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FROM 1 JANUARY 2007

NAATI INTRODUCES A NEW SYSTEM OF ACCREDITATION

IT INVOLVES -

PERIODIC ACCREDITATION and REVALIDATION OF ACCREDITATION

To retain the highest level of competency and currency in the translating and interpreting profession, NAATI is introducing changes to its accreditation process. From 1 January 2007 all NEW accreditations based on tests sat and applications received after this date will be valid for a period of three years.

This means that if you are successful on a NAATI test that you sit for after 1 January 2007, you will be awarded accreditation for three years.

At the end of the three years, you will have the options of:

a) applying for revalidation of accreditation

b) allowing the accreditation to lapse

National Summary on Revalidation Forums

NAATI has completed the collation of feedback from the eight public forums convened to facilitate consultation with key stakeholders in the T&I industry. The report is comprised of a brief overview at the beginning, followed by the detailed feedback provided on specific topics discussed.

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Update on Revalidation Accreditation

NAATI has completed eight public forums across Australia on the proposal for Revalidation of Accreditation. They were convened as follows:

13 February 2006               Melbourne               70 attended
15 February 2006               Perth                      33 attended
17 February 2006               Sydney                   123 attended
22 February 2006               Brisbane                  50 attended
23 February 2006               Hobart                    25 attended
24 February 2006               Darwin                    12 attended
2 March 2006                    Canberra                 14 attended
3 March 2006                    Adelaide                  35 attended

The attendance numbers (362) were those recorded at the commencement of the forums. Numbers at completion were lower (254).

The purposes of the forums were:

To provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views
To reach a national consensus or majority view on the major issues to be based on group responses from all states and territories
To develop parameters for revalidation that are practical,workable and acceptable to the majority of stakeholders.

At each forum there was a set presentation followed by a question time. The participants then divided into five working groups to cover the following key areas:

Implications of revalidation for previously accredited practitioners and practitioners who do not meet revalidation criteria
Periodicity of revalidation and the timetable and incentives for upgrading of accreditation from the paraprofessional level
Continuing Practice Requirements
Professional Development Requirements
Role of Service providers and Implications for Service Provision

t the end of each forum, each working group submitted a written response to the issues discussed. In addition, NAATI has received a number of individual responses. These are now being collated into a national summary which will be forwarded to the NAATI government Members and the Board of Directors. It will also be published on this web site.

First Revalidation Forum in Melbourne
13 February 2006

NAATI convened the first public forum concerning the proposed Revalidation of Accreditation on Monday 13 February 2006 in Melbourne.

NAATI is convening the forums in the capital cities of Australia to obtain important feedback on key issues that were identified in the First Discussion Paper in October 2003 and in the Second Discussion Paper issued in October 2005.

A report will be issued by NAATI on this web site following the completion of all forums in early March.

NAATI is disappointed by a report on the Melbourne forum which has been issued through a member of the Western Australian Institute of Translators and Interpreters who was not in attendance at the meeting. The report contains several inaccuracies and an important omission which NAATI seeks to clarify. We therefore, provide the following clarification to the above-mentioned report.

NAATI RESPONSE TO EXTERNAL REPORT ON REVALIDATION FORUM IN MELBOURNE

1. NAATI’s publicly stated objectives for the forums were:

to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views
to reach a national consensus/majority view on the major issues to be based on group responses from all states and territories
to develop parameters for revalidation that are practical, workable and acceptable to the majority of stakeholders

2. The forums were not framed to limit people’s consideration of the proposal. The First Discussion Paper in 2003 presented a proposal. The feedback at that time showed clear consensus for revalidation of accreditation. There was no feedback at that time to suggest that NAATI should not be the body to administer the revalidation. In addition, while there was consensus for the concept, there were key issues emanating from this paper about which there was insufficient feedback for NAATI to adequately address them. The forums were designed to move the proposal forward and to obtain this necessary feedback. Therefore the focus of the Melbourne forum was on these key areas.

3. There was not a clear yes/no answer to the question as to whether “NAATI intended to implement the proposal even if it was opposed by a majority of practitioners”.

What was communicated was that there is a clear consensus for revalidation of accreditation; that we need to find a means to implement it that is workable and acceptable to the majority of stakeholders. It was also made clear that any feedback on the question raised above would be conveyed to the NAATI Board of Directors and in turn to the Members of NAATI.

4. What is missing from the report is the clear statement by NAATI that it wishes to work with Ausit to develop a system that fits the objectives and needs of both organisations. It was also suggested that reciprocal arrangements should be explored.

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Revalidation Of Accreditation

Second Discussion Paper on Basic Concepts and Strategies for Implementation

As part of the need to ensure currency of NAATI accreditation, NAATI has been developing a system which will require periodic revalidation of accreditation. This is in keeping with most professions within Australia.

