KANSAS QUALITY ASSURANCE SCREENING (KQAS)

Effective August 2008: New Requirement For Certification
The Commission has voted unanimously to replace the KQAS written examination with the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) written examination effective August 2008. The change will affect only new applicants for state certification and applicants whose certification has expired. If you are a graduate of an interpreter training program (class of 2009) you will need to determine the logistics with your program coordinator or faculty.

The NIC written test is offered and administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Information about the NIC written test can be found on the RID website at www.rid.org. You are responsible for following all instructions provided by RID and maintaining communication with KCDHH regarding your status.

After passing the NIC written examination, you will have the option of taking either the KQAS or NIC performance test. If you opt for the KQAS test, you must take it within two years of passing the written test and provide KCDHH with proof that you have passed the written examination. If you opt for the NIC test, you must take it within five years of passing the written test. You must register with KCDHH and provide proof of RID certification.

If you have questions, contact Rebecca Rosenthal, Executive Director of KCDHH
E-mail: Rebecca.Rosenthal@srs.ks.gov
(800) 432-0698 Voice/TTY

Written Test

1. The process begins by contacting KCDHH for an application to take the written test. You can download a copy of the application: pdf format | word format
2. Fill out the application in its entirety, and payment must be received to secure your test/date time.
   a. Application fee - $20.00
   b. Written test fee - $30.00
3. One payment of $50.00 may be submitted to cover both fees.
4. No credit cards or cash. ONLY check or money order is accepted.
5. Must pass 85% or higher on the written test before you can go to Step # 7.
6. If you fail the test, taking the test again at least one month later is allowed. You may re-test up to three times. If you wish to take the test for the fourth time, you will be referred to the Executive Director or designated staff to review your request for a re-test.
7. After you passed the written test, you have up to two years to sign up to take the KQAS performance test. If for some reason you do not take the test within the two years, you will have to re-apply and take the written test again. Do not sign up if you plan to wait longer than one year.

Performance Test

1. Contact KCDHH to sign up to take the test. NOTE: Do not sign up if you plan to wait longer than six months.
2. Approximately three months prior the test date, the KQAS Coordinator will contact you to schedule a test date. NOTE: The coordinator will provide you options of test dates; i.e., May 6, June 10, or July 17.
3. Inform KQAS Coordinator if you wish to take only one or both portions of the performance test.; the Interpreting (ASL) portion or Transliterating (Sign) portion.
4. Payment must be paid in full preferably two weeks prior test date. This will guarantee your time slot.
5. If you do not show up for the test date/time without a valid excuse, you may not receive a full refund.
6. Fees: Interpreting (ASL) and Transliterating (Sign) portion - $250.00, One portion only (either one) - $175.00
7. Test results will be available approximately 120 days after the tape is evaluated.

NOTE: It is our goal to complete the rating in 120 days or sooner (we strive for 90 days) from the date of testing. During certain times of the year, (i.e., in the summer and the fall, when many candidates test and less raters are available) that goal may be exceeded periodically. If this is the case, our office will do our best to keep you apprised of the status. Please do not call the office for the results of your performance test until at least 90 days has transpired.

NOTE: If a colleague who tested at the same time as you received their results before you, there is no cause for alarm. It simply means that your tape was in all likelihood sent to a different group of raters and will be processed in accordance with that group's time line.

The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing adopted the RID-NAD Code of Professional Conduct effective Jan. 2006. See our section on Professional Conduct.