Background:  On January 1, 2016, the Certified Deaf Interpreter Performance (CDI-P) Exam was placed under moratorium by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. The Certified Deaf Interpreter Knowledge (CDI-K) Exam continued to be administered by RID. In July 2016, RID formed the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI, LLC) for the purpose of administering the certification exams for RID and developing the new iteration of the interpreting knowledge and performance assessment exams for RID Certification. CASLI is in the process of developing the new interpreter exams and is expecting to complete and release the new knowledge and performance exams for interpreters by about January 1, 2020.

CDI Exams – present v. new: Upon receiving the results of the Deaf Interpreter Job Task Analysis and the exam specifications for the new knowledge and performance exams, CASLI consulted with our contracted psychometrician, the Caviart Group, LLC, to create a transition plan for candidates who have taken and passed the current CDI-Knowledge but are unable to complete their certification process due to the CDI-P no longer being offered. Caviart made their recommendations, and from these recommendations, the Board of Managers of CASLI, LLC, created an exam transition plan for CDI candidates.

The Caviart Group, LCC, reports that the content from the current CDI-K exam satisfies the test specifications for the new exams, however, there are some gaps in information between the present CDI-K and the new knowledge exam. To remedy this and maintain the validity of the certification exams, CASLI will create a short mandatory “gap test” that will satisfy the Knowledge/Skills and Abilities (KSAs) expected of certified Deaf interpreters between the two exams so that the present CDI-K Exam and the new Deaf Interpreter Performance exam seamlessly complement each other. This measure will allow CDI candidates who have passed their CDI-K (knowledge exam) a path to certification.

Testing Cycle: Out of fairness to CDI candidates and due to the current lack of an available performance exam, the cycle for the current CDI-K to new performance exam will be extended from five (5) years to seven (7) years. If a CDI candidate took and passed their CDI-K more than seven (7) years prior to the release of the new interpreter exams, their test cycle will be considered “expired”. However, the CASLI Board has taken additional consideration and offers an option for those who took and passed their CDI-K exams more than seven (7) years prior to the release of the new exams to obtain RID’s Provisional Deaf Interpreting Credential (PDIC) in order to qualify for the mandatory “gap” test.

Transition Plan:

  • Candidates who take and pass the new knowledge exam will qualify to take the new performance exam.
  • Candidates who passed the CDI-K exam AFTER 1/1/2013 must take and pass the mandatory “gap test” to qualify to take the new performance exam.
  • Candidates who passed the CDI-K exam PRIOR to 1/1/2013 and have obtained PDIC must take and pass the mandatory “gap test” to qualify to take the new performance exam.
  • Candidates who passed the CDI-K exam PRIOR to 1/1/2013 and have NOT obtained PDIC must take the new knowledge exam and then the new performance exam.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will the mandatory “gap test” cost?

A: It will be offered for free.

Q: How will the mandatory “gap test” be administered?

A: CASLI is still in the process of developing the new certification exams. The mandatory “gap test” will be developed and released concurrently with the new knowledge exam.

Q: What information will be included on that “gap test”?

A: The gap in KSAs from the new knowledge exam versus the present CDI-K exam includes:

  • Collaborating with interpreters who work with spoken languages other than English
  • Mandated Reporting Laws
  • Knowledge of safety protocols (e.g. OSHA) and identifying appropriate protective gear that does not impeded communication (e.g. face shields v. surgical masks).

Q: What if I took and passed my CDI-K, but I want to take the new knowledge exam, will I have to take the mandatory “gap test”?

A: No. You have an option of either taking the “gap test” and then going on to the new performance exam, OR you may opt take the new knowledge exam. It’s up to you which option you choose.

Q: If I already passed the CDI-K and I choose to take the new knowledge exam, will I qualify for a discount?

A: No. Since this is optional, no discount will be offered for this.

Q: What if I passed the CDI-K but now my test cycle is expired. Will I qualify for a discount?

A: No. If you obtain the PDIC, you will qualify for the mandatory “gap test” and the new performance exam. If you do not obtain the PDIC, you will be required to take the new knowledge test at full price.

Q: Where can I learn more about the PDIC?

A: Visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf’s website at RID.org, or contact the RID Certification Department by emailing Certification@rid.org  or calling 703-838-0030, extension 203 or 204.

 

PDF Version of the Exam Transition Plan for Certified Deaf Interpreter Candidates