The First Discussion Paper was released in late 2002 and was followed by consultation with stakeholders in the industry. The outcome of the consultation process was that there was general consensus about the need for revalidation, but little agreement on the means by which it could be achieved.

Since a system for revalidation of accreditation has been requested and supported by both NAATI Members (governments) and service providers, and is included as one of the requirements in NAATI's constitution, NAATI has continued to work towards developing a workable system that will meet industry requirements. This has not been easy, since variations in the supply and demand for T & I services vary considerably by language and location. This means that the ability for practitioners to meet the requirements for revalidation of accreditation will be variable and will often depend upon these two factors.

NAATI has give consideration to a variety of aspects related to revalidation of accreditation and now presents a Second Discussion Paper. This paper reiterates and updates the information provided in the First Discussion Paper and moves forward by proposing a system for implementation.

NAATI requests all stakeholders to consider this second Discussion Paper and to make known to NAATI their views and comments. Comments may be sent to NAATI by 15 December 2005 by post or email by 15 December 2005 as follows:

NAATI
Revalidation of Accreditation Proposal
PO Box 4040
Hawker ACT 2614

Email: info@naati.com.au
Subject: Revalidation of Accreditation

NAATI also intends to convene public forums for discussion of the paper in major metropolitan centres on dates to be determined between mid December 2005 and early February 2006. These will be notified on the web site in due course.

A Copy of the Paper is available for download below. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view it, which can be downloaded here: www.adobe.com

Revalidation Second Discussion Paper September 2005 (232 KB)

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UPDATE ON COOK REPORT

Over the past few months NAATI has been developing a three year work plan which will incorporate recommendations of the Cook Report. Cook has made over thirty recommendations which will be prioritised according to time and financial resources.

In the first instance, NAATI is committed to introducing independent marking for the November 2006 Translation Tests. Administrative procedures are being developed and the piloting of these will be carried out between May and September for Special On Demand tests in selected languages.

In addition, NAATI is putting into place changes to examiner recruitment, appointment, training and auditing. These will be phased in after 1 July 2006.

As soon as NAATI finalises its implementation plan for the Cook recommendations, it will post it on this web site. It should be noted that the Cook recommendations have significant resource implications and NAATI has been informed by governments that it cannot expect any additional funding before the 2007-2008 financial year. In the meantime, NAATI will implement as many recommendations as possible within its budget.

NAATI Welcomes Review on Test Administrative Processes

NAATI welcomes the Cook Report as the outcome of an external review of its operations related to testing. The report is comprehensive and serves as a mechanism to provide opportunities for future improvements and growth.

The Review was conducted by Mr John Cook and Ms Hilary Dixon. Mr Cook is an independent external consultant, who has had no previous relationship with NAATI and who has both a working and consulting background in examination management and test assessments. Ms Dixon is a language specialist with experience and expertise in language assessment.

The report makes a number of findings and recommendations. Some of the key recommendations include the introduction of a system of independent marking, the introduction of computers in translation tests, mandatory training of examiners and examiner performance appraisals. Other recommendations relate to setting and marking of tests, systems of assessment, candidate preparedness for testing and NAATI resources. The report also acknowledges that the implementation of the recommendations will require considerable time and a substantial injection of funds.

NAATI has completed an initial analysis of the report. We invite interested parties to read the report and NAATI's response. We also invite you to provide NAATI with your comments on various recommendations. Comments may be sent to NAATI by post or email.

NAATI
The Cook Report
PO Box 4040
Hawker ACT 2614

Email: info@naati.com.au
Subject: The Cook Report

Copies of the Report and the Response are available for download below. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view them, which can be downloaded here: www.adobe.com

Cook Report (388 KB)

NAATI Response (82KB)

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NAATI MOVES FORWARD ON CHANGES TO INTERPRETER TEST

NAATI has now completed the work on the development of the new format for the Interpreter Test. As an outcome of the Test Format Review in 2000-2002, NAATI developed a pilot Interpreter Test which included:

Task 1:

1 dialogue of 400 words to be interpreted by the consecutive mode
1 Social/Cultural Questions
1 Ethics Questions
1 Sight Translation Passage (200 words in English)

Task 2:

1 dialogue of 400 words to be interpreting using the chuchotage mode
1 Social/Cultural Questions
1 Ethics Questions
1 Sight Translation Passage (200 words in LOTE)

Task 3

1 Consecutive Passage of 300 words in English, broken into two 150 word segments

1 Consecutive Passage of 300 words in LOTE, broken into two 150 word segments

This format was developed for tests in Arabic, Chinese and French and was piloted with volunteer candidates, some of whom are accredited, others are not.

