Reminder for candidates
You must first sit and pass the Certified Specialist Health Interpreter (CSHI) Knowledge Test before being eligible to sit the Interpreting Test.
Equipment & system requirements
Please read the specifications carefully below.
Equipment and system requirements
You will need the following to sit this test:
| Laptop or computer with the following: |
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| Phone or tablet (in addition to the laptop or computer): |
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| Internet connection: |
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It is your responsibility to make sure your equipment is suitable and will function for the entire test. We recommend that your electronic devices be connected to a power source for the duration of your test. Note that small screens (such as laptop screens) may make it harder for you to see everything clearly.
Preparing for test day
The Certified Specialist Health Interpreter Interpreting Test is delivered online via NAATI’s testing platform, Televic. NAATI uses an online proctoring program called ProctorExam to make sure all tests are valid and are sat by the correct person.
Make sure you have the right equipment (see section: ‘Equipment & system requirements’ above).
Candidates with test sessions will receive an email approximately one week before the test day from ProctorExam with a link to the online platform and instructions on how to set up for your test.
When you click the link, you will be prompted to complete a system check. The system check must be completed using the same setup as you will use on your test day (i.e. same computer, phone, headphones, location, internet connection).
If you have not received this email from ProctorExam, check your spam/junk folder. If it is not there, please email us at onlinetesting@naati.com.au so that we can follow up for you.
Watch the below video for instructions. Please note: This video refers to the use of headphones. This refers to the Interpreting Test only. Headphones are not allowed in the Knowledge Test.
Sample materials and test preparation
NAATI has developed a preparation module to help you get ready for your test and familiarise yourself with the format. The module is available through NAATI Learn and anyone can access it for free.
The module provides you with:
- Access to the NAATI testing platforms for the Knowledge and Interpreting Tests.
- Practice materials.
To access the preparation module, click here. You don’t need to create an account. Just select the CSHI Preparation Module from the dashboard.
These materials are © National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (2023)and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of NAATI.
Identity document
You must have a photo identity document (passport or Australian driver’s licence) ready when you begin your test. Click here to learn more about identity verification.
Resources
You are not allowed to use any resources or refer to any references during the test, except those provided through the testing platform during the test.
Paper and pen
You may have loose sheets of paper and a pen ready for taking notes if needed.
Food and water
You may wish to have food or water available for the test session as long as it does not interfere with your test performance.
During the test NAATI will provide:
- Full support for NAATI testing platforms including live chat with a NAATI staff member during the test or you can email onlinetesting@naati.com.au
NAATI will not provide:
- Technical support should you experience issues with your equipment
- Technical equipment, including laptop/tablet, mouse, adaptors and power cords/connectors
- Internet access for candidates
- Resource materials
You must observe these conditions. If you do not, NAATI may cancel your test or not issue your test result. In this case, you will not receive a refund of your test fee.
Leaving the test environment
Leaving the test environment during a test session is not allowed.
In exceptional circumstances, you may request a 5-minute bathroom break during your test. This must be requested via the live chat before leaving the room.
Behaviour on test day
You are expected to be courteous and respectful towards NAATI staff. You cannot communicate with other external parties (e.g. via chat) on the test day once your test has started.
Test materials
The test materials are provided through the online testing platform. Access to the test will require downloading of the ProctorExam extension for Google Chrome, which is available for free. Links will be provided as part of your joining instructions.
Use of electronic devices
You are only allowed to use the following electronic devices during your test:
- One laptop or computer on which you will access the test and input your responses within the test platform
- One mobile phone or tablet which will be used as a second camera.
You are not allowed to access the internet apart from taking the test, or use any electronic devices apart from those used in taking the test. You must not use any communication and recording functions of devices used for your test during the test session.
No machine translation or use of artificial intelligence is allowed.
Confidentiality
All test materials are the property of NAATI. You are not permitted to make or record copies (paper or electronic) of any test material or reproduce the test or communicate the test content to a third party.
Any attempt to copy the test material will also result in disciplinary action being taken, which may involve the test being invalidated and a ban from any future NAATI test.
You will follow instructions received via email to begin your test on NAATI’s online testing platform. Please ensure you use the same equipment as you used to complete your system check.
Please note: This video refers to the use of headphones. This refers to the Interpreting Test only. Headphones are not allowed in the Knowledge Test.
The test must be completed in a location that is free of distractions, background noise and other people. The test location will be checked at the start of the test.
You will need to provide proof of your identity by showing your identity document (passport or Australian driver’s licence) to the camera when asked, prior to beginning your test.
The test will be audio and video-recorded for identity verification, assessment and auditing purposes.
Assessment & results
Assessment
Knowledge Test
All questions in the Knowledge Test are automatically marked by the testing platform. There is a total of 120 marks available, divided across 60 questions in four parts.
The question types in the Knowledge Test are weighted differently.
- Multiple choice questions in Part 1 are worth one mark each.
- Match and drag and drop questions in Part 2 are worth four marks each.
