Spanish Community Interpreting Language and Skills Test

The Language and Skills Test (LST) is required for applicants to the Professional Certificate in Spanish Community Interpreting.

Test Details

This test is designed to assess the current and authentic written and oral fluency level of the applicant’s working languages. Please note  we do not provide sample tests.

You will receive access to the LST within five business days after you have completed the online application and paid the application fee for your certificate program. Please make sure you have a strong Internet connection when you take this online test. You will also need a working microphone and know how to type special characters on your keyboard.

Test Structure

The LST should take between two and three hours to complete. Each item on the test is timed, and you will see a timer. When the allotted time ends, you will be automatically moved to the next item on the test. There are two breaks built into the test. During these breaks, you can log out of the test and log back in whenever you are ready to proceed.

Part One

Focuses on your reading and listening comprehension skills in Spanish and English.

Part Two 

Focuses on your ability to paraphrase/retell—both orally and in writing—within each of your languages. You will also be asked in this section to write a brief essay in each of your languages and give a brief oral commentary. The topics are general enough to require no outside support, references, or materials, and we request that you do NOT refer to outside materials. Since each item is timed, it is important that you optimize this time to respond to the best of your ability. You will be unable to copy and paste into the test.

Part Three

Focuses on your ability to paraphrase/retell—both orally and in writing—between each of your languages, from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish.

Feedback

We do not provide individual feedback on the test. If your test indicates that your skills are not currently at the level required to be admitted to the Spanish Community Interpreting certificate program, we encourage you to continue working on your language skills and re-apply in a future year.