Following the analysis of results of the marked pilot Interpreter tests together with the results of the candidate follow-up questionnaire and the evaluation reports from the examiners, it became clear that the sight translation and the splitting of the consecutive passage was well received as positive changes to the test. Most candidates coped well with these changes and commented that it made the test more realistic. Candidates fully supported the splitting of the consecutive passage and commented that the sight translation was a good addition to the test and was pitched at appropriate levels and in context with the dialogues.

With reference to the chuchotage component of the test, candidates were divided on their responses. Some felt it was a good addition to the test, others commented that it was very challenging and that the time gaps between segments were insufficient. (Note, there should not be time gaps between segments as this is not consecutive interpreting)

Examiners commented that this component raised serious problems. Chuchotage is whispered simultaneous interpreting and this implies voice and diction control and different interpreting strategies as compared to consecutive or simultaneous interpreting. Most candidates did not whisper which resulted in a situation of simultaneous interpreting under consecutive interpreting conditions. In addition, there were several technical difficulties which remain unresolved. Examiners also commented that chuchotage interpreting requires special training without which candidates would have great difficulty in mastering the skill. They also commented that although there are occasions in the workplace where this is required (eg. court rooms, conference settings), it is not in high demand as a necessary skill for the majority of interpreters. In contrast, sight translation is a common requirement of interpreters.

On the basis of these outcomes, the NAATI Board has accepted the recommendation of the NAATI Qualifications Assessment and Advisory Committee to make the following changes to the Interpreter Test:

introduce sight translation to the Interpreter Test (one per dialogure)
split the consecutive passages into two segments
not introduce chuchotage interpreting to this test

As a result of the decision taken by the Board of Directors on 23-24 February 2006, NAATI will now work to introduce the new format. In the first instance, this will require the development of Sample Test Kits and extensive examiner training. It is anticipated that the first tests to use the new format will be in the March to June period of 2008.

NAATI Completes Research Work on Pilot Translator Tests

In 2000 NAATI commenced a series of validation studies in relation to its tests. The first part of the series involved studies of the content and construct of the Translator and Interpreter Tests. At the time, a group of experts met to discuss the current NAATI format of these tests and to suggest ways in which they might be improved.

In 2001-2, the expert committee recommended changes to the format of the Translator test and the Interpreter tests. New tests were designed in three languages, Arabic, Chinese and French according to the recommended formats. During the design phase some problems were identified which required further adjustments of the tests. Finally, in 2004, the design phase was completed and in 2005, the tests were trialled among a group of volunteer candidates.

Proposed changes to the format of the Translator test are as follows:

Current Format Proposed New Format

Task 1:

Candidates choose two of three passages for translation; each of 250 words (English equivalent)

Task 2:

Candidates answer two of three ethics questions

Task 1:

Candidates choose one of three passages for translation; the passage is 500 words (English equivalent)

Task 2:

Candidates respond to three of five translation challenges related to the passage translated

Task 3:

Candidates answer two of three ethics questions

The pilot tests involved candidates sitting for the tests and then completing a questionnaire and interview about how they found the test. Examiners then marked the test and provided comments about the test from the perspective of setting and marking.

The results of the Translator pilot tests showed the following:

" Candidates generally thought that one longer passage was easier than two shorter passages
" The above was contradicted by the marking of the tests which showed that more serious omissions and general errors were made by candidates in the longer passages resulting in the overall scores being lower than they had achieved on the current NAATI accreditation tests.
" Examiners expressed the view that in predicting performance as professional translators, performance on a range of test passages gives a better basis upon which they can evaluate the candidates' ability.
" The new task involving responses to "translation challenges" in the pilot test neither added nor removed anything from the test in terms of the overall assessment.

" Examiners expressed the view that the new test was much more difficult and time consuming to set and mark and that if implemented, extensive training would be required.

In summary, the results of the Translator Pilot test have shown no real advantage or disadvantage over the current format in terms of assessing candidate performance. However, implementation of the new format may reduce the current pass rates and in turn, the number of annual accreditations. It could also significantly increase the setting and marking costs which could have implications for test fees.

As a result of these findings, the Qualifications Assessment and Advisory Committee (QAAC) recommended that NAATI should not introduce the new format for the Translator test until further research is conducted and other alternative test formats are examined. At the recent meeting of the Board of Directors, this recommendation was endorsed. It should be noted that since the NAATI Pilot Test project commenced, there have been some new developments in Europe which show promise in accurately measuring translation performance.

The outcome of the completed research, therefore, is that the proposed new format of the Translator Test will not be implemented and that the current format will be retained for the foreseeable future.

Since the pilot testing for the new Interpreter Test Format is not yet complete, no decisions have been taken. It is anticipated that the research will be completed early in the first quarter of 2006 with decisions to follow soon thereafter.

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