Language Line University

Tests and Training Descriptions

To help interpreters or organizations assess language or interpreting skills, Language Line University has created the following language and interpretation tests:

Language Proficiency Test: (for bilingual staff)

Language proficiency is a skill set requiring knowledge of basic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, among other things. To determine an individual's linguistic skill in up to 170 languages, the test is designed to evaluate the level of proficiency in the test language.

Interpreter Skills Test: (for staff and contract interpreters)

Language interpretation is a complex skill-set requiring training in interpreting skills, as well as real-life experience in professional settings. Test results will help determine if test candidates have the professional skills and expertise needed to adequately serve the multilingual market.

The Interpreter Skills Test evaluates the following criteria in assessing an interpreter's competence:

Language fluency in English and test language
Interpreting skills
Interpreting protocols
Industry terminology and professionalism required for specific settings

Medical Certification Test: (for medical interpreters)

Medical interpretation is a challenging profession requiring industry-specific training and interpreting experience in a variety of clinical environments. Most health care organizations use a variety of in-house interpreters, community interpreters, and contracted agency interpreters to perform language interpretation tasks in clinical settings.

The Language Line University Medical Certification Test offers a consistent method to evaluate interpretation skills with respect to health care subject matter and knowledge of medical terminology.

To determine medical interpretation competency, the Medical Certification Test evaluates the following criteria:

Medical terminology knowledge
Medical procedure knowledge
Interpretation skills and protocols
Bilingual language fluency
Knowledge of culture-specific medical practices

Please Note: Because all of the above tests are conducted over the phone, testing can be scheduled at times least likely to affect the interpreter's busy work or an organization's current interpreting service levels; and there is no travel necessary. Advance registration is required, and test-scheduling services are available via phone, fax, or mail.

Professional Interpreter Training...

The tele-course format allows department managers to schedule their staff for training during times least likely to affect service or production.

Upon completion of these training courses, interpreters are better prepared to use the tools necessary to provide a higher level of accuracy at a faster rate, thus improving individuals' as well as organizations' efficiency and customer satisfaction. Advance registration is required.

Fundamentals of Interpreting Training Program: (for all beginning interpreters)

This course is designed to introduce interpreters to the challenging field of interpretation. Participants will examine numerous interpretation settings, protocols, and techniques. Rate of speech, pronunciation, and professional demeanor will also be discussed along with the following course topics.

Interpreter protocols
Attentive listening
Dual tasking
Memory exercises
Note-taking and role-playing
Presentation and delivery

Advanced Medical Interpreting Training Program: (for medical interpreters)

This three-component series consists of:

"The Profession in Review," which examines the way in which the profession of healthcare interpreting has developed over time and defines the roles and responsibilities of the Medical Interpreter as they exist today, as well as basic interpreting skills, protocols and ethics;
"The Profession in Action," which enters into greater detail about the U.S. healthcare system and the particular characteristics of various healthcare settings and the specialized terminology and procedures utilized within them; and
"Professional Development in Progress," a component that addresses the challenges and complex issues encountered by more advanced medical interpreters.