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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: PHL= Philadelphia; HAR= Harrisburg; 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. The first orientation of 2009 will take place on weekdays in order to accommodate individuals that cannot attend on weekends for various reasons. If justified by enough demand, a third orientation may be added later in the year. Go to the Orientation page to learn more details and register for an orientation workshop.
| Date |
Location |
Deadline |
Requirement |
| April 30 - May 1 |
PHL |
April 3, 2009 |
Register w/ Program |
| August 22-23 |
HAR |
Registration Closed |
Register w/ Program |
Written Exams
Interpreters must first attend an orientation 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 target language. The test is administered over a three and one-half 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 |
| March 6 |
PHL |
February 13, 2009 |
Attend Orientation |
| June 26 |
HAR |
June 5, 2009 |
Attend Orientation |
| August 7 |
PHL/PIT |
July 17, 2009 |
Attend Orientation |
| October 16 |
PHL |
September 3, 2009 |
Attend Orientation |
Oral Proficiency Examinations
Candidates should not register for an oral exam until they have received the results of the written examination. The oral exam 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 partial oral exams will be advised which sections of the test in their respective languages are available for them to take. Oral exam dates and locations are subject to change depending on the passing rates of the written exam. For additional information about the oral proficiency exams and their administration, go to the Oral Examination page.
| Date |
Location |
Deadline |
Requirement |
| April 1-3 |
PHL |
March 13, 2009 |
Pass Written Exam |
| July 23-24 |
HAR/PIT |
July 1, 2009 |
Pass Written Exam |
| October 28-30 |
PHL |
October 2, 2009 |
Pass Written Exam |
| December 3-4 |
HAR |
November 13, 2009 |
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. The following sequences illustrate how a candidate can complete the certification requirements. However, candidates may attend any of the scheduled events statewide in whatever date and location is most convenient for them.
|
Date |
Event |
Location |
| Sequence 1 |
|
|
| April 30 - May 1 |
Orientation |
PHL |
| June 26 |
Written Exam |
HAR |
| October 28-30 |
Simultaneous Exam |
PHL |
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| Sequence 2 |
|
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| August 22-23 |
Orientation |
HAR |
| October 16 |
Written Exam |
PHL |
| December 3-4 |
Simultaneous Exam |
HAR |
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| Sequence 3 |
|
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| April 30 - May 1 |
Orientation |
PHL |
| August 7 |
Written Exam |
PHL/PIT |
| December 3-4 |
Simultaneous Exam |
HAR |
Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI)
Oral Proficiency Interviews for candidates who interpret in languages for which there is no Consortium based full or partial 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.
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