You asked for it!

Several friends and colleagues have asked me for advice on taking the NIC written and Interview/ Performance exams.  Since I was the facilitator for last night's VRID NIC Interview/ Ethics discussion group, the NIC test seems to be a fitting topic for today's post.

First, a caveat....I am not an expert on this subject (or probably any others for that matter).  I have attended several NIC preparation workshops and have taken the test.  I did pass, but I am planning on taking it again to achieve a high level (eventually).  In case you are wondering, I want to test again to challenge myself, plus it's always good to be working towards a measurable goal.

Now you the advice, which I have learned for myself and gleaned from others.

NIC Written Exam:

I would highly recommend forming a study group as the NIC Test Outline and Reference list can be daunting.  If you are still in an ITP/ IPP, I would highly recommend taking the NIC written exam while all the knowledge is still fresh in your mind.  Plus, you have the advantage of a built-in study and support group.  My ITP required the NIC written as a graduation requirement.  Although at the time, it was frustrating, I am grateful that I was able to take the exam while I was still in school as well as study for the NIC written and my comprehensive exams at the same time.

Several people have also suggested Terp Savvy as a resource.  Additionally, the College for Professional Studies at Gallaudet University offers a week-long test class during the summer.  (A NIC Interview/ Performance class is offered the following week, which I took before my test).  RID also sells the Sample Generalist Test as another potential resource.  

At this point, my recollection of the NIC written exam is a bit fuzzy as I took the test four years ago, this month.  I do recall struggling with the linguistics questions; still today, linguistics are not my strong suit.  At the time I took the test, RID offered the paper version as well as computer-based test (CBT).  If it is still an option, I would still recommend the computerized version as it provides your results  instantaneously.

NIC Performance and Interview Exam

RID provides the following resources for the NIC Performance and Interview Exam:

NIC Performance Criteria
NIC Interview Domains and Rating Scales
NIC Interview and Performance References
NIC Interview and Performance Candidate Bulletin

The interview portion of the exam is where many interpreters, including those who are highly skilled and experienced, can get tripped up.  The raters are looking for you to follow the domain and rating scale, "identifying the problem or conflict," "construction of a decision or solution," and "consequences of a decision or solution."  I have been repeatedly told that my goal should be Rating IV.  As you prepare for the interview portion, practice answers that meet the criteria for Rating IV.  For example, in Domain #2, "Construction of a Decision or Solution," one of the primary differences between Rating III and Rating IV is the inclusion of "(1) reasoning as influenced by past and present practices and (2) resources."  Resources can include VIEWS articles, interpreting research, as well as federal laws. 

Here are a few quick tips:
1) Clearly identify the conflict and how it relates to the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC).  You don't necessarily have to cite the CPC verbatim, but identify the tenet (i.e. confidentiality, professionalism) and paraphrase the illustrative behavior.  For example, "Professionalism because the interpreter was dressed inappropriately."
2) Be sure to include at least three perspectives as part of your answer for domain 2.  Generally, you can expect a hearing, Deaf, and interpreter situation.  Keep in mind that in a given scenario there may be only two participants present, but there can be a third perspective.  A classic example would be an interpreter chatting with a Deaf client in the waiting room of the therapist's office; while the hearing therapist is physically present, he/she would have a perspective on the situation.
3) For domain 3, consider the short- and long-term implications for the participants as well as the hearing, Deaf, and interpreter communities as a whole.  I have been told that short-term implications usually refer to the immediate impact to the participants, while the long-term implications are more focused on how the hearing, Deaf, and interpreting communities can be impacted in the long-run.  This where I fell short when I took the exam,
4) Although it seems obvious, make sure you identify the problem and pick a solution.  If you have sufficient time, you can list several possible solutions & their implications, but make sure you select a solution and explain your rationale.
5) After the signer completes the scenario, the scenario will appear in text form for thirty seconds.  You can use this time to begin contemplating your answer.  You have five minutes to provide your answer- you don't have to sign the entire five minutes, but take advantage of the time that you have.  Think about your answer before you begin to respond.

Make sure your answer is clear for the raters.  By following the order of the rubric, it can make it easier for the raters to follow.  Also, consider your use of language.  Although you have the option of using ASL, Signed English, or Sim-Com, I would encourage using ASL and its features.  By utilizing your space, you can save time and rhetorical questions can be used to flag the different parts of you answer (PROBLEM WHAT?  SOLUTION WHAT?).  When I took the NIC, I set-up my hearing consumer, Deaf consumer, and interpreter in the same location for each scenario.  Presumably, by following the same formant, I made it easier for the rater, but I also made it easier for me as I knew I had to touch each area to provide a perspective of each scenario.  The raters want to see you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the CPC and ethical behavior.

