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Written

Currently, RID offers four written tests:

• NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Knowledge Test; computer-based test offered by CASTLE WorldWide
• Oral Transliteration Certificate (OTC) Written Test
• Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Written Test, offered in two forms – ASL version or English version
• Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L) Written Test

Registering for a Test

• Apply and pay for the test, submitting any and all necessary documentation fulfilling specific test requirements. Tests that require documentation are the CDI and SC:L written tests. Register online >>
• To receive the RID member rate, you MUST already be a member in good standing. Learn more about membership>>
• Once payment is processed, a receipt will be e-mailed or mailed to you.

Notification

Once a candidate has applied and paid for a test, s/he will receive a receipt letter from RID. Depending upon the method of testing, one of the following will occur:

Computer-Based Test: Individual will receive further instructions on how to register their site, date and test time preferences with CASTLE Worldwide, Inc.
Paper-and-Pencil Test: Approximately two to four weeks prior to the test date, applicants will receive an additional letter confirming the date, time and location of the test. The name and pager address and/or phone number to contact the Local Test Administrator (LTA) proctoring the test will also be included. The LTA should only be contacted for directions to the site. All other questions should be directed to the RID national office.

Cancellations

Cancellations due to a documented emergency situation, as outlined in the policy below, will be given special consideration.

Acceptable emergency situations:

• The death of an immediate family member
• A doctor’s verification of accident, illness or hospitalization
• A natural disaster

Upon receipt of documentation and subsequent verification by the RID director of certification, the application and test fees will carry over to the next available test date.

Notification of emergency cancellations should be made to the national office on the business day following the documented emergency, unless the nature of the emergency precludes you from contacting us. If so, you need to contact the national office at the first available opportunity.

If the candidate does not show up or contact the test site, the candidate will forfeit all fees in regards to the missed test unless the circumstances are deemed to be an emergency. The candidate must notify certification department staff on the first business day after the missed test.

If an individual misses a testing opportunity and the certification staff determine that the late cancellation did not meet the established policy requirements, an individual can appeal that decision through the established appeal procedure. The individual must write a letter in care of the RID national office to the NAD-RID Certification Council (CC), which is composed of representatives from both NAD and RID.

Test Format

The National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Knowledge test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering the ten tasks listed in the NIC test outline. Applicants must receive a scaled score of 500 or better to pass the test. Applicants are encouraged to answer all questions; unanswered questions will be marked wrong.

The Oral Transliterating Certificate (OTC) written test consists of 125 multiple choice questions representing the six content areas listed in the test outline. Applicants are encouraged to answer all questions; unanswered questions will be marked wrong.

The Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Applicants are allowed a maximum of three hours to complete either the English or ASL version of the test. The ASL version is administered from a CD-ROM, with answers recorded on a Scantron form.

The Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L) exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions representing the four content areas listed in the test outline.

Results

Computer-based test results are printed at the site and given to the candidate before s/he leaves the testing facility. RID does not mail the results unless requested by the candidate.

Pencil and paper test results are mailed to the candidate within three weeks of the test date.

Retakes

If the candidate does not pass a test, s/he should apply to retake the test.

Those failing the paper and pencil version must wait six (6) months from the date of test administration before they may retake the exam. Those taking the computer-based version (NIC only) must wait three (3) months between test dates.

Please note: Those passing the written test are required to take and pass the appropriate performance test within five (5) years of the date of the results letter. Failure to complete the testing process and achieve certification within the five-year time limit will result in the loss of candidacy status. As a result, the former candidate will need to take the written test again at the appropriate, regular rate—including the application fee. Retake rates are not valid in this situation.

Extensions

The NAD-RID Certification Council will consider, on an individual basis, granting up to a one year extension of candidacy to a person who has taken the written test and has been unable to take the performance test during the allotted five-year time frame for only the following reason only:
A sudden and unforeseeable traumatic, catastrophic, incapacitating and life-altering event that disrupts the life of the candidate or an immediate family member for a considerable amount of time.

(Please note: Normal life events (planned or unplanned) may not be considered as meeting the definition of traumatic, catastrophic or incapacitating. Events which meet the above definition of traumatic, catastrophic or incapacitating, which occur near the beginning or end of the five year period, or which are incapacitating for only a short duration, may not be applicable in granting an extension.)

Appeal Process

The NAD-RID Certification Council will review appeals related to the administration of the test, such as violations of proper procedure and/or deviation from established policy, and will attempt to issue a response within 120 days of receipt. Appeals must be sent in writing by certified mail to the RID director of certification at the RID national office.

An appeal must be filed within 90 days from the date of notification of test results.

If the NAD-RID Certification Council upholds an appeal, the test retake must be completed within one year of the date of notification by the Council. If the test retake is not completed within the year, the applicant will be responsible for the re-application process and fees.

Hand-scoring

Applicants may file a written request for hand-scoring of their test within 30 days of the date-of-notification of results. Written requests must be sent via certified mail to the director of certification at the RID national office.

RID will not be held responsible for letters sent to the national office unless sent via certified mail. Requests for hand-scoring must be accompanied by a $15 hand-scoring fee. RID reviews the request for hand-scoring, re-scores the examination and reports findings to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of request.

Refunds

If a candidate decides that they no longer want to take a test that they have applied for, they may request a refund of their test fees (minus the application fee) within two years of the paid date. After two years, the testing fees cannot be refunded but can be applied to other RID products and services.