NIC Knowledge Exam (National Interpreter Certification) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How is the concept of 'WEEK' signed in ASL?

Draw a large circle in the air
Point to a calendar with seven squares
Hold up seven fingers
Slide one hand across the palm of the other (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slide one hand across the palm of the other

WEEK in ASL is signed by sliding the dominant index finger (or flat hand) across the non-dominant open palm from one side to the other.

Question 2: Under the ADA, which entities are required to provide effective communication for Deaf individuals?

Only large businesses with more than 50 employees
Only hospitals and medical offices
State and local government entities, businesses, and nonprofits open to the public (Correct answer)
State and federal government offices only

Correct answer: State and local government entities, businesses, and nonprofits open to the public

Under Titles II and III of the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations open to the public must provide effective communication for Deaf individuals.

Question 3: What is the significance of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, for Deaf individuals?

It required all schools to hire Deaf teachers
It created the first national sign language standards
It prohibits discrimination based on disability by federal agencies and programs receiving federal funding (Correct answer)
It established the National Association of the Deaf

Correct answer: It prohibits discrimination based on disability by federal agencies and programs receiving federal funding

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by federal agencies and any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Question 4: What is the term for the use of space in front of the signer to represent people or objects in ASL?

Classifiers
Spatial grammar (Correct answer)
Mouth morphemes
Non-manual markers

Correct answer: Spatial grammar

Spatial grammar in ASL involves assigning referents to locations in the signing space to show relationships between them.

Question 5: What is the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) primarily known for?

Operating schools for the Deaf
Certifying ASL interpreters
Providing hearing aids to low-income Deaf individuals
Advocating for the civil rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the US (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Advocating for the civil rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the US

The National Association of the Deaf is the oldest and largest civil rights organization for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans, advocating for access and equal rights.

Question 6: Which famous 19th-century figure is credited with establishing the first permanent school for the deaf in America?

Alexander Graham Bell
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (Correct answer)
Laurent Clerc
Edward Miner Gallaudet

Correct answer: Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet co-founded the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817, the first permanent school of its kind in the US.

Question 7: In ASL number signs, how are numbers 1–5 typically oriented?

Palm facing the signer
Palm facing outward toward the audience (Correct answer)
Palm facing upward
Palm facing to the left

Correct answer: Palm facing outward toward the audience

Numbers 1–5 in ASL are typically produced with the palm facing outward toward the viewer.

Question 8: Which letter in ASL uses the same handshape as M but with one fewer finger folded over?

E
A
S
N (Correct answer)

Correct answer: N

N is the same concept as M but uses only two fingers folded over the thumb instead of three.

Question 9: What is the purpose of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP)?

To fund sign language classes for Deaf-Blind people
To provide Cochlear implants to Deaf-Blind individuals
To train interpreters who work with Deaf-Blind clients
To distribute specialized telecommunications equipment to low-income Deaf-Blind individuals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To distribute specialized telecommunications equipment to low-income Deaf-Blind individuals

The NDBEDP (iCanConnect program) distributes free specialized telecommunications equipment and training to low-income Deaf-Blind individuals to improve their communication access.

Question 10: What was the Milan Conference of 1880 known for in Deaf history?

The creation of American Sign Language
A resolution banning sign language in schools in favor of oral methods (Correct answer)
The first international Deaf sports competition
The founding of Gallaudet University

Correct answer: A resolution banning sign language in schools in favor of oral methods

The 1880 Milan Conference passed a resolution declaring oralism superior to sign language, leading to widespread banning of sign language in Deaf education.

Question 11: What is the ASL sign for 'MOTHER' typically located near?

The chin (Correct answer)
The shoulder
The forehead
The chest

Correct answer: The chin

The sign MOTHER is made with a '5' handshape tapping the chin, following the convention that family signs on the lower face are female.

Question 12: What is a 'contact sign' in ASL?

A sign made with both hands touching each other
A sign where the hand touches the body at a specific location (Correct answer)
A sign made when greeting someone
A sign used in emergencies

Correct answer: A sign where the hand touches the body at a specific location

Contact signs are signs where the hand makes contact with a specific part of the body (face, chest, arm), and this contact is part of the sign's formation.

