New Mexico and Arizona State Navajo Interpretation
Written English Certification Examination
EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT
NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA STATE NAVAJO INTERPRETER WRITTEN ENGLISH
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
TEST DATE: SATURDAY, February 23, 2008
NOTICE: The National Center for Interpretation Testing, Research and Policy at The University of Arizona has assumed the development and administration of the New Mexico State Navajo Interpreter Certification Examination under the direction of Chief Judge Edward L. Chavez, and Mr. Arthur Pepin, Court Administrator of the Eleventh Judicial District of New Mexico and the Honorable Ruth V. McGregor, Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court.
The New Mexico and Arizona State Interpreter Certification Examination is designed to identify competent Navajo/English interpreters for use in the New Mexico and Arizona State Courts to ensure fair representation of Navajo speakers in the judicial system. Navajo certification consists of a two-part process: a written examination and an oral examination. Candidates must first successfully pass the written portion in order to take the oral examination. Please note that once candidates have passed the written exam, they need not take it again.
HOW TO APPLY: Complete and return the attached application or send the following information on an 8½" x 11" piece of paper: (1) name; (2) address (include the apt. # if applicable); (3) day and evening telephone numbers with area code; (4) social security number; and (5) date of birth.
All applications must be postmarked by February 8, 2008.
Date and Time of Exam
Testing Sites
Saturday, February 23, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gallup, New Mexico: Location TBA
Download Registration form
Saturday, February 23, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Location TBA
Download Registration form
Saturday, February 23, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Flagstaff, Arizona: Location TBA
Download Registration form
QUALIFICATIONS: There are no formal educational requirements for certification, either in languages or interpreting. However, the difficulty of the English examination is at the college entry level of proficiency.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION CONTENT: The written examination assesses proficiency in English. The content items do not necessarily require special expertise in court vocabulary. After you apply you will receive additional information regarding the written examination and study materials.
EXAM PROCEDURES: You will receive an admission ticket shortly before the exam date that will list the exact location and time of the exam.
TO BE ADMITTED TO THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION, CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE ADMISSION TICKET AND A PHOTO IDENTIFICATION SUCH AS A DRIVER'S LICENSE, PASSPORT, WORK/STUDENT IDENTIFICATION, ETC.
ABOUT THE ORAL EXAM: The oral exam is designed to test, in simulated settings, the ability to: (1) interpret precisely from Navajo to English and from English to Navajo in the consecutive mode and from English to Navajo in the summary mode; and (2) render sight translations from English into Navajo. The content does not necessarily require experience in court interpreting, although some court vocabulary is used. Once candidates pass the written exam they will be notified about the oral exam date and procedures.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION: After the 2008 Oral Examination, the Eleventh Judicial District of New Mexico and the Arizona Supreme Court will provide all pertinent state agencies with a roster of certified interpreters who have successfully completed written language proficiency and oral interpreting skills examinations in English and Navajo. Successful completion of these examinations does not constitute an offer of employment by the New Mexico or Arizona courts. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list from which court interpreters may be selected.
If you have any questions, please call our office at (520) 621-3615, or fax (520) 624-8130.
If you are certified or have already passed the written portion of this examination
PLEASE SHARE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH A FRIEND .