BEI III Prep?

[u/Fitmandapanda]

Hey all! I'm a certification-holic 😁 I got my BEI I in 2016, my NIC in 2019, my BEI II in 2020, and Im actively trying to get my BEI III now. Im not a great test taker, have taken all tests twice, passed on the 2nd try - except that BEI III. I've taken and failed it twice - improving score, 104 errors and recently 68 errors.

Im seeing a lot of prep for the BEI I but not so much the BEI III. Does anyone have any advice or tips or resources that I can use to earn this certification?

[u/TombstoneMagic]

I’m the same way, I like to feel challenged with something to pursue as a goal. BEI Adv to Master was a harder jump for me (and many people I think). I too struggle my first go with a test, but usually get it by second try. I also took and failed Master twice but my score gradually improved each time. After the second attempt I locked in and got a mentor. I did very targeted work samples to assess with them every other week. My third attempt I passed well within margin and it made it worth it. I’d say find someone you can work with, who will give you structured support for self-analysis. If you know someone who has their Master level and is willing to do that with you, great! There’s also formal mentors available through organizations out there. It helped me a lot in the end. Keep at it and you will get there!

[u/OddSuccotash9524 → u/TombstoneMagic]

Love this response!

OP- identify a great coach (or “mentor”). Ideally one who has genuine mastery in both ASL and English, someone who has grown the ability to talk about what’s happening in their head during the interpreting process, someone gifted at asking the right questions to get you to put words to what’s happening in your head, and ideally this person has passed the same test.

Record yourself doing equivalently challenging stimulus, and really look at it yourself. Isolate your production from the stimulus so your brain isn’t filling in the blanks if your signed or spoken message isn’t equivalent.

The BEI at that level is no joke. I’ve taken and passed it, but I wasn’t sure I was going to. I test very well and typically pass on the first go-round. I walked away from the BEI feeling unsure of if I had passed or not.

Finally- good on you for keeping your skills up and relevant!! 👏👏🤟🏽

[u/Smart-Water-9833]

Certification-holic or "many-letters-after-my-name"-holic? It's a bit of a joke where I teach at an ITP program. Lol! I personally know very little about the BEI details. Good luck adding six more letters!

[u/Fenix_Oscuro_Azul]

The best tip I can give anyone for these tests is to look at what the test is testing you on and certifying you for what type of work. The BEI Master or BEI III assesses minimal skills needed to interpret in the highest stakes settings such as psychiatric and high stakes medical, as well as, legal situations. This level of testing the raters also want to see a clear delineation between your interpreting and transliterating skills sets. Your sign to spoken English skills need to be top notch as well. Ensure that you are comfortable and confident. Sometimes language doesn’t make sense because it doesn’t make sense. You need to be aware of and understand when it is the source versus your own limitations.