Question 13: What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)?

An interpreting service where a sign language interpreter is accessed via video call rather than in person (Correct answer)
Recorded interpretation for pre-recorded videos
A video relay service used for phone calls
Watching sign language videos online to practice

Correct answer: An interpreting service where a sign language interpreter is accessed via video call rather than in person

VRI provides sign language interpreting through a video connection, allowing a remote interpreter to serve Deaf clients without being physically present at a location.

Question 14: What is Gallaudet University significant for?

Being where ASL was invented
Being the first university to offer sign language classes
Being the largest school for the Deaf in the US
Being the only liberal arts university in the world designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Being the only liberal arts university in the world designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students

Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., is the world's only university designed specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and is a cultural hub of the Deaf community.

Question 15: What was the 'Deaf President Now' (DPN) protest of 1988?

A march for federal funding of Deaf education
A student protest at Gallaudet University demanding a Deaf president (Correct answer)
A protest against the Milan Conference rulings
A campaign for more Deaf teachers in public schools

Correct answer: A student protest at Gallaudet University demanding a Deaf president

In 1988, Gallaudet University students protested the appointment of a hearing president, demanding the university's first Deaf president, ultimately resulting in I. King Jordan's appointment.

Question 16: What is 'Deaf Gain'?

Hearing aids that amplify sound for Deaf people
A financial benefit for Deaf individuals
The idea that Deaf people and sign languages contribute unique value to humanity (Correct answer)
A government program for Deaf employment

Correct answer: The idea that Deaf people and sign languages contribute unique value to humanity

'Deaf Gain' is a concept introduced by H-Dirksen Bauman arguing that Deafness provides cognitive, creative, and cultural contributions of value to all of humanity.

Question 17: Which of the following best describes the handshape for the ASL letter 'D'?

Two fingers forming a V shape
All fingers curled, thumb out
Index finger pointing up, other fingers curved to touch thumb forming a circle (Correct answer)
Thumb and pinky extended, other fingers curled

Correct answer: Index finger pointing up, other fingers curved to touch thumb forming a circle

The ASL letter 'D' is formed with the index finger pointing upward while the remaining fingers curve to meet the thumb, creating a circular shape.

Question 18: What is 'consecutive interpreting' in sign language work?

The interpreter waits for a segment of speech to finish, then interprets it (Correct answer)
Interpreting one sentence at a time while the speaker continues
Two interpreters taking turns on the same assignment
Interpreting in the same direction without switching languages

Correct answer: The interpreter waits for a segment of speech to finish, then interprets it

Consecutive interpreting means the interpreter waits for the speaker to complete a segment before rendering the interpretation, allowing for full comprehension before interpreting.

Question 19: What is 'audism'?

A religion practiced by Deaf people
Discrimination or prejudice against Deaf or hard-of-hearing people (Correct answer)
The study of the auditory system
Support for oral communication methods

Correct answer: Discrimination or prejudice against Deaf or hard-of-hearing people

Audism is the discrimination, prejudice, or systemic bias against people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, often rooted in the assumption that hearing is superior.

Question 20: The sign language used by Martha's Vineyard residents in the 18th–19th centuries is significant because:

It was used by an entire community, both deaf and hearing, demonstrating natural sign language emergence (Correct answer)
It was the first sign language officially recognized by the US government
It influenced the development of ASL through Laurent Clerc's school
It was a purely gestural system with no grammar

Correct answer: It was used by an entire community, both deaf and hearing, demonstrating natural sign language emergence

Martha's Vineyard Sign Language was used community-wide by hearing and deaf residents alike, showing how sign languages emerge naturally when deaf individuals are integrated into a community.

Question 21: What does it mean when a signer 'holds' a sign in place longer than usual?

It indicates a question is being asked
It adds emphasis or stress to that sign (Correct answer)
It is a grammatical error
It signals that the signer forgot the next sign

Correct answer: It adds emphasis or stress to that sign

Holding a sign longer than normal is a non-manual marker that adds emphasis or stress, similar to vocal stress in spoken language.

