Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
The National Board of Certification for Medical
Interpreters
Taking Our Oral Exam: A detailed look on what to do the day of your test
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
PROGRESS REPORT
Approximately 200 people have taken the oral exam
Online registry of CMIs
Over 200 CMIs to date
Ongoing registration and test-taking across the
country
Next languages for oral exam: Russian, Vietnamese,
Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean
2
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Complete Online
Registration(one time
registration) Notified of approval/denia
l or of further
documentation needed
(2-4 weeks)
Take Written Exam at PSI
LocationImmediate
notification of pass or fail
If Passed: Receive email if Spanish from National
Board and ISO to take Oral exam
(2-4 weeks)
Take Oral Exam at ISO Location
(within 6 months)Notified of pass or
fail via mail (2-4 weeks)
TIMELINE FOR CERTIFICATION
3
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
ORAL EXAM TESTING SITES
4
ISO LOCATIONS: www.isoqualitytesting.com/locations.aspx
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
ORAL EXAM The oral test is proctored at sites across
the country using web technology
40 minutes long 12 mini-scenarios - 30 minutes 2 sight translation passages -
10 minutes
5
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
TOPICS COVERED
75% of exam is medical knowledge/background
Roles of the Medical InterpreterMedical Interpreter EthicsCultural AwarenessMedical SpecialtiesInterpreter Standards of Practice (IMIA, CHIA,
NCIHC)Legislation and Regulations (HIPAA, CLAS)
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org 7
SKILLS ASSESSED
Consecutive interpreting skills in contextSight translation skills from English into
other languageKnowledge of medical terminology and
specialties within context in both languagesCultural awareness
Note: Content is based on Job Analysis Data statistics.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
What is NOT tested
Based on the national job analysis, the following components were not included:
Simultaneous interpreting Written translation Sight translation into English
8
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
SAMPLE - Oral Exam ScenarioWhat brings you to the emergency room today?I feel a sharp pain in my chest (in other language).
When did it start?This morning at two (in other language).
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Does it radiate to your arms or legs?It’s a tight and localized pain (in other language).
I will examine you and also order an EKG and some blood tests.Thank you. I need something to make me feel better (in other language).
9
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
SAMPLE - Sight TranslationSkin care and hygiene instructions:
Apply a hypoallergenic lotion twice a day.Keep your skin clean, such as with a daily shower.
This can help reduce the possibility of infection.Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands
frequently, especially before taking care of your catheter.
Avoid direct sun exposure on your skin.Take your medicine for eczema as directed.
10
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
ExpectationsYour role will be, first and foremost, to interpret
accurately and clearly what is spoken in English and in the target language, reflecting as closely as possible the source language, including the register and style of the speaker, as well as the accuracy of the content.
You will also be expected to use appropriate grammar and syntax, and deliver your renditions at an even pace of delivery and with a professional demeanor, adhering to the correct interpreting protocol for the medical field, which is first person interpreting, or direct speech.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Areas of EvaluationAccuracy – conveying the meaning without omissions,
additions, summarizing or editorializing any information and retaining the original register
Listening and information retention skills – following instructions and retaining in your memory the most important information to recall when providing the interpreted rendition
Grammar – using correct syntax and usage, and avoiding the use of false cognates (words that sound like they should be correct, but are not, like raite for “ride”)
Interpreting style – displaying consistently good enunciation, intonation and pronunciation, as well as a courteous and professional demeanor
Knowledge of terminology and specialties – demonstrating knowledge of a wide range of managed care and medical terminology
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
INTRODUCTION TUTORIALSight-translation example: You will be given time to review the
Sight Translation document before beginning to sight-translate it. Then you will hear the actual sight translation as done by an interpreter.
Consecutive role-play scenarios: You will be given an explanation about the consecutive role-playing scenarios and the elements that will be evaluated, as well as specific instructions for you to follow during that part of the test before the role-play portion begins.
You can take as long as you need to review the instructions and samples, but once you begin the first role-play, the segments will be timed from that point forward.
Once you have finished with the introductory tutorial, proceed to the actual exam.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Sight translation passages
You will be given several minutes to read two brief scripts to understand their meaning. Here are some suggestions for techniques that might help you with this portion of the test:
Read the entire document quickly to grasp the overall meaning and to identify areas where syntax might present a problem.
Scan the document for words that are unfamiliar to you so that you will be prepared to sight translate them.
