Wisconsin Interpreting and
Transliterating Assessment
The WITA is a skill verification assessment process.
All portions of the WITA assessment are designed to evaluate expressive and
receptive skills in a variety of situations.
In addition, the candidates are asked to make a distinction between
their interpreting and transliterating skills.
What does the testing process look like?
Prior to July 1, 2008 candidates were required to have taken and passed
the WITA written examination in order to qualify for the performance
assessment. Currently candidates must show proof of having passed the
National Interpreter Certification or NIC Knowledge exam within the 5 year
grace period allotted through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
The performance assessment includes orientation in
three segments in both interpreting and transliterating.
One segment will be voice to sign, the second segment is an
interactive process and the third segment is sign to voice.
After a voluntary one hour warm-up period, the actual WITA assessment
will take about one hour (a voluntary 10-minute break is allowed between the
interpreting and transliterating segments).
Subjects are tested on overall concept of the message conveyed.
Each assessment will be videotaped. The ratings are then determined and
calculated by four trained evaluators, two of whom are deaf and two are
hearing.
How is the assessment rated?
As of July 1, 2006 there are two ratings or levels in which candidates
may or may not qualify for. The levels are numerical being that candidates
will score a 1 or a 2, with one being the highest. The ratings are separate
in that a candidate will receive a rating for their interpreting and
transliterating assessments. For example a candidate may score a 2 in
interpreting, but a 1 in transliterating so that their rating would be an
I2/T1.
Level 1 Interpreters and/or Transliterators:
Demonstrate the ability to interpret/transliterate so as to convey the
content of the message. An interpreter with this rating could function
adequately in most situations, but are not recommended to be used in any
legal settings, mental health or medical situations.
Level 2 Interpreters and/or Transliterators:
Demonstrate an ability to interpret or transliterate a significant portion
of the message clearly. May not demonstrate the proficiency in some skills
demonstrated by Level I Interpreters/Transliterators, but could function
expressively and receptively in many situations, but are not recommended to
be used in any legal settings, mental health, medical, educational or
serious or critical situations of any nature.
How much do candidates pay to take this assessment?
Cost to candidates is $150.00 for the performance assessment. Payment
for the assessment must be in the form of a money order or cashiers check as
personal checks or cash cannot be accepted.
Is there any financial assistance available for
individuals who cannot afford to take the assessment?
ODHH offers five scholarships for the WITA performance
test each year. One scholarship is awarded to an interested candidate from
each region. To be considered for a scholarship, send a letter of interest
to the Director by October 31. The scholarships will be awarded for use in
the following year.
As a person who hires interpreters what do I need to
know about the WITA and interpreters with WITA verification?
The Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing strongly
encourages all interpreters and consumers of interpreting services use
discretion when using an interpreter with WITA verification. Interpreters
with WITA verification should not be used in legal, mental health, medical
situations, or any situation critical in nature. When selecting an
interpreter please keep in mind the consumer’s preference of an
interpreter as well as the interpreter’s familiarity and skill in various
subject matters.
Levels issued by ODHH state that the candidate has
passed a valid examination assuring the candidate’s knowledge of the RID
Code of Professional Conduct or code of ethics, as well as their knowledge
of professional practices.
Please contact Bette
Mentz-Powell for additional information. Her phone number is
608-319-1249.
Additional Resources
Last
Revised: October 11, 2011
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