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Sign Language

What is QAST

The Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) is a state assessment administered by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Over the past four years, the Nebraska Quality Assurance Screening Test has undergone extensive review. The evaluation system was revised to reflect a more comprehensive assessment of interpreter skills:

  1. Improve inter-rater reliability among evaluators, and
  2. Provide meaningful feedback and recommendations for interpreters. The Commission in April 2002 adopted the revised QAST. Evaluators received training in ASL linguistics as well as intensive training on the new system.
  3. Effective August 1, 2003, an outside business conducts the diagnostic review of QAST candidate’s performance evaluation production tape.

Evaluators assess four major areas in the sign to voice (ASL/MCE to spoken English) and voice to sign (spoken English to ASL/MCE) portion of the QAST Candidate’s Performance Evaluation Videotape. Those areas are:

  1. Language Production - Evaluates the following features: Articulation, Rhythm and Rate, and Vocabulary.
  2. Message Production - Evaluates the following features: Grammar/Syntax, Structuring Space, Cohesion/Transitions, and Non-Manual Features.
  3. Message Equivalency - Evaluates the following features: Intent Conveyed, Speaker’s Affect, and Register.
  4. Professionalism/Demeanor - Evaluates the following features: Composure, Attire, and Appropriate mannerisms.

There are two teams that evaluate a candidate’s performance evaluation. The teams consist of three members. The one team evaluates the Voice to Sign portion and consists of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Evaluators. The other team evaluates the Sign to Voice portion and consists of Sign Language Interpreters.

The cost of taking the Quality Assurance Screening Test (effective 8/1/03) is the following:

  • QAST Written Exam -- $25.00
  • QAST Level 1-3 Transliterating Portion -- $170.00
  • QAST Level 1-3 Interpreting Portion -- $170.00
  • QAST Level 4-5 Transliterating Portion -- $170.00
  • QAST Level 4-5 Interpreting Portion -- $170.00