I used the following memory device to format my answers and ensure that I followed the the domain
P- Problem
E-Ethics
P-Perspective
S-Solution(s)
I-Implications
(Source: Karin Huff)

Other mnemonic devices that I have heard include COBRA and DECIDE:
C-Contemplate the scenario
O- Organize your ideas
B- Breathe
R- Respond
A- Answer (the question being asked)
(Source: David N. Evans)

D-Dilemma
E-Ethical tenet
C-Construction of perspectives
I-Identify solutions
D-Decision (which is best solution?)
E- Evaluate implications
(Source: Lynne Wiesman)

Personally, I found PEPSI to be the easiest mnemonic device to remember and utilize.  Spend time practicing and figure out what works best for you.  Discuss ethical scenarios with other interpreters and learn from their perspectives and experiences.

Final words of advice

A couple of days before my exam, I learned that the test has the option of taking either the Performance or Interview portion first.  After an informal survey on my Facebook status, nearly everyone recommended taking the Interview portion first.  First, the interview portion requires more on-the-spot thinking, whereas the performance portion is a representation of your skills.  You will want your brain cells to be fresh.  Secondly, the interview portion is signed, but your signing skills are not being evaluated.  You can take advantage of this opportunity to warm-up your hands before beginning the performance portion.  Do what will be best for you, but make this decision before you arrive for the test.

Although the NIC Practice DVD may seem a tad pricy, I highly recommend viewing the DVD prior to taking the test.  The NIC Practice DVD follows a similar format to the exam and gives you a good idea of what the test will look like.

Make sure you request paper and a writing instrument from the LTA (Local Test Administrator).  You can use paper/ writing instrument during the interview and performance portion on the exam, but it must be returned after the test.  Also make sure that all the equipment is working and you know how to use the remote.

Sometimes you have to go for it, even if you don't feel ready.  Whether you pass or fail, look at taking the exam as a learning experience.  Whatever you learn will only help you the next time around.


11/23/2010 Update:   NIC Written resources on Study Stack  (Thanks Camille for sharing!)

6/23/2011 Update:  I found David N. Evans's workbook, "It's the How, Not the What: Preparing for the NIC Interview" that is available online as a PDF document.  I wasn't able to get the link to work, but try searching Google.

"Life is what happens when you're busy making plans"

I wish that I had a better excuse for falling behind on my blog (again).   What can I say...life has been a roller coaster this past month.  After much anticipation, this month was over in a flash.  There have been highs and lows, plus more loops that I could have imagined.  I have been challenged personally and professionally, and in retrospect, I can only say that this last month has made me stronger and braver.

I still uncertain about the future and unsure what the next curve will bring.  No decisions have been made about whether I will return to complete my degree.  I am working as a freelance interpreter and loving it (except for the commuting), but applied for a staff position with an agency in an attempt to move forward.  I am still in the application process and owe them a sample of my work and paper application.  However, I am wavering, constantly evaluating the pros and cons of staff positions versus staying freelance.  This past week, I had a screening with a different agency for freelance work- *fingers crossed,* I should hear back next week.  I feel continually behind, trying to move forward with my career while balancing my personal life with my PCRID and VRID commitments.  I set a goal of re-taking the NIC in order to obtain NIC Advance certification, but do not have a time frame.  My dear friend and colleague has offered to mentor me and help me further develop and hone my interpreting skills.  Honestly, after all my set-backs early this month, I lost momentum.  Now, I need get motivated again and move forward, reaching towards new goals.


On a personal note, two weeks ago, my husband and I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to put our beagle, Mary, to sleep.  In August, we learned that she had liver cancer and we advised against surgery.  We thought we had all this time left with her, yet Mary rapidly declined and we had to make a decision that we weren't ready for.  Fortunately,  I was able to re-schedule my screening (to this past week) and have subs for my classes that I interpret on Thursday and Friday.  Although I missed and work and it caused delays in the application and screening process, I have no regrets.  I am thankfully for the flexibility of the agency and the community college.  I am especially thankful for the interpreters who filled in for me and my team interpreters (who demonstrated compassion and understanding when I needed it the most.  Not only was I able to take care of yourself and family, but to realize that by doing so, the consumers benefited as well.  Emotional and mental presence is as important as physical presence and I knew I could not interpret with my mind elsewhere.

From the bottom of my heart, I do want to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for being there for me when I needed it most.  Your support and encouragement mean the world to me and keeps me moving forward.  I may need a new game plan, but in the meantime life is good and I am pressing on, one step at a time.