Question 22: What does this sign in the image mean?

Potty
Thank You
Please (Correct answer)
Pencil

Correct answer: Please

The sign for 'Please' in ASL is made by placing an open hand flat against the chest, with the palm facing inward. The hand then moves in a circular motion on the chest. This gentle, circular movement conveys a polite request.

Question 23: What is 'transliteration' in the context of sign language interpreting?

Transcribing signs into written form
Converting spoken English to ASL directly
Converting between two different sign languages
Converting between spoken English and a signed form of English (like SEE or PSE) rather than ASL (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Converting between spoken English and a signed form of English (like SEE or PSE) rather than ASL

Transliteration in sign language contexts refers to conveying the same language in a different modality, such as from spoken English to a manually coded English system.

Question 24: What is the 'Deaflympics'?

A film festival celebrating Deaf culture and performing arts
An academic olympiad testing knowledge of sign languages
A competition for the best sign language interpreters worldwide
An international multi-sport event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An international multi-sport event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes

The Deaflympics (formerly the World Games for the Deaf) is an international sporting event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, first held in Paris in 1924.

Question 25: What is the purpose of 'role shift' in ASL storytelling?

To take on the body posture, facial expression, and perspective of a character being quoted (Correct answer)
To indicate a change of location in the narrative
To shift the story from past to present tense
To change the dominant hand during a narrative

Correct answer: To take on the body posture, facial expression, and perspective of a character being quoted

Role shift allows the signer to embody different characters by shifting body posture and eye gaze, functioning like direct quotation in spoken language.

Question 26: What is the 'Code of Professional Conduct' for RID-certified interpreters?

A set of rules about how to dress professionally
A list of signs interpreters must know to be certified
An ethical framework governing confidentiality, professional conduct, and best practices (Correct answer)
A government regulation requiring interpreter licensing

Correct answer: An ethical framework governing confidentiality, professional conduct, and best practices

The RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) provides ethical guidelines for interpreters, including confidentiality, professional conduct, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to accuracy.

Question 27: What is the role of an 'oral interpreter' for some Deaf individuals?

An interpreter who silently mouths a speaker's words clearly for Deaf individuals who rely on lip-reading (Correct answer)
A Deaf person who can speak and interpret between spoken and signed language
An interpreter who only uses speech, never signing
An interpreter who reads aloud from written documents

Correct answer: An interpreter who silently mouths a speaker's words clearly for Deaf individuals who rely on lip-reading

Oral interpreters silently mouth the words of a speaker (sometimes rephrasing for clarity) to assist Deaf individuals who rely primarily on lip-reading rather than sign language.

Question 28: What does this sign in the image mean?

J
H
L
i (Correct answer)

Correct answer: i

The sign for 'i' in ASL is formed by extending only the pinky finger upwards. All other fingers (index, middle, ring) and the thumb are curled down into the palm. This isolated pinky finger clearly represents the lowercase letter i.

Question 29: What is meant by 'sign space' in ASL?

The distance required between two signers
The physical classroom where signing is practiced
The three-dimensional area around the signer's body used for making signs and grammatical distinctions (Correct answer)
The amount of time taken to make a sign

Correct answer: The three-dimensional area around the signer's body used for making signs and grammatical distinctions

Sign space (or signing space) is the three-dimensional space in front of and around the signer's body that is used to produce signs and establish grammatical relationships.

Question 30: What does 'ASL gloss' refer to?

A summary translation of an ASL conversation into English
The glossy appearance of signs in video recordings
A written description of the visual quality of an ASL sign
A written representation of ASL using English words in capital letters (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A written representation of ASL using English words in capital letters

ASL gloss is a transcription system that represents ASL signs using capitalized English words to approximate their meaning and order.

NIC Knowledge Exam (National Interpreter Certification)

The NIC Knowledge Exam, administered by CASLI (Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpreters), tests candidates' knowledge of ASL linguistics, Deaf culture, interpreting processes, and professional ethics required to achieve national interpreter certification.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

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