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

Question 1: What does 'ASL gloss' refer to?

The emotional tone added to a sign through facial expression
A technique for making signs more visually smooth
A shiny finish applied to sign language instructional materials
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 written notation system where ASL signs are represented by capitalized English words in the order they would appear in ASL, not in English word order.

Question 2: In the ASL manual alphabet, the letter 'Z' is produced by which action?

Crossing the index and middle fingers twice
Bouncing the A handshape twice
Tracing a Z in the air with the index finger (Correct answer)
Forming a Z shape with both hands

Correct answer: Tracing a Z in the air with the index finger

Z is fingerspelled by drawing the letter Z in the air with the dominant index finger.

Question 3: What is the name of the first deaf university in the world, founded in 1864?

Gallaudet University (Correct answer)
American School for the Deaf
Clarke School for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology

Correct answer: Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. was chartered by Congress in 1864 and remains the world's only university designed primarily for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Question 4: How are clock times typically expressed in ASL?

Tap the wrist then sign the number (Correct answer)
Fingerspell the time
Sign TIME then sign each digit separately
Sign CLOCK then use two hands for hours and minutes

Correct answer: Tap the wrist then sign the number

In ASL, clock times are expressed by tapping the wrist (the TIME sign) and then signing the number, sometimes followed by MINUTE and the minute number.

Question 5: Which facial expression is used to mark a yes/no question in ASL?

Furrowed brows and forward head tilt
Raised eyebrows and forward head tilt (Correct answer)
Neutral expression with no head movement
Squinted eyes and backward head lean

Correct answer: Raised eyebrows and forward head tilt

Yes/no questions in ASL are marked by raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt held throughout the question.

Question 6: How is the number 100 signed in ASL?

Sign 1 followed by 2 zeros
Fingerspell O-N-E-H-U-N-D-R-E-D
Sign 1 followed by the letter C (Correct answer)
Hold up all ten fingers ten times

Correct answer: Sign 1 followed by the letter C

The number 100 in ASL is signed by making the number 1 handshape followed by the letter C handshape, as 'C' represents 'century' or hundred.

Question 7: What is 'transliteration' in the context of sign language interpreting?

Converting spoken English to ASL directly
Transcribing signs into written form
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 8: What is the significance of mouth movements in ASL?

They completely replace facial expressions
They can add semantic information and help differentiate similar signs (Correct answer)
They only show the signer is simultaneously speaking
They have no significance and are discouraged in formal ASL

Correct answer: They can add semantic information and help differentiate similar signs

Mouth movements in ASL can carry semantic information, help differentiate signs with similar handshapes, and some reflect English mouth patterns, especially in contact signing.

Question 9: Which ASL letter is made by extending the thumb, index finger, and pinky while curling the middle and ring fingers?

K
W
Y (Correct answer)
F

Correct answer: Y

The letter Y extends the thumb and pinky out while the middle three fingers curl in.

Question 10: Why do professional interpreters often work in teams for long assignments?

To provide more options for the Deaf client
So that one interpreter can correct the other's mistakes
It is a legal requirement for all interpreting jobs
To prevent interpreter fatigue, which reduces accuracy and increases errors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To prevent interpreter fatigue, which reduces accuracy and increases errors

Interpreting is mentally demanding; working in teams allows interpreters to rotate every 20-30 minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain interpretation accuracy.

Question 11: What is 'Deaf Gain'?

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

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 12: What are the 'Deaflympics'?

Deaf participants in the regular Olympics
An international multi-sport event for Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes (Correct answer)
A virtual sports event for the Deaf community
An annual US competition for Deaf athletes

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

The Deaflympics (formerly Deaf Olympics) is an international multi-sport event held every four years specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes.

Question 13: How is 'TOMORROW' signed in ASL?

Point forward with index finger
Hold up one finger and move it forward
Move the thumb forward from the chin or cheek (Correct answer)
Tap the forehead and move forward

Correct answer: Move the thumb forward from the chin or cheek

TOMORROW in ASL is signed by placing the thumb on the cheek or chin and moving it forward, indicating time moving into the future.

Question 14: What facial expression marks a wh- question (who, what, where, when, why, how) in ASL?

Raised eyebrows
Puffed cheeks
Pursed lips
Furrowed brows (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Furrowed brows

Wh- questions in ASL are marked by furrowed (lowered) brows, which contrasts with the raised eyebrows used for yes/no questions.

Question 15: What is the Video Relay Service (VRS) used for?

Watching ASL educational videos
A service for remote sign language classes
A captioning service for television programs
A phone service that allows Deaf people to make and receive calls through a sign language interpreter via video (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A phone service that allows Deaf people to make and receive calls through a sign language interpreter via video

VRS (Video Relay Service) allows Deaf individuals to communicate over the phone by using a video interpreter who voices for the Deaf caller and signs for the hearing caller.

Question 16: What does 'total communication' mean in Deaf education?