- Short answer questions in Part 3 are worth two marks each.
- In Part 4, there is a mix of these question types which may carry a different weighting. The mark for each question will be specified in the question.
- It is possible to gain partial marks for all question types.
Candidates will receive overall scores for each part of the test, as well as a total score. You must gain an overall score of 70% to pass the test.
Interpreting Test
To sit the Interpreting Test, you must have already passed the Knowledge Test.
At least 2 NAATI examiners will independently assess your performance in the test. They will assess each task separately, using assessment rubrics with 5 bands (with Band 1 representing the highest level of performance and Band 5 the lowest). Your task performance will be marked against each criterion, as outlined below.
For the Consecutive Interpreting – Monologue and Simultaneous Interpreting – Monolingual Exchange tasks, NAATI examiners will assess your:
- Transfer competency: Meaning transfer skill, Application of interpreting mode, and Rhetorical skill; and
- Language competency: Language proficiency enabling meaning transfer into the target language; and
- Thematic competency: Subject matter specific knowledge
For the Simultaneous Interpreting – Mental Health Monologue into English task, NAATI examiners will assess your:
- Transfer competency: Meaning transfer skill, Application of interpreting modes and Rhetorical skill; and
- Language competency: Language proficiency enabling meaning transfer into the target language
Refer to our language policy to understand how the examiners will assess your use of language in the test.
You need to achieve at least Band 2 for each criterion, and you must pass all the interpreting tasks to pass the test.
Results & receiving your credential
NAATI aims to issue results from Knowledge Tests within 4-6 weeks of the test date, and for Interpreting Tests within 8-10 weeks of the test date. We will issue results as they are finalised, so some candidates will receive their results earlier than others even if they sit the test on the same day.
You must pass the Knowledge Test to be eligible to sit the Interpreting Test. Knowledge Test results are valid for 3 years after the date you passed your test to allow you time to re-sit the Interpreting Test if needed.
If you pass the Interpreting Test, we will issue your Certified Specialist Health Interpreter credential.
Supplementary testing
A supplementary test is not available for the Knowledge Test.
Interpreting Test
You must attempt all tasks and pass at least three interpreting tasks to be eligible to apply for a supplementary test. You must apply for the supplementary test from your myNAATI account within 30 days of receiving your test results. The supplementary test will involve re-sitting only the failed task.
If you pass the supplementary test, NAATI will award you the Certified Specialist Health Interpreter credential. If you fail the supplementary test, this means you have failed the test. You can apply for another Certified Specialist Health Interpreter test with NAATI if you want to sit the test again.
Knowledge test
Test overview
The Certified Specialist Health Interpreter Knowledge Test assesses your broad medical interpreting knowledge which is necessary to work across a wide range of medical specialties.
The test is delivered online and is comprised of 60 questions of different types divided into four parts. The test will be in English and you should answer all questions in English.
The Knowledge Test assesses candidate’s knowledge in the following domains and topics:
- Medical terminology and general medical knowledge
- Knowledge of the Australian health system and processes
- Ethics, culture and the role of the interpreter in the health context
- Advanced interactional management
- Research and preparation
There will be at least one question on interpreting in the field of speech pathology.
You will have 2.5 hours to complete the test. You will have an extra 15 minutes to set up your device and read the initial instructions.
The start time is flexible. You may start your test at any point within two hours of the start time listed in your confirmation email (later only; you may not start earlier than the start time).
Once your test starts, the Knowledge Test must be completed within the 2.5 hours. You will not receive additional time for reading or toilet breaks.
Your answers will automatically save and once you have completed the test you will submit it for marking through the portal. You will need to click ‘Finish’ at the end of the test, before also clicking ProctorExam’s ‘Finish exam’ button.
The test will be audio and video-recorded for identity verification, assessment and auditing purposes.
On your test day, NAATI’s Digital Testing team will be available via live chat during your test to assist with any technical issues or you can get help by emailing onlinetesting@naati.com.au.
Sitting the test
The Knowledge Test is an online test consisting of 60 questions (a selection of multiple choice, match, drag and dropand short answer questions).
The test is made up of four parts:
- Part 1: Multiple choice (38 questions)
- Part 2: Match or Drag and Drop (10 questions)
- Part 3: Short answer (6 questions)
- Part 4: Scenario (6 questions with a mix of multiple choice, match, drag and drop and short answer)
The Knowledge Test does not require a deep knowledge of particular medical sub-fields, but rather is intended to test the broad medical interpreting knowledge necessary to be able to work across a wide range of medical specialities. These questions come from a range of sub-domains, and will include questions on:
- General medical knowledge and medical terminology such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Knowledge of the Australian health system and processes
- Ethics and culture
- AUSIT Code of ethics
- Guide for Clinicians Working with Interpreters in Healthcare Settings (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership)
- Mental Health Interpreting Guidelines for Interpreters (Language Loop VITS/Monash University)
- The role of the interpreter in the health context
- The role of health professionals
- How an interpreter’s role interacts with health professionals
- Advanced interactional management
- Interpreting for adults and children
- Interpreting for multiple interlocuters
- Conflict management
- Advanced Research Skills
- Preparation for an interpreting assignment
- Knowledge of available resources
If you experience any difficulties moving through the test, you can contact the NAATI Digital Testing team via live chat. You cannot ask for any clarifications regarding the test content.
