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
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
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Complete Online
Registration
(one time registration)
TIMELINE FOR
CERTIFICATION
Notified of
approval/denial
or of further
documentation
needed
Take Written
Exam at PSI
Location
Immediate
notification of
pass or fail
(2-4 weeks)
Take Oral Exam at ISO
Location (within 6
months)
Notified of pass or fail
via mail
(2-4 weeks)
If Passed: Receive
email if Spanish from
National Board and
ISO to take Oral exam
(2-4 weeks)
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
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ORAL EXAM
TESTING SITES
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
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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
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
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TOPICS COVERED
 75% of exam is medical knowledge/background
 Roles of the Medical Interpreter
 Medical Interpreter Ethics
 Cultural Awareness
 Medical Specialties
 Interpreter 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
SKILLS ASSESSED
 Consecutive interpreting skills in context
 Sight translation skills from English into other
language
 Knowledge of medical terminology and specialties
within context in both languages
 Cultural 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
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What is NOT tested
Based on the national job analysis, the following
components were not included:
 Simultaneous interpreting
 Written translation
 Sight translation into English
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
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SAMPLE - Oral Exam Scenario
What 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).
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
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SAMPLE - Sight Translation
Skin 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.
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org 10
Expectations
Your 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 Evaluation
 Accuracy – conveying the meaning without omissions, additions,
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

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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 TUTORIAL
Sight-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
Repetitions
 To 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
Repetitions
 A 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 taking
 Do 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 Length
The 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 information
Passing 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
Confidentiality
All 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 & notification
A 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.org
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.org 26
GET INVOLVED!
 Become a National Board Rater
 Participate in a National Board Committee
 Join the National Board Subject Matter Expert Council
 Support 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
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org 27
CONTACT US
 info@certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
 www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
1425 K St. Suite 350
Washington, DC 20005
Copyright © 2010 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters 1425 K Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005  www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org