Using only sign language in all settings
Teaching Deaf students in mainstream schools only
A method that prohibits lip-reading
An approach using all available communication methods including signs, speech, and writing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An approach using all available communication methods including signs, speech, and writing

Total communication is an educational philosophy that uses all available means of communication—sign language, speech, writing, lip-reading, and hearing technology—to teach Deaf students.

Question 17: What does the capital-D 'Deaf' (as opposed to lowercase 'deaf') signify?

A person who identifies with Deaf culture and community (Correct answer)
A person who was born deaf
A person with total hearing loss
A person who uses hearing aids

Correct answer: A person who identifies with Deaf culture and community

Capital-D 'Deaf' refers to cultural identity and membership in the Deaf community, while lowercase 'deaf' refers to the audiological condition.

Question 18: 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 federal government offices only
State and local government entities, businesses, and nonprofits open to the public (Correct answer)

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 19: What is the significance of Alexander Graham Bell in deaf history?

He co-founded the American School for the Deaf
He was a strong opponent of sign language and advocate for oral education (Correct answer)
He founded the National Association of the Deaf
He invented the first TTY device for deaf communication

Correct answer: He was a strong opponent of sign language and advocate for oral education

Alexander Graham Bell actively opposed sign language, advocated for oral-only education for the deaf, and pushed for policies against deaf people marrying each other.

Question 20: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires what for Deaf individuals in workplaces?

All workplaces must have Deaf employees
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, including sign language interpreters (Correct answer)
Employers must provide hearing aids
Deaf people must be hired for all government jobs

Correct answer: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, including sign language interpreters

The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for Deaf employees, which can include sign language interpreters, captioning, and visual alert systems.

Question 21: How is 'YESTERDAY' signed in ASL?

Point backward over your shoulder with a thumb (Correct answer)
Slide the hand down the chin
Move the flat hand back from the forehead
Tap the chin twice

Correct answer: Point backward over your shoulder with a thumb

YESTERDAY in ASL is signed by moving the thumb backward over the shoulder or touching the cheek and moving backward, indicating past time.

Question 22: What is the dominant hand in ASL signing?

The hand closest to the body
The right hand, regardless of the signer's preference
The hand that is always on top
The preferred or stronger hand that typically performs the main sign movement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The preferred or stronger hand that typically performs the main sign movement

The dominant hand is the signer's preferred hand (usually the right for right-handed signers) that performs the primary movement in signs.

Question 23: 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)
Watching sign language videos online to practice
A video relay service used for phone calls
Recorded interpretation for pre-recorded videos

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 24: In ASL, what do non-manual markers (NMMs) primarily refer to?

Facial expressions, mouth movements, and body posture (Correct answer)
The speed of signing
The movement of hands and arms
The handshape used in a sign

Correct answer: Facial expressions, mouth movements, and body posture

Non-manual markers include facial expressions, eye gaze, mouth movements, head tilts, and body posture that add grammatical and linguistic information to ASL.

Question 25: What does it mean for a Deaf person to be 'late-deafened'?

A Deaf person who learned sign language as an adult
A person who received a Cochlear implant and regained some hearing
A person who is Deaf but can speak fluently
A person who lost their hearing after developing spoken language, usually in adulthood (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A person who lost their hearing after developing spoken language, usually in adulthood

A late-deafened individual lost their hearing after acquiring spoken language skills, often in adulthood, and may prefer communication methods different from those who are born Deaf.

Question 26: What does the term 'CODA' stand for in the Deaf community?

Community of Deaf Advocates
Certified Online Deaf Assistance
Certificate of Deaf Achievement
Child Of Deaf Adults (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Child Of Deaf Adults

CODA stands for Child of Deaf Adults, referring to hearing children raised by one or more Deaf parents who are often fluent in ASL and bicultural.

Question 27: Which country's sign language is most closely related to ASL?

Mexican Sign Language (LSM)
French Sign Language (LSF) (Correct answer)
Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
British Sign Language (BSL)

Correct answer: French Sign Language (LSF)

ASL is most closely related to French Sign Language (LSF) because Laurent Clerc, a deaf French teacher, helped establish American deaf education in 1817 and brought LSF with him.

Question 28: What is 'initialized signing' in ASL?

Borrowing a handshape from the first letter of an English word (Correct answer)
Signing at a faster than normal pace
Starting every sentence with a topic sign
Using only one hand for all signs

Correct answer: Borrowing a handshape from the first letter of an English word

Initialized signing uses the handshape of the first letter of the corresponding English word, such as the 'W' handshape for WATER.

Question 29: What is 'consecutive interpreting' in sign language work?

Interpreting in the same direction without switching languages
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

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 30: What is the significance of Marlee Matlin in Deaf culture?

She was the first Deaf person to win an Academy Award (Correct answer)
She founded the National Association of the Deaf
She was the first Deaf senator in US history
She invented a new sign language system

Correct answer: She was the first Deaf person to win an Academy Award

Marlee Matlin won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987 for 'Children of a Lesser God,' becoming the first Deaf person to win an Oscar.

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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