Your answers must be entered within the online testing platform, and you are not allowed to use any other software. Your answers will automatically save and once you have completed the test you will submit it for marking through the portal. You will need to click ‘Finish’ for the test first, before also clicking ProctorExam’s ‘Finish exam’ button.
You are not allowed to use any resources or refer to any references during the test.
Downloads
Interpreting test
Test overview
The Interpreting Test component of the Certified Specialist Health Interpreter Test consists of four interpreting tasks:
- One Consecutive Interpreting (English into LOTE) – Monologue task
- One Consecutive Interpreting (LOTE into English) – Monologue task
- One Simultaneous Interpreting (English into LOTE) – Monolingual exchange task
- One Simultaneous Interpreting (LOTE into English) – Mental Health Monologue task
Each Certified Specialist Health Interpreter Interpreting test is bidirectional i.e. there are tasks into both English and LOTE; however, each task is in a single language direction.
The start time is flexible. You may start the test at any point within 2 hours of the start time listed in your confirmation email (later only; you may not start earlier).
You will have 15 minutes to set up your device and read the initial instructions. Once your test starts you must complete it within 1 hour. Each interpreting task should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
The test will be audio and video-recorded for identity verification, assessment and auditing purposes.
On your test day, NAATI’s Digital Testing team will be available via live chat during your test to assist with any technical issues or you can get help by emailing onlinetesting@naati.com.au.
Sitting the test
For the consecutive interpreting monologue task, you will use consecutive mode to interpret a 3-part monologue from English into LOTE delivered from an audio recording. The monologue is about 500 words long, and each segment will be no more than 200 words.
One week prior to the test you will receive the interpreting brief for the consecutive monologue task so that you can prepare. Twenty-four (24) hours before the test you will receive a Patient Summary Sheet with details on the patient’s condition and other relevant information. On the day of your test, you will not have any preparation time for this task.
Before the task begins, the interpreting brief will be played. The monologue that you need to interpret will begin on the next page. The Patient Summary Sheet will be displayed on the screen, and you will begin interpreting no more than 5 to 10 seconds after each of the three segments has been played. You will hear a chime sound indicating that you can start interpreting. You cannot ask for any clarifications, repeats or pauses of the recording.
You are required to complete interpreting all three segments within 15 minutes after the monologue begins.
For the consecutive interpreting monologue task, you will use consecutive mode to interpret a 3-part monologue from LOTE into English delivered from an audio recording. The monologue is about 500 words (English equivalent) long, and each segment will be no more than 200 words.
One week prior to the test you will receive the interpreting brief for the consecutive monologue task so that you can prepare. On the day of your test, you will not have any preparation time for this task.
Before the task begins, the interpreting brief will be played. The monologue that you need to interpret will begin on the next page. You will begin interpreting no more than 5 to 10 seconds after each of the three segments has been played. You will hear a chime sound indicating that you can start interpreting. You cannot ask for any clarifications, repeats or pauses of the recording.
You are required to complete interpreting all three segments within 15 minutes after the monologue begins.
For the simultaneous interpreting monolingual exchange task, you will use simultaneous (chuchotage) mode to interpret an exchange between three English speakers into LOTE for a third party. The exchange will be delivered from an audio recording. You do not need to whisper. The exchange is about 800 words long.
One week prior to the test you will receive the interpreting brief for the simultaneous monolingual exchange task so that you can prepare. On the day of your test, you will not have any preparation time for this task.
Before the task begins, the interpreting brief will be played. The monolingual exchange that you need to interpret will begin on the next page. You will begin interpreting as soon as possible after the monologue begins and continue to interpret for the duration of the monologue. You cannot ask for any clarifications, repeats or pauses of the recording.
You are required to complete interpreting within 30 seconds after the end of the monolingual exchange.
For the simultaneous interpreting mental health monologue task, you will use simultaneous (chuchotage) mode to interpret a monologue of disjointed speech in the mental health domain (e.g. schizophrenia) from LOTE into English delivered from a recording. You do not need to whisper. The monologue is about 300 words (English equivalent) long.
One week prior to the test you will receive the interpreting brief for the simultaneous monologue so that you can prepare. On the day of your test, you will not have any preparation time for this task.
Before the task begins, the interpreting brief will be played. The monologue that you need to interpret will begin on the next page. You will begin interpreting as soon as possible after the monologue begins and continue to interpret for the duration of the monologue. You cannot ask for any clarifications, repeats or pauses of the recording.
You are required to complete interpreting within 30 seconds after the end of the monologue.
