EXAM SCHEDULE
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR LANGUAGE SKILLS SCREENING
To apply for the Per Diem Court Interpreter examination, you must complete the following online application. After submitting the application, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with information about the scheduling process for the multiple-choice Per Diem Court Interpreter examination.
RECIPROCITY AND EXAM WAIVER
Interpreters possessing out-of-state court interpreter certification(s) may apply for NYS-UCS reciprocity. Please refer to Reciprocity Provisions for more information. Applicants seeking reciprocity or an exam waiver must complete the online application.
EXAMS
Interpreter candidates are required to pass a multiple-choice written examination assessing English Language Proficiency and basic Legal Terminology, which covers the following areas: Reading and Understanding Written Material - Sentence Completion and Paragraph Comprehension; Grammar and Language Usage; Vocabulary - Synonyms and Antonyms; Idiomatic Expressions; and Legal Terminology.
Candidates who are successful on this written examination are then invited to take an oral examination, currently administered in the following languages: Albanian, Arabic, BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian), Bengali, Cantonese (Traditional & Simplified), French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin (Traditional & Simplified), Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi (Eastern), Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Wolof. Candidates interested in interpreting languages that are not listed above are required to submit appropriate professional references related to their interpreting skills.
WRITTEN TEST ASSESSMENT
To be a qualified language access provider, candidates must demonstrate sufficient language competency by passing the appropriate form of the Written Test and the Oral Performance Language Assessment as described below.
Written Test (Spanish/English)
Spanish only
This written test is a multiple-choice format examination designed to assess English and Spanish language proficiency involving grammar, vocabulary, word usage and reading comprehension. [Due to the high frequency of use of this language, this examination also has a component where the candidate is required to accurately identify a written translation in Spanish of a selection presented in English and vice versa]. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete this examination.
Written Test (English Proficiency Only)
for languages other than Spanish
This test is multiple-choice format examination designed to assess English Language Proficiency and Legal Terminology. The examination consists of 75 questions, and you will have an hour and a half (90 minutes) to complete this examination. The examination is designed to assess the following areas: Reading - Sentence Completion and Paragraph Comprehension; Grammar and Language Usage; Vocabulary - Synonyms and Antonyms; Idiomatic Expressions and Legal Terminology.
MORE ABOUT THE WRITTEN TEST:
Sample Examinations and Test Questions for Prospective Interpreters
ORAL LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT
The Oral Language Assessment is based on material which Court Interpreters typically encounter in courtroom situations. The examination is approximately one hour in duration. The exam consists of the following six (6) sections:
- English Sight Translation
- Foreign Language Sight Translation
- Consecutive Question and Answer (English and the Foreign Language)
- One-Voice Simultaneous (English)
- One-Voice Simultaneous (Foreign Language)
- Two-Voice Simultaneous (English)
More About the Oral Language Assessment
The first two sections of this exam, the sight translations, are not on videotape. The other sections are all on the videotape with one or two people speaking in a simulated courtroom situation. You will be instructed before each section as to the mode of interpreting required, that is whether you are to do consecutive or simultaneous interpreting.
You are required to orally translate everything spoken in English into the foreign language and everything spoken in the foreign language into English. All your responses will be tape-recorded (audiotape only, not video). You will be asked to speak clearly into a microphone in a normal tone of voice. Once the examination has started the tape cannot be stopped. Please remember that you should keep going even if you miss some words. A few errors will not keep you from obtaining a passing score.
The most important consideration for court interpretation is accuracy. You should not summarize but strive for thoroughness. Idioms should be translated appropriately to convey their meaning, not literally. Proper names should not be translated but left in their original language. Interpreters should strive to maintain the same register when interpreting from one language to another. Register refers to the level of language used, such as formal, conversational or slang. Formal, official language with more complex syntax and vocabulary in English should be preserved when put into the foreign language.
If you wish to take written notes to aid you during the oral exam, the monitor will provide blank paper. All notes must be returned to the monitor at the end of the testing session. Note taking is not permitted during the sight translations.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Practice Spanish Oral Exam-Parts I and II
Practice Spanish Oral Exam- Parts III -VI
Qualifications for Interpreters of Languages in Which the UCS does not Currently have an Oral Language Assessment
Following a successful performance on the required written test of English Language Proficiency and Legal Terminology, you must submit at least three (3) professional references, for each language in which you wish to be qualified to provide interpreting services. References should:
–Specifically attest to your interpreting skills and/or language proficiency in the particular language.
–Include addresses and corresponding phone numbers where these individuals may be reached during normal business hours.
References from UCS personnel are not accepted. Subject to the verification of submitted references (and fingerprinting, as required of all court interpreters), you may be qualified to provide interpretation services.
Note: If an oral examination is incorporated into the Language Assessment Testing Program at a later date, you will be asked to participate and pass such a test in order to remain eligible to provide court interpreting services.
You may also refer to the Reciprocity Provisions for the Per Diem Assignment Registry for other certifications accepted by the Unified Court System.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR TESTING, RECIPROCITY OR WRITTEN EXAMINATION WAIVER
• SPOKEN LANGUAGE
To apply for testing to become a per diem court interpreter, please complete the online application.
