CILISAT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. In simultaneous interpreting, what should an interpreter do when they miss a word or phrase? → Insert a filler and continue, then self-correct if possible
2. When communicating via an interpreter, speak directly to your interpreter. → True
3. In social services interpreting, what is an 'individualized service plan' (ISP)? → A customized written plan outlining goals and services for a client with disabilities
4. In U.S. social services, what does 'TANF' stand for? → Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
5. The interpreter converts speech in one language into speech in another language. → True
6. Which mental health condition is characterized by recurrent, unwanted intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety? → Obsessive-compulsive disorder
7. Which of the following skills is uniquely challenged in sight translation compared to consecutive or simultaneous interpreting? → Converting a written-mode text into a spoken-mode output in real-time.
8. What is the purpose of 'boothwork' preparation in simultaneous interpreting? → Reviewing glossaries, agenda, and speaker materials in advance
9. Why is subject-matter preparation especially critical for simultaneous interpreting? → Simultaneous interpreters are not allowed to ask clarifying questions during delivery
10. What is the primary purpose of conducting a 'pre-session' or briefing before the client enters the room? → To establish communication protocols and clarify the purpose of the meeting.
11. When a speaker uses an idiom during simultaneous interpreting, what is the correct approach? → Find the functional equivalent idiom or meaning in the target language
12. In a mental health context, 'affect' refers to: → The observable outward expression of a patient's emotions
13. What is the primary cognitive challenge unique to simultaneous interpreting compared to consecutive interpreting? → Listening, processing, and speaking at the same time
14. A patient tells the triage nurse, 'I had an episode of syncope this morning.' Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of 'syncope'? → A temporary loss of consciousness, or fainting
15. An interpreter who has a broad knowledge of criminal law may give legal advice because he/she is an officer of the court. → False
16. It's best to position the interpreter wherever you want. → False
17. What does 'SSI' refer to in U.S. social services benefit programs? → Supplemental Security Income
18. When interpreting in a child welfare case, what does 'CPS' refer to? → Child Protective Services
19. What are the two cut scores on the CILISAT? → 70% and 75%
20. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a community interpreter regarding professional development? → To engage in ongoing learning to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge.
21. In public benefits terminology, what is a 'means test'? → An assessment of a person's financial resources to determine eligibility for assistance
22. The titles "interpreter" and "translator" really mean the same. → False
23. What does the abbreviation 'DSM' stand for in mental health settings? → Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
24. In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter interprets while the speaker is still talking. → False
25. When interpreting numbers or statistics simultaneously, what is the recommended technique? → Write the number down before rendering it
26. Bipolar disorder is best characterized by: → Alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression
27. When interpreting for a client describing symptoms of dissociation, the interpreter should: → Render the client's description accurately without adding clinical interpretation
28. In mental health treatment, 'informed consent' means: → A patient's agreement to treatment after receiving complete information about it
29. The clinical term 'suicidal ideation' refers to: → Thoughts about ending one's own life
30. What effect does a very fast speaking rate by the source speaker have on simultaneous interpreting quality? → It reduces accuracy as the interpreter has less processing time