as the following documents
issued by the American Bar Association (www.abanet.org/abastore), which are available
for $2.50 each:

a. Law & the Courts, Volume I, The Role of the Courts, 2000.
b. Law & the Courts, Volume II, Court Procedures, 1998.
c. Law & the Courts, Volume III, Juries, 2001.

6. Study legal terms from the following sources:

a. Black’s Law Dictionary

b. Glossary of Commonly Used Court & Justice System Terminology (a publication of
the Consortium that is available at:
http://www.ncsconline.org/wc/publications/Res_CtInte_EnglishLegalGlossaryPub.pdf

Ethics & Professional Conduct

1. Become familiar Alabama’s Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters
and its Rules of Court pertaining to court interpreting.

2. Study the model code of professional responsibility, which is available at
http://www.ncsconline.org/wc/publications/Res_CtInte_ModelGuideChapter9Pub.pdf.

3. Join and participate actively in a professional association such as the National
Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators (www.najit.org) or the American
Translators Association (www.atanet.org), studying their respective codes of ethics.

4. Read at least one of the classic texts in the field:

a. Berk-Seligson, Susan (1990). The Bilingual Courtroom: Court Interpreters in
the Judicial Process. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

b. De Jongh, E.M. (1992). An Introduction to Court Interpreting: Theory and
Practice. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

c. Edwards, Alicia B. (1995). The Practice of Court Interpreting.
Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

d. Gonzalez, R.D., Vasquez, V.F., and Mikkelson, H. (1991). Fundamentals of
Court Interpretation: Theory, Policy and Practice. Durham, NC: Carolina
Academic Press.

e. Hewitt, William E. (1995). Court Interpretation: Model Guides for Policy and
Practice in the State Courts. Williamsburg, VA: National Center for State
Courts (available online [see #2 above for web address]).

f. Mikkelson, H. (2000). Introduction to Court Interpreting. Manchester, UK: St.
Jerome Publishing.