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Seminar offers test prep

The University of Arizona’s National Center for Interpretation will help students get a leg up on the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination at a written-test preparation seminar.

The seminar, held from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the University Center Bluebonnet Room will review skills needed to successfully pass the written portion of the examination.

"For the last eight years we have doubled the passing rate for these types of exams," said Armando Valles, assistant director of the National Center for Interpretation.

Though numerous Houstonians have participated in these informational sessions during the past 25 years, this will be first the time the University of Arizona will host the event in Houston.

"The purpose is for candidates to become familiar with the exam and the types of items that are tested under each section," Valles said. "In addition to this, people learn terminology in both languages, grammar and the other linguistic elements that are part of the test. Finally, students develop general strategies for this type of test-taking."

Through an actual exam simulation, students will learn how to approach the examination and what to expect; legal terms and what they mean; how to study for the test; and how to improve reading comprehension.

Two sample tests will be administered under testing conditions. After each test is completed, a thorough test analysis and review will take place.

In addition to shedding light on the many resources that are available to enhance test-taking skills, specific topics relating to taking the Federal Court Interpreter Examination will also be discussed.

The event is open to the public.

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