Interpreter Qualification Project
Frequently Asked Questions: Individuals

Q: What is IQP?
A: The Interpreter Qualification Project (IQP) was designed in collaboration with DSS/DHEC to provide training and testing for bilingual workers and individuals from the community who are interested in interpreting for those two state agencies. Today IQP is available to other public and private agencies interested in standardizing the qualification needed by their staff and others who provide Spanish interpretation services to their clients or customers.

Q: Will I be certified?
A: IQP is NOT a certification program. It is a qualification program. Successful completion of this testing/training program will make you eligible to interpret for DSS/DHEC only.

Q: What is the testing and training process?
A: The first part of the process is the language proficiency test, which assesses your written and oral proficiency in both English and Spanish. Once you pass that, you will attend four days of training. On the fourth day, you will be tested on your interpretation knowledge and skills. Those who pass this interpretation exam will then be qualified to interpret for DSS/DHEC. * Individuals must also become a state contractor through the South Carolina Budget and Contro Board Materials Management Office prior to offering their services to DSS/DHEC.

Q: How do I sign up?
A: All participants must be sponsored by a participating agency. Please contact your local DSS or DHEC office.

Q: Why do I have to take a language proficiency test?
A: The purpose of the language proficiency test is to assess your degree of fluency in both English and Spanish. It is not a translation exam. It tests a range of skills in both languages. Equally high fluency levels in both languages are essential to be able to interpret well.

Q: How do I find out my test results?
A: The test scores for both the language proficiency test and the interpretation exam are provided to the sponsoring agency. Test results are mailed to the participant approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the test is taken. .

Q: Where and when are the training sessions?
A: The IQP trainings will be held at various locations throughout the year. The specific training locations and dates will be provided to you upon successful completion of the language proficiency test.

Q: How long are the trainings?
A: The four-day training will start promptly at 8:30 am and will last until 4:30 pm each day.

Q: What kinds of things will be covered in the training?
A: The training will cover the knowledge and skills needed by an interpreter.

Q: What professional standards do DSS and DHEC set for interpreters?
A: Once you complete training, you will sign a Code of Ethics for Interpreters that defines the professional standards that the agencies will expect from you as an interpreter. This is part of the state contractor requirements.

Q: What is on the interpretation exam?
A: The test consists of two parts, the written exam and the oral exam. The written exam is a timed test designed to test your knowledge of the role of the interpreter, your understanding of how ethics and culture affect interpreting, and your written translation skills. The oral exam is designed to test your application of consecutive and sight translation interpreting skills and knowledge

*state contractor requirements