Skip to Main Content
test takerPrometric
For Test TakersThe Leading Global Provider of Comprehensive Testing and Assessment Services
  • Candidate News
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
 

Sample Court Interpreter Oral Examination

Introduction
The following materials include instructions, practice test material, and sample renderings. The text parallels the instructions and test material on the CD. The final section of this preparation material includes a list of model translation/interpretation files rendered by certified interpreters and recorded on the CD. 

Important Notices:

  1. If you are viewing these pages over a dial-up connection, you may experience some delay in accessing the audio portions of the sample exams. You can eliminate this by right-clicking on "listen", saving the files to your local machine, and listening to the files after they are saved.
  2. These audio files are in MP3 format. You will need an audio player to listen to them. If your audio player does not open automatically, you may need to download one. You can do so for free at any one of these links:

Proctor Instructions - Consecutive Interpretation
The following sample consecutive component contains underlined words. These are samples of keywords and/or units of meaning that are used to assist raters in scoring the exam. Following the actual test, CPS provides feedback that includes the number of keywords/units of meaning you rendered correctly.

The instructions you will hear are excerpts from the instructions you would receive prior to taking the Court Interpreter Oral Examination. Click here to hear instructions. 
 
You will participate in three exam components:

I will provide you with information about the consecutive interpreting component at this time. Other instructions will be given later. 
 
The consecutive interpreting component is designed as a role play exercise with a Judge, an Attorney, and a foreign language-speaking Witness. The roles may have been recorded in a masculine or a feminine voice, so do not let that confuse you if the person happens to be of the opposite gender. Your role is to act as the interpreter, so everything you hear in English must be translated into the foreign language. 
 
Note-taking is allowed during the exam, so you may want to have a tablet and pen ready. Most candidates find that it is helpful if they write down pertinent details such as names, addresses, dates, and numbers. Note-taking should enhance your recall abilities, but not interfere with your ability to interpret without lengthy pauses. You should not attempt to write down everything you hear, as you must rely on your retention skills. 
 
Passages are 2 - 40 words in length. As soon as a passage ends, you are required to immediately provide your interpretation of what you heard. During the exam you will be allowed to ask for a maximum of six repeats during the consecutive portion. 
 
When interpreting, remember that accuracy is your key to success. You should not add or delete material nor should you paraphrase or summarize. 
 
(Proctor pauses for five seconds and begins recording. There is a three-second pause between each utterance to allow the opportunity to pause the recording.)