Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question regarding the Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) offered by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, that is not listed below please fill out the on-line submit form.
QAST Frequently Asked Questions On-Line Submit Form
Questions That Already Have Been Submitted
- What is the history of the Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)?
- Who should take the test? Why?
- How do I apply to take the test?
- How is the test structured?
- How is the written test administered?
- How will I know if I passed the written test?
- What if I do not pass the written test?
- How do I know which level to attempt?
- Who reviews the performance test?
- How will I know what level I achieved?
- When may I apply for a new test or a re-test?
- Will my card be recognized elsewhere?
- I have a QAST question that was not listed here, who do I ask?
What is the history of the Mid-America
Quality
Assurance Screening Test (QAST)?
Answer -- The
Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) had it’s beginning
in the early 1980s. Many individuals who pioneered the field of
interpreting saw the need for a user friendly and affordable assessment
process.
Gallaudet University Regional Center at Johnson County College in Overland Park, Kansas, sponsored a stakeholders’ meeting. Soon after the meeting, a team of professionals gathered to create the Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test. The team had two main objectives:
- To develop a certification system that would test skills and ethics of interpreters, and
- To establish standards at various skill levels.
The finished product was shared with each state involved in the process: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
The QAST continues successfully under the guidance of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. QAST requires a successful completion of a written ethics-based test, which is a state-developed test.
Who should take the test? Why?
Answer -- The
QAST is intended for interpreters who plan to work professionally
within the State of Nebraska. Sign language students who wish to
assess their progress should not use the QAST as an assessment tool.
In Nebraska, most State and City/county agencies that employ interpreters
establish contract pay rates based on the interpreter’s verified
skill level. A QAST credential identifies you as a qualified professional.
How do I apply to take the test?
Answer -- You
must fill out and submit a test application, which can be obtained
through the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
website at http://www.ncdhh.ne.gov/qast.html.
You should then submit the application form with your fee and set
up a time to take the test. Testing is generally once a month in
both Lincoln and Omaha.
How is the test structured?
Answer -- The
system consists of two tests: the written, and the performance.
The performance is divided into two parts; one part demonstrates
the candidate’s interpreting skills (American Sign Language/Spoken
English), and the other part demonstrates the candidate’s
transliterating skills (Sign Coded English/Spoken English). You
will have to choose which level of performance you would like to
attempt I-III, or the IV-V.
How is the written test administered?
Answer -- Complete
the Written Exam Application, sign it, and submit it, along with
your payment, to the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing. The written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions
related to interpreting ethics and practices.
How will I know if I passed the written
test?
Answer -- NCDHH
staff will score the test immediately after you have completed the
test. You may wait at the test site or a staff member can call you
later with the results.
What if I do not pass the written test?
Answer -- You
must pass the written test before taking the performance test. You
are allowed three attempts to pass the written test before your
application for the performance test is denied. NCDHH staff will
work cooperatively with you to schedule additional opportunities
to take the written test. We strongly encourage all candidates to
complete appropriate coursework in interpreting ethics and practices
before attempting the test.
How do I know which level to attempt?
Answer -- Professional
interpreters must be able to realistically rate their own skill
level so they can accept appropriate assignments and decline assignments
for which they are not qualified. Please read the Functional Description
of QAST levels on our website at http://www.ncdhh.ne.gov/interp_level_funct_description.html
before determining, which level you would like to attempt.
Who reviews the performance test?
Answer -- Every
performance test will be reviewed by at least three trained evaluators,
at least one who is deaf. All evaluators have received appropriate
training and are drawn from the local community. The names of the
evaluators are confidential. Evaluators will excuse themselves if
they have any conflict of interest, personal relationship or if
for any other reason they cannot offer a fair and impartial evaluation.
How will I know what level I achieved?
Answer -- You
will be notified by letter, six to eight weeks after you take the
performance test. Each evaluator provides feedback that will be
helpful. Each candidate will receive a wallet-sized card listing
your name and level.
When may I apply for a new test or a
re-test?
Answer -- Generally,
candidates are asked to take some time to work on improving their
skills before re-testing. Everyone has had a bad day. If you scored
significantly below your actual ability, work with a qualified mentor
to polish any rough spots and then reapply. If you qualified at
a Level III on the Entry-level test and wish to attempt the advanced
test, you may reapply immediately.
Will my card be recognized elsewhere?
Answer -- The
Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) is designed
to address the needs of agencies, consumers, and interpreters in
the state of Nebraska. QAST screening scores may be recognized in
the surrounding mid-west states, but is not guaranteed.
I have a QAST question that was not listed
here, who
do I ask?
Answer -- You
may contact the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
(NCDHH), and/or the Nebraska Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Informational links are also included in this website. You may also
fill out the Frequently
Asked Questions On-Line Submit Form, someone from NCDHH will
respond to your question.