CASLI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CASLI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What cognitive process allows consecutive interpreters to hold source language content in memory while simultaneously planning the target language output? → Working memory, including both storage and processing components
2. Which of the following best illustrates 'register' in a signed language interpretation context? → The level of formality and style of language used appropriate to the setting
3. Which situation would most likely require an interpreter to lengthen their ear-voice span during a simultaneous task? → Interpreting a sentence with a verb-final structure that changes meaning at the end
4. When interpreting a spoken-English lecture into ASL, the interpreter uses ASL spatial grammar to show relationships between concepts. This practice is called: → Semantic restructuring using ASL linguistics
5. When Deaf community members reference 'oralism' negatively, they are typically referring to: → Historically enforced educational policies that banned signed languages in favor of speech
6. Deaf-Blind interpreting in a legal context most often involves: → Tactile ASL or pro-tactile communication delivered through touch
7. Why is facial expression important in ASL? → To convey tone and structure
8. Prosody in ASL is conveyed primarily through: → Pausing, movement holds, and non-manual signals
9. Which researcher is credited with first applying linguistic analysis to ASL and demonstrating it is a true natural language? → William Stokoe
10. An interpreter discovers mid-proceeding that they have a prior professional relationship with one of the expert witnesses. The interpreter should: → Immediately disclose the relationship to all parties and the court
11. Which behavior best demonstrates an interpreter's commitment to ongoing professional development as an ethical obligation? → Attending CEUs, workshops, and seeking mentorship to improve skills
12. An interpreter realizes mid-assignment that they lack the subject-matter competency needed for a highly technical legal deposition. What should they do? → Request a brief recess and disclose competency limitations to the coordinating party
13. The ASL grammatical marker known as 'POSS' (possessive) is produced by: → Directing an open-B palm toward the referent or possessor's locus
14. What role does peer review play in the CASLI design process? → It provides independent verification, catches errors, and enhances overall quality
15. In ASL-to-English simultaneous interpreting, which ASL grammatical feature most commonly challenges English output timing? → Topicalization placed at the beginning of an ASL sentence
16. Which approach best demonstrates mastery of simultaneous interpreting in CASLI practice? → Applying principles to novel situations with sound judgment
17. During a standardized test, the proctor reads instructions aloud. A Deaf student asks the interpreter to re-read a section. What should the interpreter do? → Ask the proctor whether re-reading is permitted under testing accommodations
18. What obligation does confidentiality impose on CASLI professionals? → Protect sensitive information and share only as authorized
19. An interpreter notices a Deaf client using mouthing without voice during their signing. This mouthing is most likely functioning as: → A lexical mouth morpheme that modifies meaning
20. A new Deaf student transfers in mid-year and the school has not yet secured an interpreter. Under IDEA, the school's obligation is to: → Provide interpreting services as promptly as possible while formalizing the IEP
21. When facing an ethical dilemma in CASLI practice, what is the recommended first step? → Identify the relevant ethical principles and stakeholders
22. An interpreter is simultaneously processing a very fast speaker and realizes they are significantly losing content. What is the best immediate action? → Signal the speaker to slow down or request a brief pause
23. A hearing parent requests that their Deaf child's school interpreter share daily progress reports on the child's communication. What should the interpreter do? → Decline and direct the parent to communicate with the classroom teacher
24. Why is message equivalency important? → To maintain original intent and meaning
25. What is the primary purpose of the CASLI Code of Ethics for interpreters seeking certification? → To provide a framework of professional standards and ethical conduct
26. An interpreter discovers mid-assignment that the Deaf client is a family member of someone they know. What is the ethical priority? → Disclose the relationship and offer to withdraw if either party wishes
27. In the context of CASLI evaluation, 'source language interference' in a cultural mediation task most likely refers to: → Imposing source language grammar or cultural frames onto the target language
28. Visual vernacular (VV) in ASL is best described as: → A highly visual storytelling technique using cinematic techniques within ASL
29. An interpreter is mid-assignment when they realize they are experiencing significant cognitive fatigue affecting accuracy. What is the correct action? → Signal the team interpreter to switch and take a brief rest period
30. A sign language interpreter working in a grand jury proceeding is bound by grand jury secrecy rules. This obligation is derived from: → Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e)