Ø What a real Consortium performance examination looks like, including the “scoring units.” Practicing with the kit before taking an operational examination will give the individual an opportunity to take a practice examination and score it in much the same way that trained raters do for the actual examinations.

Ø The scoring methodology used by the Consortium to score oral examinations in a fair and consistent way. Purchasers will create their own scoring dictionaries and in the process, learn how to research words and phrases like the trained raters do and make decisions about what should be acceptable or not and why.

Ø What a passing performance is really like.  A certified interpreter took the practice examination as a favor to the Committee and staff recorded that performance.  Listening to the passing performance will give the purchaser a feel for what actual raters will do when one takes an operational examination.

Ø Self-assessment of one’s own level of skill and readiness to take a Consortium exam. The purchaser will have the opportunity to take the practice examination in a way that closely replicates the actual test environment and to fairly and objectively assess his or her current level of skill. Candidates should be able to recognize strengths, identify weaknesses, and learn what additional training or practice is needed to improve performance.

If one completes all of the assignments in a step-by-step manner and in the order provided, users should gain a better understanding of what a real exam is like. More importantly, users should gain a more realistic view of their own level of performance.