Placement Testing

Interpreter Training Program (ITP) Placement Test

Purpose

This test is designed to evaluate the skills of individuals who are applying for entrance into Seattle Central’s Interpreter Training Program (ITP).

It is expected that that students entering the ITP will have completed 2 years of formal American Sign Language (ASL) instruction equivalent to 30 quarter credits at the college level,

OR

have acquired an equivalent level of skill and knowledge of ASL by other means.

This test will assist faculty in advising applicants as to whether they are ready to enter the ITP. Questions may be directed to the Health and Human Services Division office at: (206) 344-4347.

Where and When Can I Take This Test?

This test is given on Mondays (8am-7:30pm) and Fridays (8am-4:30pm) in the Seattle Central Testing Office, Room 1106. (During the summer, this changes to Mondays and Thursdays.)

Testing is walk-in, and first-come, first-served. There are no appointments.

There is no specific time limit on the test, but you should plan on taking about 90 minutes.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Test?

You will need to bring:

  • Photo ID.
  • $15.00 exact change cash or a check made out to “SCCC.”
  • A blank VHS videotape with label.
  • Blank notebook paper.

What is the test like?

Part I assesses an applicant’s understanding of ASL, or receptive skills. You will be shown 3 different short discourses on video in ASL, and asked to write a translation of one of them.

Part II evaluates the applicant’s skill in organizing and expressing information in ASL, or expressive skills. First, you will be asked to videotape yourself signing a brief introduction about your goals. Second, you will watch a short video clip of an action sequence, and videotape yourself signing a 3-minute description of the scene./p>

You will be given time to practice and review the tape more than once.

What Happens After the Test?

You will label your tape with your name and contact information, and sign a statement certifying that you have received no outside assistance with this test. The Testing Office will then send the tape to the Division of Health and Human Services for grading.

You will be contacted by the department regarding your results and placement, and to return your tape.