COURT INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which mode of interpretation is primarily used during witness testimony?
A. Sight translation
B. Simultaneous interpretation
C. Consecutive interpretation
D. Relay interpretation
Rationale: Consecutive interpretation allows the interpreter to render
testimony accurately after the speaker pauses, preserving completeness
and accuracy.
2. The main purpose of simultaneous interpretation in court is to:
A. Translate written documents
B. Allow a defendant to understand proceedings in real time
C. Clarify legal terminology
D. Summarize testimony
Rationale: Simultaneous interpretation ensures non-English speakers
follow courtroom proceedings as they occur.
3. Sight translation involves:
A. Listening and interpreting spoken language
B. Reading a written document aloud in another language
C. Summarizing testimony
D. Editing legal texts
, Rationale: Sight translation converts written text into oral speech in the
target language.
4. Which ethical principle requires interpreters to remain neutral?
A. Accuracy
B. Impartiality
C. Confidentiality
D. Competence
Rationale: Impartiality ensures interpreters do not take sides or influence
proceedings.
5. An interpreter must disclose a conflict of interest when:
A. They are unfamiliar with a legal term
B. They know a party personally
C. The judge asks for clarification
D. Proceedings are lengthy
Rationale: Personal relationships may compromise impartiality and must
be disclosed.
6. Confidentiality requires interpreters to:
A. Report errors publicly
B. Protect privileged information learned during proceedings
C. Explain court decisions
D. Offer legal advice
Rationale: Interpreters are bound to keep all non-public information
private.
7. What should an interpreter do if a speaker uses profanity?
A. Omit it
B. Soften the language
C. Interpret it accurately
D. Ask the judge to intervene
Rationale: Accuracy requires rendering all content faithfully, including
tone and register.
, 8. Register refers to:
A. Court records
B. Level of formality in language
C. Interpreter certification
D. Volume of speech
Rationale: Register reflects whether language is formal, informal, or
technical.
9. When an interpreter does not understand a term, they should:
A. Guess the meaning
B. Request clarification
C. Skip the term
D. Simplify it
Rationale: Accuracy requires clarification rather than assumptions.
10.False cognates are words that:
A. Are technical terms
B. Look similar but differ in meaning across languages
C. Are legal jargon
D. Are obsolete
Rationale: False cognates can cause serious interpretation errors.
11.The oath taken by court interpreters emphasizes:
A. Speed
B. Advocacy
C. Accuracy and completeness
D. Confidentiality only
Rationale: The oath binds interpreters to accurate, complete
interpretation.
12.Which skill is most critical for consecutive interpretation?
A. Reading speed
B. Memory retention
C. Typing ability
D. Voice projection
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which mode of interpretation is primarily used during witness testimony?
A. Sight translation
B. Simultaneous interpretation
C. Consecutive interpretation
D. Relay interpretation
Rationale: Consecutive interpretation allows the interpreter to render
testimony accurately after the speaker pauses, preserving completeness
and accuracy.
2. The main purpose of simultaneous interpretation in court is to:
A. Translate written documents
B. Allow a defendant to understand proceedings in real time
C. Clarify legal terminology
D. Summarize testimony
Rationale: Simultaneous interpretation ensures non-English speakers
follow courtroom proceedings as they occur.
3. Sight translation involves:
A. Listening and interpreting spoken language
B. Reading a written document aloud in another language
C. Summarizing testimony
D. Editing legal texts
, Rationale: Sight translation converts written text into oral speech in the
target language.
4. Which ethical principle requires interpreters to remain neutral?
A. Accuracy
B. Impartiality
C. Confidentiality
D. Competence
Rationale: Impartiality ensures interpreters do not take sides or influence
proceedings.
5. An interpreter must disclose a conflict of interest when:
A. They are unfamiliar with a legal term
B. They know a party personally
C. The judge asks for clarification
D. Proceedings are lengthy
Rationale: Personal relationships may compromise impartiality and must
be disclosed.
6. Confidentiality requires interpreters to:
A. Report errors publicly
B. Protect privileged information learned during proceedings
C. Explain court decisions
D. Offer legal advice
Rationale: Interpreters are bound to keep all non-public information
private.
7. What should an interpreter do if a speaker uses profanity?
A. Omit it
B. Soften the language
C. Interpret it accurately
D. Ask the judge to intervene
Rationale: Accuracy requires rendering all content faithfully, including
tone and register.
, 8. Register refers to:
A. Court records
B. Level of formality in language
C. Interpreter certification
D. Volume of speech
Rationale: Register reflects whether language is formal, informal, or
technical.
9. When an interpreter does not understand a term, they should:
A. Guess the meaning
B. Request clarification
C. Skip the term
D. Simplify it
Rationale: Accuracy requires clarification rather than assumptions.
10.False cognates are words that:
A. Are technical terms
B. Look similar but differ in meaning across languages
C. Are legal jargon
D. Are obsolete
Rationale: False cognates can cause serious interpretation errors.
11.The oath taken by court interpreters emphasizes:
A. Speed
B. Advocacy
C. Accuracy and completeness
D. Confidentiality only
Rationale: The oath binds interpreters to accurate, complete
interpretation.
12.Which skill is most critical for consecutive interpretation?
A. Reading speed
B. Memory retention
C. Typing ability
D. Voice projection
