Interpreter Readiness

Setting a Higher Standard for Interpreter Readiness and Performance

Designed for experienced interpreters to evaluate advanced language and interpreting proficiency
Covers interpreting protocols, specialty terminology, and comprehension skills
Delivered via phone by trained evaluators with years of interpreting experience
Typically takes 35 minutes, depending on language

Interpreting is a complex task requiring professional training, as well as real-life experience. Skilled interpreters and bilinguals provide the very best communication you can count on to reduce costly mistakes and increase patient and customer satisfaction. To ascertain the readiness of bilingual employees or the competency of interpreters, these tests are designed to evaluate the following criteria.

A woman working on a laptop, symbolizing language proficiency and readiness evaluation for interpreters.

Interpreter Readiness Assessment (IRA)

Recommended for bilingual employees with documented proficiency in two languages. Also available online (eIRA). The assessment usually does not take more than 20 minutes and covers:

Language proficiency in English and the target language
Comprehension ability
Basic conversion skills

Interpreter Skills Test (IST)

Recommended for existing interpreters to measure their interpreting skills and knowledge, as well as identify areas for improvement. Also available online (eIST). This test takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on the language, and covers:

Advanced proficiency in English and the target language
Interpreting skills and protocols
Knowledge of terminology

Specially trained and experienced interpreters, who have undergone intensive training in test delivery and rating administer all the tests over a landline phone. Test administrators have a rich variety of professional qualifications backed by years of experience in the field of interpreting.

An interpreter engaging in a conversation with a man, illustrating advanced interpreting skills and real-world communication.

FAQs

What is the Interpreter Readiness Test (IRT)?

The Interpreter Readiness Test is a screening tool designed to evaluate bilingual employees’ preparedness to interpret professionally. It assesses language proficiency in English and a target language, comprehension skills, and basic interpreting ability.

Who should take the IRT?

The IRT is recommended for bilingual individuals who want to demonstrate their interpreting readiness or for organizations seeking to verify that employees have the baseline skills required for interpreter training programs.

How long does the IRT take?

The test typically takes less than 20 minutes to complete, depending on the target language and individual performance.

What does the IRT measure?

The IRT evaluates:

Language proficiency in English and the target language
Listening and comprehension ability
Basic interpreting and conversion skills

How do I access the test?

The IRT is available online, making it easy to schedule and complete remotely. Organizations can also integrate the test into their hiring and training workflows.

How are results delivered?

Results are provided quickly with clear performance indicators, allowing organizations to make confident decisions about next steps for interpreter training and development.

Schedule a Test Today

For more information please contact your Account Executive or LanguageLine Testing and Training at LLA@languageline.com or call (877) 351-6636

Prepare Interpreters for Competency