Written Examination
After attending the orientation workshop, candidates are eligible to take the written exam.
The exam is designed to measure the candidate's general English language proficiency, knowledge of court-related terms and usage, and familiarity with ethical and professional conduct. Passing the written exam does not mean an interpreter is certified, but that the candidate has met one of several certification requirements.
Registration
Only candidates who completed the self-guided orientation are eligible to take the written exam. Written exams are administered at various testing centers across the state of Pennsylvania. Eligible candidates will receive a link for registration from the Interpreter Certification Program to schedule and pay the fee of $98 for their written exam at one of the testing centers.
Once registered, candidates receive a confirmation email with the location of their test site. You must bring your confirmation letter, and a valid government issued photo ID to the test. In preparation, candidates should review Overview of the Written Examination.
Taking the Exam
The multiple choice exam is made up of 135 multiple choice questions. It measures entry-level knowledge of English 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 conduct. Candidates are given two hours and 15 minutes to complete the multiple choice part of the exam and must score at least 80 percent to pass, or 108 correct items out of 135. Candidates who do not pass the multiple choice exam must wait at least six months before registering to take it again.
CDI & Deaf Interpreters
Instead of taking the written exam, deaf interpreters are required to pass the CDI knowledge test. After passing the test in either its written or signed version, deaf interpreters must pass the CDI performance test within five years in compliance with RID requirements. Deaf interpreters are responsible for notifying the program each time they register to take the knowledge or performance tests and the outcome of each attempt. Deaf interpreters who have already taken and passed the CDI knowledge test must provide evidence to the program. Candidates must then complete their CDI performance test requirements within RID guidelines. Interpreters who already hold a CDI from RID are exempt from the written exam.
Special Accommodation
If you require special accommodation because of a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please print and complete the Request for Accommodation and Document of Accommodation forms and mail them with your registration form. Every effort is made to accommodate reasonable requests.