What to Expect During the Exam Session

Exam Format

The TASC–ASL is conducted as an interview. There are no test books or written responses associated with this exam. The interview is structured as a conversation between you and an interviewer and covers topics of general interest. The interviewer has a prepared set of questions and prompts for stimulating communication. Responding to these questions and prompts will require you to demonstrate five communication competencies, in American Sign Language, and use a range of signing levels. The interviewer will also ask follow-up questions to further the conversation or explore a response more fully. You, in turn, should feel free to ask the interviewer questions or make any comments appropriate to the conversation. If you do not understand a question/prompt or sign, it is acceptable to ask for clarification during the interview. The direction of the interview will, in part, be determined by your questions and responses.

The combination of the prepared set of questions and prompts, and the interviewer's questioning strategies within the conversation that occurs, is designed to allow you to demonstrate your highest level of proficiency in American Sign Language within a natural and dynamic conversation. The combination provides the scorers, experts who will evaluate your performance, with information by which to assess your expressive and receptive signed communication proficiency.

The TASC–ASL interview is conducted solely in American Sign Language. This principle is followed because research and experience have shown that people generally demonstrate their best sign language communication skills when using sign language alone. Any voicing you do will not be used in scoring; scorers will evaluate your proficiency based only on your signed communication.

The Exam Session

Although the exam session is approximately 60 minutes in length, part of this time is for directions and set-up, to best place you in the view of the video camera. The actual exam interview lasts approximately 20 minutes and is digitally recorded for scoring.

Recommended Attire

It is recommended that you wear solid-colored attire that contrasts with your skin tone. You should wear clothing that provides the best background upon which to demonstrate your sign communication ability.

Attire to Avoid

Avoid wearing black, white, or red clothing. If possible, avoid clothing with prints and stripes; they will affect the clarity of your video recorded responses and may interfere with the scorers' ability to see your signs.

Additional Considerations

It is critically important for scoring that you present a clear view of your face during the interview session. Therefore, consider how you wear your hair this day and avoid wearing such accessories as scarves or hats. Lastly, be aware of your sitting position throughout the interview as scorers must have full view of your signed communication responses on the digital recording.