| General Information and Certification Requirements
Utah Interpreter Certification testing includes two parts: (1) the Written Exam and (2) Performance Testing. Both parts must be completed and passed in order to attain certification.
WRITTEN EXAM
Complete and submit the certification application at least three (3) weeks prior to the date of the Written Exam. The Written Exam is offered every Friday between 10am-2pm (registration required 3 weeks in advance), and on Friday and Saturday of testing week.
Submit the appropriate test fee for the Written Exam at least three (3) weeks prior to the testing date. Late payments will not be accepted. You will be notified by email of your scheduled testing appointment approximately one (1) week prior to the exam.
- Take the Written Exam. Test results are given by email only. If a passing score is attained, you are approved to attempt Performance Testing. You will be notified of the exam results within three (3) weeks after the date of the Written Exam.
Study materials are available to check out from UIP for a non-refundable deposit of $40. This deposit will be kept on file (for up to 5 years) as a credit for you to use toward future testing or workshops. The study materials must be returned to UIP at the time of your testing appointment before you will be permitted to test. To check the availability of study materials, contact Cindy Kummer (801.263.4874 or ckummer@utah.gov ).
Testing criteria for the Written Exam.
Take the Practice Test .
PERFORMANCE TEST
You must first pass the Written Exam before applying for the Performance Test. To apply, compete and submit the certification application at least three (3) weeks prior to the date of the Performance Test.
- Submit the appropriate test fee for the Performance Test at least three (3) weeks prior to the testing date. Late payments will not be accepted. You will be notified by email of your scheduled testing appointment approximately one (1) week prior to the test.
- Take the Performance Test. When the results have been compiled, you will be notified. The process of rating and compiling the results can take 12 to 16 weeks. Test results are given by email only.
Candidates who do not complete this part of the certification process must reapply for certification. This includes a new certification application and fee.
BEFORE attempting certification, the candidate must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have completed and submitted the certification application within the required time-line.
- Have no verified, unresolved citations, Code of Ethics violations, or other issues which may preclude working as a certified interpreter in Utah.
After you submit your application and payment, you can expect to receive a letter or email:
- approximately ONE (1) WEEK prior to your testing date confirming your testing date and time. Contact our office if you do not receive your confirmation letter. Be sure to read this letter thoroughly for instructions regarding your test.
- approximately 24 HOURS prior to your testing time outlining your testing topics (if you have registered for the Performance Testing portion of certification). Information will not be available before this time.
Additional testing information (testing schedule, practice Written Exam, Performance Test criteria, etc.) is available by clicking on the links on this page as well as those in the upper left of this page.
Please be aware of the time lines and calendar your dates. Contact our office with any questions only AFTER the dates noted above have passed.
To schedule the UIP Lab:
- Send an e-mail to UIP@utah.gov with possible times you want to use the lab. Be sure to include the purpose of your visit, such as filming, checking out a tape, etc.
- Request your appointment during the available lab hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Once your e-mail is received, you will be contacted and given an appointment time.
Download the UIP testing application .
For those taking the NOVICE LEVEL test:
Are you ready to take the Novice Level test? Do you feel unsure or nervous about the testing process?
UIP now offers a “mock” test for the Novice Level. Those interested in this opportunity may make an appointment and take the mock test. This will give you the experience of taking the Novice Level test without actually testing. All the steps of the testing process will be explained, and any question answered. You will use the lab, the testing room, and be given stimulus material for Spoken English-Sign, Sign-Spoken English, and Role Play. You will receive a video copy of your work to take with you.
Here are some comments we have received:
“I now feel I really understand the process of testing.”
“I feel like this will not be as difficult or scary as I thought it would be.”
“I never realized how many options I have in testing, and I really feel ready to test after doing this.”
“I wish everyone would do this. I think it would help them with the test.”
There is no charge for the mock test. If you are interested in making an appointment for this pre-testing practice, please send an e-mail to:
uip@utah.gov
Be sure to put “Mock Test” in the subject line.
PLEASE NOTE: You must pass the Written Exam before taking the Mock Test. The mock test is not a skills assessment, but is intended to help familiarize you with the testing procedure. No feedback is given.
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL Applicants: Those taking the Professional Level Test may choose to take the entire test on one day, or the ASL portion on Friday and the Transliteration portion on Saturday. Be sure to make a notation on your application.
Results from one test must be received before testing can be re-attempted at the same level. This will avoid candidates "over-testing" and over-paying for components they may have already passed in a previous testing, but have yet to receive results on.
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