Failing Interpreter Certification Exams: Why a Test Doesn’t Define You

If you’re an interpreter (or aspire to become one), one thing is certain: you’ll have to take tests — many, many tests.

Whether you’re pursuing a certification, applying for a contract or employment opportunity, or even maintaining one, testing is part of the journey. And given the low passing rates of some interpreter exams and the scarcity of truly targeted prep materials, most of us will fail a test at least once in our careers.

That’s why one of my guiding mottos is: A test doesn’t define you.

A test is just a snapshot — a reflection of how you performed at a single point in time. Some of us are simply not great test-takers, and our nerves can get the best of us. There can be countless factors behind a less-than-ideal result: technical issues, illness, stress, studying with the wrong materials, or, yes, sometimes not being ready yet.

And sometimes, failure happens because even though our interpreting skills are solid, our test-taking technique isn’t — and those two things are very different.

If you fail a test, focus on what you can improve, not on what went wrong. If you receive feedback, study it carefully and use it to guide your next attempt. Even if the testing entity only gives you a score with no detailed comments, there’s still valuable information to unpack.

Ask yourself:

• Which modality gave me the most trouble?

• Was my study plan realistic and consistent?

• Were the materials I used relevant to this specific exam?

• Did I review and listen critically to my recorded practices?

• Did I rest well, eat well, and manage my stress before the test?

The goal isn’t to find excuses — it’s to identify patterns and make adjustments.

If interpreting is your dream, don’t let one setback discourage you. I’ve worked with many incredible colleagues through my mentoring program, and some have had to take a certification test multiple times — even up to nine — before passing. One in particular stands out as one of the best interpreters I’ve ever seen, yet anxiety consistently interfered with his performance. It was never a question of skill or preparation.

On the other hand, it’s perfectly fine to pause or change direction. One of my colleagues struggled with the federal oral exam for years and finally decided to take a break. During that break, she realized that courtroom interpreting didn’t align with her interests. She loved yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness — and through one of life’s unexpected turns, she found her niche as a conference interpreter specializing in that very field. Today, she’s thriving doing what she loves.

If this is your goal, keep going. There’s absolutely no shame in trying again. None of my clients has ever asked me how many times I took a certification test or what my score was.

Failure isn’t the end — unless you decide it is. You define your own path.

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Final Thoughts

I’ve been there, too. I know what it feels like to give your all and still fall short — the mix of frustration, doubt, and exhaustion that follows. But I also know the quiet strength that grows when you get back up and try again, a little wiser and a lot more determined.

If you’re going through that right now, give yourself grace. Learn what you can from the experience, take a breath, and keep moving forward at your own pace.

I’d love to hear your story — have you ever failed a test that later led to unexpected growth or redirection? Feel free to share in the comments or reach out privately. You never know who might need to hear what you’ve learned.