Show Up Confidently for the Federal Court Interpreters Exam
tips for taking the oral court interpreters exam with confidence
Confidence Tips for Taking the Oral Court Interpreters Exam
by Yvette Citizen, Federally Certified Court Interpreter
For those interested in taking the 2025 FCICE oral exam, here are some suggestions to improve your test-taking confidence:
Learn as much as you can about the exam – not just what it will consist of, but how it was created and what source materials the test creators used to develop the exam.
o What type of language issues are they testing? Make sure you know all your verb tenses – subjunctive, conditional, etc., in both languages.
o How many errors are allowed? How much weight is given to each section? The Examinee Handbook answers these questions. Make sure to review it at:
https://www.prometric.com/files/AOUSC/2025.11.1.Examinee-Handbook.pdf
Work on your test-taking confidence. Do whatever you need to do to show up as the most Confident Interpreter you can be.
o Find your ‘fight song’. Choose a song that inspires and motivates you; a song that makes you come alive or brings back feelings of a time when you felt really good about yourself.
o Wear your power clothes. Forget the comfy clothes – unless that will help you calm your nerves and stimulate you to focus on the exam. Otherwise, wear the closest thing you have to a ‘power suit’. Something that makes you feel like you own the world. Seriously, everything helps.
o Be ready for surprises. – Some candidates have experienced power outages, long waits, ambulances passing by during the test. Tests taken remotely tend to be glitchy at times (connection problems, sound issues). Think about how you would handle those issues. Don’t let anything throw you off your game.
o Practice ‘power poses’ before you take the exam. Most people are hunched over looking at their phone before they take an exam. Instead, practice a power pose – stand in the classic Wonder Woman pose, hands to hips, feet wider than your hips. Or lift your arms in the air, do some yoga warrior poses, or just dance for a few minutes. For a wonderful explanation about doing power poses to increase confidence, watch the following Ted talk by Amy Cuddy:
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?subtitle=en
o For a good endurance practice, interpret the above Ted talk. It’s long and tricky, but a good way to practice your ability to keep going no matter what. And it’s informative, entertaining, and inspirational.
o Warm up your vocal cords. Do a couple of tongue twisters in both languages prior to the exam.
Obviously, nothing substitutes mastering your skills and becoming an ace interpreter, but showing up with confidence can give you the edge you need to reduce anxiety; think clearly and fast; and confront challenges with aplomb. Do whatever you need to do and best of luck!
And don’t forget to check out our Free Resources and practice materials at:
TheConfidentInterpreter.com
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