When you begin to sight translate, take one sentence at a time and make sure to read ahead for understanding of the entire utterance.
Speak at a steady, even pace that will not interfere with the accuracy and completeness of your rendition.
Do not spend too much time trying to think of a word or phrase; instead, explain the term or, as a last resort, leave it in the source language and continue.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Consecutive Interpreting
You will play the role of the interpreter in 12 brief healthcare scenarios, comprised of 4 utterances each, for a total of 48 segments.
You will need to consecutively interpret everything that is said in English into the target language and everything that is said in the target language into English.
It is important to wait until the entire segment is completed before beginning to interpret it.
You will have eight (8) seconds of “think time” before the system automatically begins to record your response.
You will be expected to interpret without summarizing or paraphrasing, or adding or omitting any information provided.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
RepetitionsTo request a repetition, wait until the entire utterance
has been spoken via the recording, and then immediately press the Play button again to hear a repetition of the utterance. The entire test item will then be repeated.
You will only have eight (8) seconds to request a repetition by pressing the Play button, so make sure to do it right after the utterance is completed. The entire test item will then be repeated
If you fail to request a repetition within the eight (8) seconds of “think time,” proceed with your rendition; otherwise, you will not have time to complete your response.
Your score will not be adversely affected by requesting the six allowed repetitions during the exam.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
RepetitionsA request for a previous exam item to be repeated at a
later point during the exam will not be honored. If you realize during the test that you misinterpreted
an earlier term, you will not be able to go back and re-interpret it.
Once you have proceeded to the next test item, any correction of a rendition given for previous utterances will not be possible.
Use the repetitions wisely: once you have used your six repetitions the Play button will no longer appear on the screen – since no additional repetitions are allowed beyond the six.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
For a repetition, push this PLAY button after the utterance has been completed and before the 8 second “think time” expires
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Note takingDo not try to write down every word you hear.Concentrate on the key words, ideas and
numbers to convey the correct meaning. Do not omit any unfamiliar terms but, instead,
do your best to explain them.All notes taken on the paper provided during
the administration of the test must be destroyed at the conclusion of the test.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Exam LengthThe approximate total time for the oral exam is 45 minutes.
Each portion of the test is timed individually so candidates are expected to complete their responses within the time allotted for each segment. A timer is present on the computer monitor showing how much recording time remains for each segment. All exams will conclude when the time for the last segment is completed. Examinees are therefore encouraged to use their time wisely during each segment of the exam.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Further informationPassing Score: The minimum acceptable overall score
to meet the standard on this test is 70%. Multiple Responses: If you provide multiple
interpreted renditions for a test item, only your last response will be considered by the Rater.
Dictionary and Reference Materials A dictionary and other reference material may be used
during the test, as long as its use does not delay the delivery of your interpreted rendition. Please keep in mind that you are expected to interpret expediently and there is a limited amount of time that is allotted for each interpreted response.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
ConfidentialityAll tests are recorded and kept on file in a secure
location for quality assurance purposes, as well as to ensure the reliability and validity of the assessment.
Examinees are not allowed to share exam information with any other party or their colleagues, nor are they allowed to share or keep their exam notes after the conclusion of the exam.
The test content is proprietary material and the confidentiality agreement that you sign prior to taking the test prevents you from disclosing any related information, written or oral, to other parties before or after the test.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
Rating & notificationA trained Rater will rate your exam and you
will be notified of your exam results within 2 – 4 weeks. The score sheet used by the Rater and the exam recording are confidential and cannot be released to the Examinee. The summary results are mailed to the candidate.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org26
GET CERTIFIED!You will:
distinguish yourself from your colleagues
show future employers your national qualifications
help the profession by promoting certified interpreters
let others know about national certification
explain the risks of working with non-certified interpreters
raise the standards of the profession through certification
Add your new credentials to your communications,
i.e. John Stravisky, CMI
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org27
Become a National Board RaterParticipate in a National Board CommitteeJoin the National Board Subject Matter Expert CouncilSupport our effort by sending us a quote of support or
your organization’s logo with permission.Spread the word – You can get tested now!Please join our mailing list:
www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
FACEBOOK - National Medical Interpreter Certification TWITTER - NatboardCMI http://twitter.com/@natboardcmi LINKEDin - National Certification for Medical Interpreters
GET INVOLVED!
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
CONTACT US
www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters1425 K St. Suite 350Washington, DC 20005
Top Related