CATIE Center

Frequently Asked Questions about Certification Testing


How do I schedule a test?

All test scheduling is done online. Please do not call to schedule a test.

  • You must have your confirmation letter from RID before scheduling a test.
  • Follow this link: Schedule a Test. You may only choose from test dates and times that appear on the calendar.
  • Watch for confirmation of your scheduled test via e-mail within one week. If you have questions, please respond to the e-mail.

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Which RID tests can I schedule at St. Catherine University?

All tests currently offered by RID can be scheduled at this site.

The most frequently scheduled tests are:

NIC – Version A: Performance portion of the National Interpreter Certification test
Please note that the version (A or B) of the NIC test that you are scheduled to take is on your confirmation letter from RID.

NIC – Version B: Performance portion of the National Interpreter Certification test
Please note that the version (A or B) of the NIC test that you are scheduled to take is on your confirmation letter from RID.

SC:L – Performance: Performance portion of the Legal Specialist Certificate test

SC:L – Written: Written portion of the Legal Specialist Certificate test

CDI – Performance: Performance portion of the Certified Deaf Interpreter test

CDI – Written: Written portion of the Certified Deaf Interpreter test

CI: Certificate of Interpretation - only until December 2008

CT: Certificate of Transliteration - only until December 2008

If you are interested in signing up for a test that is not listed above, please indicate this on your online registration form and specify which test you would like to take.

NOTE: We do not offer the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) or the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI). Find out more information on this test by visiting ASLTA's website.

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What if I just want to see what testing dates are available?

Click here to view our testing calendar.

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I don't see the test date that I want on the calendar.

All available test dates are posted. If you do not see a month on the calendar, you cannot schedule a test time in that month.

Testing dates are made available as follows:

  • The last week of January you may schedule dates from February through mid-May.
  • The last week of April you may schedule dates from June through August.
  • The last week of August you may schedule dates from September through mid-December.
Other factors limiting the availability of test dates:
  1. Availability of the local test administrators (LTAs). Our LTAs are interpreters, instructors and project managers, in addition to volunteering to proctor exams.
  2. The number of tests administered. We process the second highest number of tests for RID in the United States. People come to St. Catherine University for tests from across the country because of our flexibility and number of openings.
  3. The University is closed at various times during the year for holidays and breaks.
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I thought the scheduling was done on a “test on demand” basis?

"Test on demand” is meant to distinguish this process from the written tests, which are only offered in June and December.

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When will I get confirmation of my test date?
Due to the large volume of testing registration forms that we receive, please allow at least one week for your confirmation letter to be emailed to you. We appreciate your patience in this process.

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How can I get more information on RID testing, and the new NIC testing?

The best sources for the most current testing information are the RID Views and the RID website – www.rid.org.

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How can I prepare for the NIC Interview and Performance Test?

Practice materials for the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Interview and Performance Test are available from RID. We believe those materials will be extremely helpful to test takers. Visit the RID website for more information.

The new practice DVD allows you to experience the testing process, with timing, scenarios and formatting, for illustrative purposes, in formats as they are on the new test. You can also go to individual segments and concentrate on them.

Test takers should examine and pay close attention to the candidate bulletins and fully understand the test format and the rating criterion. Tasks are enumerated and include numerous knowledge and skill statements that illustrate exactly what the raters will look for. Additionally, there is an extensive list of materials relevant to the development of the test. Testers should be familiar with the material covered in the list. Testers who do not consider each of these areas fully seriously risk not doing well on the test.

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What if I have to cancel my test?

A scheduled test time is a serious commitment. There are a large number of test candidates and limited test times available. We strongly discourage canceling a test appointment once it has been made.

We understand that serious life circumstances or emergencies may occasionally require canceling and rescheduling a test appointment.

Our test cancellation policy: If a test candidate cancels a second test appointment in one year, we reserve the right to refuse another test appointment at our site.

If you must cancel your scheduled test, e-mail all parties on your confirmation e-mail, including the testing coordinators and the LTA. You may also call 651-690-6770. Leave a message and our testing coordinator will get back to you.

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About written tests...

St. Catherine University will offer written tests (NIC, CDI and SC:L if requested) on the first Saturday in June and the first Saturday in December. Interested candidates must apply for their preferred testing date by the appropriate deadline. For more information and application forms, visit the RID website.

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Where can I stay?

Visit the Hotel Accommodations page.

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What if...? When do I...? Where is...? and other questions not answered above.

If you are scheduling a test, you will receive a detailed confirmation letter via e-mail with information about parking, cancellation, directions to the campus, and hotel recommendations. Read this confirmation letter from us thoroughly before contacting us with questions!

If you have additional questions that are not answered in these FAQs, e-mail us or call 651-690-6770 v/tty.

Please do not call to schedule a test. All tests are scheduled through the online test scheduling option. Note that you may choose only from test dates and times that appear on the calendar.

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