Functional Descriptions of Interpreter Levels
- Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
- Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)
QAST means Mid-America Quality Assurance
Screening Test, a regional sign language interpreting and transliterating
assessment tool. Interpreters can receive a Level I through a Level
V rating:
- Level I is the Entry beginner’s
level for the candidate.
Interpreters with a Level I can be used in one-on-one situations
where communication can be interrupted easily for clarification
and situations where there will be limited voicing required. Interpreters
with a Level I should not be used in the following situations:
legal, mental health, educational, platform, serious medical or
critical situations of any nature.
- Level II is an Intermediate beginner’s
level. Interpreters
with a Level II can be used in one-on-one situations where communication
can be interrupted occasionally for clarification, situations
where there will be limited voicing and limited platform interpreting
required. A Level II interpreter can also be used in limited group
sessions/workshops where communication can be interrupted easily
for clarification. Interpreters with a Level II should not be
used in the following situations: legal, mental health, educational,
serious medical or critical situations of any nature.
- Level III is an Advanced beginner’s
level. Interpreters with a Level III can be used in most one-on-one situations,
most group sessions, or most workshops with limited voicing required.
Interpreters with a Level III should not be used in the following
situations: legal, mental health, serious medical or critical
situations of any nature.
- Level IV is a Qualified level. Interpreters with a Level IV can function well as an interpreter
or transliterator. Interpreters with a Level IV should not be
used in the following situations: civil or criminal court cases
or extensive mental health therapy.
- Level V is an Accomplished level. No restrictions are indicated for an interpreter with a Level V.