| Please Note: Information pertinent to the certification examination and program is contained in this document. Test candidates are responsible for reading and for being familiar with the information contained herein. This document will continue to be updated with the most current information on the certification program and examination. |
What is the value of having the NJITC credential?
Achieving the credential of Nationally Certified Judiciary Interpreter and Translator (NCJIT) shows your commitment to upholding the highest standards in the profession. Certification by the entity that represents judiciary interpreters and translators throughout the United States is a mark of distinction for those working in the field. It is awarded to those individuals who pass a rigorous examination of overall language skills and the common body of knowledge relevant to the judiciary and related areas, and who have shown an understanding of and willingness to comply with a professional Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities. Passing the NJITC examination affords you a unique credential. It indicates that you are a skilled professional who has demonstrated a high level of proficiency and expertise in the field.
Why was the NJITC program established?
The NJITC program was created at the request of the membership of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) in response to a survey conducted by its Board of Directors. It is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and offer a credential to those with the knowledge and skills required for the practice of the profession.
Who is responsible for the creation of the NJITC exam?
In 1997, NAJIT incorporated the Society for the Study of Translation and Interpretation, Inc. (SSTI), for the purpose of conducting research and undertaking projects aimed at advancing the art and science of oral interpretation of proceedings and written translation of documents and other materials. The SSTI Board of Directors worked closely with Measurement Incorporated, a national testing company, in the development and implementation of the first ever, T/I national examination to be totally controlled by Interpreters, which now takes the form of the NJITC examination program. In 2006, the NAJIT Board of Directors created a Certification Commission to act as the governing body for all matters related to the NJITC certification process.
Why has this exam been developed when other certification exams already exist?
The NJITC is the only nationwide certification exam developed exclusively by judiciary interpreters and translators (albeit with the essential psychometric expertise of Measurement Incorporated), who know best the standards required to uphold the integrity of the profession. Its purpose is to create a uniform standard for interpreters and translators working in a wide variety of legal settings, both civil and penal, throughout the United States. It is the first exam that tests both interpreting and translation skills in a legal context. It is the only examination that confers a credential offered by the profession, that belongs to the individual regardless of employment status or geographic location. We believe that every judiciary interpreter and translator in the country, regardless of other credentials, should achieve the NJITC credential.
When will the exam be given and where?
The written and oral components of the examination will be offered in conjunction with NAJIT’s Annual Meeting and Educational Conference. A schedule of additional testing dates and sites will be announced in PROTEUS - the NAJIT newsletter. Click here for the NAJIT calendar of events.
How can I prepare for the NJITC examination?
There are many universities and other educational institutions today that offer courses in judiciary interpreting, legal translation, and related subjects. Some offer programs leading to a master’s degree. Others may include courses on judiciary interpreting as part of continuing education or summer programs. Finding out what is available near you will require doing your own research. Workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by professional associations contribute significantly to an interpreter’s development and are held periodically in different parts of the country. Candidates should prepare for the examination using reference materials, classes, and training resources that they feel are appropriate for their individual needs.
Will the exam be offered in languages other than Spanish?
Yes. The development of the NJITC in languages other than Spanish is a goal of the Society for the Study of Translation and Interpretation and of NAJIT.
What are the requirements to maintain the NJITC credential?
In order to maintain certification, individuals are required to accumulate 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years. The three years commence on the date on which certification is obtained, or as of the date of the last recertification.
What is the content of the NJITC examination?
The NJITC examination consists of a written component and an oral component. Candidates must pass the written examination before they are eligible to take the oral one. Upon notification of a passing score on the written examination, candidates are notified that they are eligible to register for the oral component. Upon successfully completing both the written and oral examinations, a candidate has earned the NJITC.
How will the passing score be set?
The pass-fail cut score will be determined using a criterion-referenced method. This is a method whereby candidates are evaluated against a predetermined standard. The passing score is based on an expected level of knowledge. Each candidate is measured against a standard of knowledge and not the performance of other individuals taking the examination. There is not a limit on the number of candidates who may pass or fail the examination.
When will I be notified of my test results?
Test candidates will be notified of their written test results by mail within six weeks of the date of the examination. Candidates will be notified of their oral examination results within eight weeks of the date of the examination.
What happens if I am informed that I did not pass the exam and feel that there has been an error in scoring?
Candidates receiving failing scores may request from Measurement Incorporated (for a fee) a rescoring of their examination. Information about rescoring will be included with the candidate’s score report. Requests for rescoring must be received in writing within thirty (30) days following the release of examination results. Requests received after that date will not be processed.
Candidates may appeal their scores to an Appeals Committee if they believe their failure was a result of irregularity in the examination administration, discrimination, bias, fraud, or failing to comply with any of the aids or services identified in the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days following the release of examination results. Specific information regarding the appeals process will be included with the candidate’s score report.
| PART I (E-E) | PART II (S-S) | PART III A (E-S) | PART III B (S-E) | |
| Item Type | Number of Items | Number of Items | Number
of Items/Text |
Number
of Items/Text |
| Antonyms | 10 | 10 | Translate: 1 text | Translate: 1 text |
| Synonyms | 10 | 10 | ||
| Analogies | 10 | 10 | ||
| Grammar & Syntax | 10 | 10 | ||
| Reading Comprehension | 10 | 10 | ||
| Idioms & Proverbs | * | * | 8* | 8* |
| Ethics | 5 | NA | ||
| Total Items | 55 | 50 | ||
| Time per Section | 55 minutes | 50 minutes | 40 minutes | 40 minutes |
Oral Examination Content
Sight
Translation (E-S): Formal language (high register) - 1 text:
approximately 250 words
Sight Translation (S-E): Formal language (high register) - 1 text:
approximately 250 words
Test Time: 10 minutes total
Sight Translation Sources: legal documents, insurance forms, letters,
confessions, transcriptions, arrest forms
Consecutive Interpretation (Questions E/ Answers S): 1 recording
Test time: 15-20 minutes
Consecutive Interpretation Sources: civil, financial, medical, criminal
Simultaneous Interpretation (E-S): - 1 recording
Simultaneous Interpretation (S-E): - 1 recording
Test Time: 8 minutes total
Simultaneous Interpretation Sources: medical, legal, financial
For Additional Information
Presentation by Michael B. Bunch, Ph.D., of Measurment Incorporated on techincal background of NJITCE Spanish certification, 2001