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Intercultural Competency Test Candidate Instructions

Reminder for candidates

  • Familiarise yourself with the Intercultural Competency test page.
  • Read the Terms and Conditions.

  • Equipment & system requirements

    Please read the specifications carefully below.

    Laptop or computer with the following:

    • Working camera and microphone.
    • A power cord/connector.
    • Windows 10 or higher, Mac OS 11 (Big Sur) or higher, ChromeOS and most Linux distributions (64-bit Ubuntu 14.04+, Debian 8+, openSUSE 13.3+, or Fedora Linux 24+).
    • Latest version of Google Chrome browser installed.
    • You will be prompted to download and install the ProctorExam Google Chrome extension during your system check.
    • Note: The test platform requires the use of Google products. Candidates must be able to access and use these without interference to sit the test. A work laptop or computer may block access to the test platform, restricting access to the platform.

    Internet connection:

    • At least 25mbps download speed, 10mbps upload speed, and internet speed (ping) of below 25 milliseconds
    • You can check your internet speed on www.speedtest.net
    • Note: using a public WiFi network or computer with firewalls  (such as a work or laptop computer) that block access to the test platform may result in access to the test being restricted.


    It is your responsibility to make sure your equipment is suitable and will function for the entire test. We recommend that your electronic devices be connected to a power source for the duration of your test. Note that small screens (such as laptop screens) may make it harder for you to see everything clearly.

    Preparing for test day

    Candidates have access to NAATI’s Intercultural Competency test preparation course on NAATI Learn to prepare for this test. The course takes about 20 hours of study time. 

    The Intercultural Competency test is delivered online via NAATI’s testing platform, Televic. NAATI uses an online proctoring program called ProctorExam to make sure all tests are valid and are sat by the correct person.
     

    Make sure you have the right equipment (see section: ‘Equipment & system requirements’ above).  


    System check  

    A week prior to your test date, you will receive an email from ProctorExam with instructions on how to set up for your test.  

    When you click the link, you will be prompted to complete a system check. The system check must be completed using the same setup as you will use on your test day (i.e. same computer, phone, location, internet connection).  

    • If you have not received this email from ProctorExam, check your spam/junk folder. If it is not there, please email us at onlinetesting@naati.com.au so that we can follow up for you.  

    Watch the video below for instructions.


    Identity document  
    You must have a photo identity document (passport or Australian driver’s licence) ready when you begin your test.   

    System requirements
    See section: ‘Equipment & system requirements‘ above.

    During the test NAATI will provide: 

    • Full support for NAATI testing platforms including live chat with a NAATI staff member during the test or you can email onlinetesting@naati.com.au 

    NAATI will not provide: 

    • Technical support should you experience issues with your equipment 
    • Technical equipment, including laptop, mouse, adaptors and power cords/connectors 
    • Internet access 

    You must observe these conditions. If you do not, NAATI may cancel your test or not issue your test result. In this case, you will not receive a refund of your test fee.  


    Leaving the test environment  

    Leaving the test environment during a test session is not allowed.  

    In exceptional circumstances, you may request a 5-minute bathroom break during your test. This must be requested via the live chat before leaving the room.  


    Behaviour on test day  

    You are expected to be courteous and respectful towards NAATI staff. You cannot communicate with other external parties (e.g. via chat) on the test day once your test has started.  


    Use of resources 

    This is a closed book test, so you are not allowed to use any resources (printed or digital) during the test. 


    Use of internet and electronic devices  

    You are not allowed to use any electronic devices apart from those used in taking the test. You must not use any communication and recording functions of devices used for your test during the test session. 


    Confidentiality  

    All test materials are the property of NAATI. You are not permitted to make or take away copies, paper or electronic, of any test material, or reproduce the test or communicate the test content to other candidates or a third party. 

    Test overview

    Note: You will not receive a link to sit the test until you have completed the system check.  

    The test must be completed in a location that is free of distractions, background noise and other people. The test location will be checked at the start of the test.  

    You will need to provide proof of your identity by showing your identity document (passport or Australian driver’s licence) to the camera when asked, prior to beginning your test.  

    The test will be audio and video-recorded for identity verification, assessment and auditing purposes. 

    Watch the video below for instructions on setting up on test day. 

    The Intercultural Competency test is conducted online.

    The test will consist of 9 questions, from which you will choose 6 to answer:

    • Three knowledge-based short answer questions; and
    • Three scenario-based short answer questions

    All questions are in English.

    Once you start the test, you will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete all questions.

    The test will be audio and video-recorded for identity verification, assessment and auditing purposes.  

    On your test day, NAATI’s Digital Testing team will be available via live chat during your test to assist with any technical issues or you can get help by emailing onlinetesting@naati.com.au 

    Sitting the test

    Knowledge question will include a statement relating to either Australian society or the LOTE society. Question topics will include: 

    • Social institutions, cultural beliefs and practices relating to Australian society and the LOTE society; or cultural and sociolinguistic features in a translation and/or interpreting situation

    Each short answer should be between 100 and 200 words. 

    Scenario questions describe an interpreting or translation situation that could result in communication breakdown, confusion or misunderstanding between the parties involved due to an intercultural issue caused by cultural or sociolinguistic differences.  The question following the scenario will require you to: 

    • Identify the intercultural issue, and  
    • Demonstrate the implications of the intercultural issue for interpreters or translators.   

    Each short answer should be between 100 and 200 words.  

    Assessment & results

    NAATI examiners will assess your response to each question separately, using an assessment rubric with 4 bands (with Band 1 representing the highest level of performance and Band 4 the lowest). You can view the assessment rubric here.

    Each question is assessed against specific criteria:  

    Knowledge questions  

    • Criterion A: demonstrating knowledge about topic.  

    Scenario questions  

    • Criterion A: identifying the intercultural issue/s present in the scenario, and  
    • Criterion B: demonstrating an understanding of these issues and their implications for interpreters and/or translators.  

    To pass each question you must:  

    • Achieve at least Band 2 for criterion A in the knowledge questions, and  
    • Achieve at least Band 2 for criterion A and Band 3 for criterion B in the scenario questions.

    To pass the test you must: 

    • Pass at least two of the three knowledge questions AND in the remaining question achieve at least Band 3; and   
    • Pass at least two of three scenario questions AND in the remaining question achieve at least Band 3 in both criteria.  

    Note: Band 4 in any criterion will result in a fail for the test.

    At the end of each test session, all tests submitted will be sent to examiners for marking. 

    You should receive your results within 8 weeks of the test date.

    • Paid reviews of test results and supplementary tests are not available for Intercultural Competency tests.
    • You will be offered a supplementary test if you fail just one section of the test. You will be offered a resit of the whole test if you fail two sections of the test. You will need to pay the test fee again for each additional test.
    • You may have a maximum of two test re-sits. After the third failed attempt, your credential application will be deemed unsuccessful.

    Practitioner details

    credential result