Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question regarding the Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) offered by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, that is not listed below please fill out the on-line submit form.
QAST Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)?
Answer - The Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) had it’s beginning in the early 1980s. Many individuals who pioneered the field of interpreting saw the need for a user friendly and affordable assessment process.
Gallaudet University Regional Center at Johnson County College in Overland Park, Kansas, sponsored a stakeholders’ meeting. Soon after the meeting, a team of professionals gathered to create the Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test. The team had two main objectives:
- To develop a certification system that would test skills and ethics of interpreters, and
- To establish standards at various skill levels.
The finished product was shared with each state involved in the process: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
The QAST continues successfully under the guidance of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. QAST requires a successful completion of a written ethics-based test, which is a state-developed test.
Who should take the test? Why?
- Answer - The QAST is intended for interpreters who plan to work professionally within the State of Nebraska. Sign language students who wish to assess their progress should not use the QAST as an assessment tool. In Nebraska, State and City / County agencies employ licensed interpreters and establish contract pay rates based on the interpreter’s verified skill level. A QAST credential identifies you as a qualified professional, depending on the nature of the assignment.
How do I apply to take the test?
- Answer - You must fill out and submit a test application, which can be obtained through the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing QAST page. You should then submit the application form, citizenship form and your fee to set up a time to take the test. Testing is administered at Omaha, North Platte, or Lincoln offices.
How is the test structured?
- Answer - The system consists of two tests: the written, and the performance. The performance evaluation is divided into two types; one part demonstrates the candidate’s interpreting skills (American Sign Language / Spoken English), and the other part demonstrates the candidate’s transliterating skills (Sign Coded English / Spoken English). You will have to choose which type you would prefer. Interpreters may choose to take both evaluations requiring separate applications.
How is the written test administered?
- Answer - Complete the Written Exam Application, sign it, and submit it, along with your payment, to the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The written exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions related to interpreting ethics and practices.
How will I know if I passed the written test?
- Answer - NCDHH staff will score the test immediately after you have completed the test. You may wait at the test site or a staff member can call you later with the results. You will receive a formal letter notifying you of your results.
What if I do not pass the written test?
- Answer - You must pass the written test before taking the performance test. You are allowed three attempts to pass the written test before your application for the performance test is denied. NCDHH staff will work cooperatively with you to schedule additional opportunities to take the written test. We strongly encourage all candidates to complete appropriate coursework in interpreting ethics and practices before attempting the test.
How do I know which level to attempt?
- Answer - Professional interpreters are expected to know which mode matches their interpreting style most effectively.
Who reviews the performance test?
- Answer - Every performance test will be reviewed by at least three trained evaluators, at least one who is deaf. All evaluators have received appropriate training and are drawn from the local community. The names of the evaluators are confidential. Evaluators will excuse themselves if they have any conflict of interest, personal relationship or if for any other reason they cannot offer a fair and impartial evaluation.
How will I know what level I achieved?
- Answer - You will be notified by letter, six to eight weeks after you take the performance evaluation. Each evaluator provides feedback that will be helpful, for skill development. Each candidate will receive a wallet-sized card and certificate listing your name and the level obtained.
When may I apply for a new test or a re-test?
- Answer - Generally, candidates are asked to take some time to work on improving their skills before re-testing. Everyone has had a bad day. If you scored significantly below your actual ability, work with a qualified mentor to polish any rough spots and then reapply.
Will my card be recognized elsewhere?
- Answer - The Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) is designed to address the needs of agencies, consumers, and interpreters in the state of Nebraska. QAST screening scores may be recognized in the surrounding mid-west states, but is not guaranteed.
I have a QAST question that was not listed here, who do I ask?
- Answer - You may contact the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH), and/or the Nebraska Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
