CDI Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. In Colonomos's Integrated Model of Interpreting, which stage involves analyzing the source message to determine its meaning? → Concentrating
2. When a CDI is working in a courtroom setting, which role is most critical to maintain? → Impartial conduit between all parties
3. Compared to simultaneous interpreting, what is the main advantage of consecutive interpreting in high-stakes settings such as legal interviews? → It gives greater accuracy and more complete processing of meaning
4. During a team interpreting assignment, the support interpreter's role includes: → Monitoring for errors and providing unobtrusive feed to the active interpreter
5. Which of these is a culturally appropriate way to get a Deaf person's attention across a room? → Flicking the room lights on and off
6. What ethical standard governs communication and documentation practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
7. What is the primary reason a CDI is often paired with a hearing ASL interpreter in legal settings? → To bridge communication for Deaf individuals with non-standard or tactile signing needs
8. A signer lists four reasons using the non-dominant hand's fingers as placeholders. What is this called? → Listing (buoy) technique
9. A signer repeats the sign STUDY with a circular, slow movement to mean 'study for a long time.' What grammatical process is this? → Temporal aspect inflection
10. How often should a CDI and hearing interpreter team switch 'on' and 'off' roles during a long assignment? → Every 20–30 minutes to prevent cognitive fatigue
11. What was the main outcome of the 1880 Milan Conference (Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf)? → It passed a resolution favoring oral education over sign language
12. What quality assurance measure supports assessment and evaluation? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
13. How does a CDI handle situations requiring specialized knowledge? → They should seek help from experts or reference materials to ensure accuracy.
14. What ethical standard governs safety and compliance practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
15. Under HIPAA, a CDI working in a medical setting must: → Keep all patient information confidential
16. What is the significance of classifiers in ASL? → They represent categories and spatial relationships of objects and people.
17. How should professionals apply safety and compliance in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
18. How should an interpreter handle situations where their neutrality is challenged? → By reaffirming neutrality and focusing on the interpretation.
19. A signer shifts shoulders and eye gaze to quote what a doctor said. What technique is being used? → Role shift (constructed dialogue)
20. Which situation is a recognized exception to confidentiality under the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct? → Federal or state law mandates disclosure, such as reporting child abuse
21. In a psychiatric evaluation, the Deaf patient's language is fragmented and difficult to understand. The CDI should: → Convey the fragmented nature of the communication to the clinician
22. What should an interpreter do if they encounter an unfamiliar sign or term during interpretation? → Ask for clarification or use an equivalent term to ensure clarity.
23. Which document should a CDI review before an interpreted legal deposition whenever possible? → Case-related terminology and glossaries
24. What is the role of fingerspelling in ASL? → It is used for spelling proper names, technical terms, and non-standard signs.
25. How does Black ASL typically differ from mainstream ASL in terms of signing space? → Black ASL uses a larger signing space and more two-handed signs
26. What does 'register' mean in interpreting? → The level of formality and style suited to the setting and participants
27. A CDI is asked to interpret Miranda rights for a Deaf suspect who appears to have limited ASL skills. The priority is to: → Ensure the suspect genuinely understands their rights, adapting communication as needed
28. Which NAD-RID tenet most directly addresses an interpreter declining work they are not qualified to perform? → Professionalism
29. Which is the most accurate description of ASL in relation to English? → A distinct language with its own grammar and syntax
30. A Deaf individual in a hospital refuses to use the interpreter provided. What should the CDI do? → Respect the individual's autonomy and notify the team