• RECIPROCITY AND EXAMINATION WAIVER
Applicants seeking reciprocity or a written examination waiver must complete the online application and the Exam Waiver/Reciprocity section in the application. Interpreters possessing out-of-state court interpreter certification(s) may apply for NYS-UCS reciprocity. Please refer to Reciprocity Provisions for more information.
SIGN LANGUAGE
COURT INTERPRETING FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
- Although the Unified Court System does not test for proficiency in American Sign Language, the Chief Administrative Judge has established the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc (RID) as a recognized credentialing authority.
- Interpreters holding this credential may be placed on the NYS Registry of Per Diem Court Interpreters and provide court interpreting services after successfully undergoing the required criminal background investigation.
- If you want to become a per diem sign language interpreter for the NY Unified Court System, you must complete the online application. Please note: You will need to attach your credentials to your application.
ADVANCE PREPARATION
If you feel that you wish to improve your interpreting skills, there are several ways you can practice. Consider the following: -Work on expanding your vocabulary in English and the second language.
-Practice memory-building techniques to improve your ability to retain information.
-Practice note taking to facilitate retention of numbers, dates and addresses.
-Try sight translating written documents or magazine articles.
-Practice doing consecutive and simultaneous interpreting of radio or television programs.
To improve your knowledge of court-related legal terminology there are many excellent glossaries and other resources available to interpreters in publications and on organizational websites, visit Office of Language Access Resources web page for more information.
If you are not familiar with courtroom proceedings, you might want to visit a courthouse and observe a trial in session. Another possibility is to watch actual televised courtroom trials or programs that dramatize courtroom situations, and practice interpreting the content. There are many excellent books available about court interpreting and the skills needed to do it well. Check with your local public library for recommended titles.
Familiarize yourself with general test procedures and study guides, such as:
Study Guide for Written and Oral Exams
Sample Written Test of English Language Proficiency for Languages Other than Spanish
http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/statetestguides.cfm
Civil Service Exams
CANDIDATES WHO PASSED THE EXAMINATION FOR COURT INTERPRETER, SPANISH:
Candidates who passed this exam will be eligible for available staff interpreter positions within the Unified Court System (UCS), and have been provided with information about this, by the UCS Division of Human Resources. Candidates who passed the exam may also be eligible for inclusion on the New York State Registry of Per Diem Court Interpreters and provide interpreting services, on an as-needed, freelance basis. Per diem court interpreters are called based on the language needs of the courts and are paid $220 for a half-day (up to four hours) or $385 for a full day. The per diem opportunity is voluntary and has no impact on one's status on the current eligible list, which is canvassed for employee (staff) positions.
Candidates who wish to be listed on the Registry as a Per Diem (freelance) court interpreter are required to be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. To begin this process, forward a copy of the Examination Results Notice you received from the UCS, indicating your passing score and general rank on the eligible list to:
NYS Unified Court System
Office of Language Access (OLA)
Division of Professional and Court Services
25 Beaver St, 7th floor
New York, NY 10004
Upon receipt of your Passing Notice (for eligible list # 45-788), the Office of Language Access (OLA) will send you additional information on the fingerprinting process and requirements.
Contact OLA with any questions, at 646-386-5670 or by email: [email protected].
PER DIEM COURT INTERPRETERS
- are called based on the language needs of the courts, and
- are paid $220 for a half-day (up to four hours) or $385 for a full day
- The per diem opportunity is voluntary and has no impact on one's status on the current eligible list, which is canvassed for employee (staff) positions
Candidates who wish to be listed on the Registry as a Per Diem (freelance) court interpreter are required to be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. To begin this process, forward a copy of the Examination Results Notice you received from the UCS, indicating your passing score and general rank on the eligible list and send to the Office of Language Access: [email protected].
Upon receipt of your Passing Notice (for eligible list # 45-818), the Office of Language Access will contact you by email with additional information about the fingerprinting process and requirements.
For additional information on the open competitive exam, contact the Civil Service Administration Unit: [email protected]
CANDIDATE RESOURCE GUIDE
The Candidate Resource Guide provides an overview of the language skills screening process, steps to take to become a Per Diem Court Interpreter and practice assessment tests. We strongly encourage prospective candidates to review the Guide and utilize the available resources included to help prepare for the written and oral examinations. It contains:
|
|
QUESTIONS?
SCORING OF THE EXAMINATION
It is necessary to pass both the written and the oral portions of the examination. Candidates that are unsuccessful on these exams will not be afforded the opportunity to retest for a minimum of one year.
Your performance on the oral assessment will be evaluated by a professional bilingual expert rater, based upon the accuracy and completeness of your interpretations. The rater does not know the names of the candidates whose responses they are scoring.
If you successfully pass the Written Test, the Oral Performance Language Assessment, and/or submit the appropriate references, as applicable, you will be contacted by the Office of Court Administration to arrange for fingerprinting before a local police/court agency authorized to perform fingerprinting; there is a fee for this criminal history investigation. All voucher-paid interpreters must successfully undergo a criminal history investigation before accepting court interpreting assignments and participate in an ethics training seminar when offered. All court interpreters are required to meet the minimum educational qualifications of a High School Diploma or the equivalent and have a legal right to work in the United States. Upon successful completion of this process your name will be added to the NYS Registry of Per Diem Court Interpreters and forwarded to the courts.
CONTACT US
If you have questions about the language skills screening process or need help completing the application, please contact the Office of Language Access at [email protected] or call (646) 386-5670.