NIC written test.

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Permalink Reply by Anya Christina Smith on June 25, 2009 at 6:02am

I am preparing to take the NIC Written for the first time. Colleagues have suggested that Patrie's "So You Want to be an Interpreter?", and "Reading Between the Signs", (a book that I have checked out from the library) to be excellent resources. I wish you the best of luck! This is a tough and demanding time.

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Permalink Reply by Terp4Jesus on July 17, 2009 at 8:15am

I just took the exam and was 7 points shy from passing:(

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Permalink Reply by Emily on July 22, 2009 at 3:55pm

Have you read the recommended materials? Since you know the kind of questions that are on the exam now, you know which of the recommended materials to study - especially since you should have your results to base it off of.

I read or reviewed most of the recommended materials and had no problem passing.

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Permalink Reply by Terp4Jesus on July 29, 2009 at 8:33am

I did order the kit from RID. Is there any other sources? I also, have my books from school, such as the American Sign Language Linguistic book (ASL structure), Green book; American Sign Language Teacher's Resource text on grammar and culture, and other various handouts from workshops related to NIC. I was 7 points shy, my lowest score says, task#9 A Task 9A
Use ASL proficiently within expressive interpreting tasks, including choice of sign
vocabulary, use of sign modification to show variation in meaning and grammatical
function, and appropriate use of space, facial expression, and body movement. Knowledge of:
1. Phonemic structure
2. Morphologic structure (e.g., semantics)
3. Syntax
4. Functional pragmatics (e.g., how settings alter the pragmatic function and form of
discourse)
5. Volume of lexicon (size of lexicon)
6. Role and function of fingerspelling7. Sentence boundaries
8. Linguistic structure and principles of English, American Sign Language (and other
languages) used during the interpretation
9. Appropriate sign choice
Skill in:
1. Using appropriate registers
2. Sign articulation (phonologic parameters)
3. Fingerspelling and numerical incorporation
4. ASL derivational (morphologic) marking (verb/noun)
5. Appropriate use of non-manual markers (e.g., grammatical, adverbial/adjectival)
6. Using signing space (e.g., referencing, size related to audience, verb agreement)
7. Using the classifier system
8. Using fingerspelling
9. Incorporating affect
10. Using discourse boundaries (phrasing)
11. Using inflective morphology (nuances of meaning)
12. Recognizing sentence boundaries
13. Inflection/intonation
14. Explaining to all parties, if communication breaks down due to language, why the
breakdown occurred
15. Articulating the linguistic structure and principles of English, American Sign Language
(and other languages) used during interpretation
16. Selecting sign vocabulary precisely
17. Modulation of signs depending on meaning
18. Using space appropriately
19. Use of fluid expression
20. Appropriate mouthing for English lexicalization
21. Integrating the consumer’s lexical preference for terminology when expressed. (RID.org) my source

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer M. Wheeler on August 12, 2009 at 3:36am

So, how does that work...if you don't pass, do you have to pay the price again? Or does the cost include a re-test?

Also, I bought from RID the written study guide. How accurate is the representation of questions from the actual test? I took the test in the study guide and got an 82% average. Is that good enough to pass the actual test (in your opinion)?

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Permalink Reply by Terp4Jesus on August 14, 2009 at 5:04pm

I would HIGHLY recommend the practice test as good source to study from. I was 7 points shy, the low score was in the task 9 as I posted above this thread.

As for the retake price, its $190 for the computer version and $125 pen and pencil , please make sure the pen and pencil version is offered in your area if you decide that route.

I need to wait 3 months from the time I took the exam to retake, I still have to review and study. I wish you the best in taking the test Jennifer.

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Permalink Reply by Beth Barry on August 30, 2009 at 4:35pm

There are some online review courses through, I think, the Do-It Center in Colorado and The Leadership Institute(founded by Amie Seiberlich). There are also some people who do individual tutoring. I live in Camarillo, CA and will tutor people in this area, either for a fee, or for trade.

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Permalink Reply by Adam on February 12, 2010 at 2:57pm

go to www.studystack.com . Upper righthand corner type in NIC. There is various tools to assist you. Mind you, it's not comprehensive, but it will help.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda Kennon on March 24, 2010 at 9:55am

Gallaudet University also offers a week long NIC written prep course, taught by Carol Tipton. The following week the interview/ performance class is offered. I did not take the NIC written prep course, but I thought the interview/ performance class was fantastic.

There are also some workshops focused on the NIC written- trying searching NIC on the workshop page of the RID website.

If you know other people who want to take the test, maybe you could set-up a study group. A lot of libraries will allow you to reserve a room at no charge for free events that are opened to the public. RID's recommended reading list is a tad intimidating, but if you had a study group, then different people can focus on different texts and share the highlights with the group.

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