Medical Interpreter Proficiency Qualification (MIPQ) (v. 4.1.3)
Information for Candidates
Overview
The MIPQ is an assessment of a candidate’s ability to accurately and completely interpret one or more medical-based role-play scenarios between two different languages, including both low-level (common) and high-level medical terminology. It evaluates the ability to understand and retain information provided in a language, and then clearly and accurately communicate that information in the other language. It also evaluates the candidate’s application of specific interpreting standards such as pre-session and transparency. An optional add-on module for knowledge of medical interpreter ethics, protocol and industry standards is available.
Taking the test
For the oral interpreting portion of the MIPQ you will need to be alone and in a quiet area. You will need a pen and 2-5 sheets of blank paper for note taking. You are recommended to use a print dictionary (must be physical book – computerized dictionaries not allowed).
The oral interpreting portion usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace, and is administered in one of two ways:
Live Over the phone: Our scheduling staff will call and/or email you with times to take your test. Alternatively, your coordinator may schedule your test with us directly, and provide you with the date and time. Then, at the scheduled time, we will call you at the number provided to administer your assessment. We recommend (but don’t require) you use a reliable landline telephone when available, as there are a limited number of repetitions allowed, and cellular phone reception issues can impede your performance. Be sure to also disable call waiting before your scheduled testing time, to avoid interference.
Live Online via Video Proctoring (OVP): If you or your facility has requested Online Video Proctoring, please see the following explanation with Frequently Asked Questions about Online Video Proctoring.
How it works
Regardless of how your test is administered (live, OVP), when you begin, you will first hear a short series of instructions. After that, the role-play scenario will begin. You will need to introduce yourself to both parties (patient and provider). You will listen closely, taking notes, and at the end of each spoken segment, you will interpret the message into the other language using first person speech and the consecutive mode of interpreting. You should pay attention to the overall meaning, as well as to the specific terms and concepts, and do your best to convey the messages accurately and completely. During this section of the test, you are also evaluated on your use of transparency and interpreter protocol. At one point during the test you may notice a beep or other disruption, necessitating a repetition. This is an intentional part of the test (forced repetition) and will allow us to evaluate your ability to maintain transparency during a repetition request. You are allowed to request up to three additional repetitions without penalty throughout the scenario. After the fourth repetition requested (3 optional repetitions plus one forced), additional repetitions will adversely impact scoring. If you need to request a repetition or a delay to look up a term in the dictionary, you should remember to maintain transparency by informing both parties using the third person.
There is an open book written section of the test about knowledge of medical interpreter ethics, protocol and industry standards. You will receive a link and password to complete this portion of the test online. You should check with your employer or training agency to see what materials they reference/provide regarding interpreter ethics, protocol and standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been interpreting in this language at work for years. Why do I need to take this test?
Your employer may wish to confirm or recertify your skill level for hiring, quality, safety or regulatory reasons.
How are results provided? What is the passing score?
Candidates receive two scores- one for accuracy and one for vocabulary- as well as on overall blended score. Scores are presented as percentages, and are accompanied by an A-F ranking, corresponding to a standard US grading scale. LanguageStat recommends a 75% passing score in both accuracy and terminology for this test, although each organization will set their own criteria according to their needs, and some may have higher (or lower) score requirements. Notes and comments are included in report.
What is transparency?
Transparency is the concept that all parties involved in the interpreted session have the right to know everything that is said, and by whom. It is particularly important in medical interpreting. For example, an interpreter should inform the party expecting the interpretation of the need to intervene if a repetition or clarification is required. Transparency can take many forms depending on the format (for example, in-person interpreters might raise their hand for a repetition, whereas an over-the-phone interpreter would need to verbally intervene using a protocol). Please check with your employer or training program to see what standards and protocols for transparency they have in place.
When are results ready? Do I receive a copy? Who else sees my results?
Results are usually sent out within five working business days (or one week, unless there are holidays). You may receive results sooner. If you ordered through the website and paid for the test yourself, you will receive a copy, as will any coordinator you indicated on the order form. If your employer ordered and paid for the test, only they will receive a copy, which they may or may not be able to share with you, according to their own internal policy.
How soon can I retest? How many times may I retest?
Please check with the organization (employer or school) that requested the test to see what, if any, retest guidelines they have in place. You may only attempt the AIPA three times in one year (365 day period). After your third attempt you will be required to wait one year from the date of your first attempt.
Where can I find study materials?
National Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care (PDF - NCIHC)
THE TERMINOLOGY OF HEALTH CARE INTERPRETING: A glossary of terms (PDF – NCIHC)
Interpreter Training Videos, Part 1/2 (Youtube - Clarity Interpreting)
Interpreter Training Videos, Part 2/2 (Youtube - Clarity Interpreting)
Medical Terminology for Interpreters, 4th Edition (PDF – Cross Cultural Communications)
English/Spanish Dictionary of Health Related Terms, 4th edition (PDF - Health Initiative of the Americas, UC Berkeley School of Public Health, Office of Binational Border Health California Department of Public Health)
These are not the only resources. You are encouraged to check with your employer or training company to see what other resources may be available, and to seek out additional language specific resources on your own.