The Interpreter Language and Skills Assessment Tool (the “ILSAT”) is designed to test an individual’s skills in English and another language, as well as the ability to perform competently, at an introductory level, consecutive interpretation and sight translation.

The ILSAT is a dual-language, print and recorded audio test which measures sight translation and interpreting ability. The ILSAT is designed to simulate an actual interpreting situation, and therefore uses basic health and legal terminology as well as language encountered in working with abused women and victims of domestic violence. The ILSAT's intended use is to assess a candidate's readiness to enter an interpreter training program, but the assessment tool may also be useful in evaluation of a working interpreter's language and interpreting skills.

The ILSAT is recognized by The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Language Interpreter Services Program as one of the requirements for acceptance as an interpreter qualified to provide services to agencies working with victims of domestic violence, abused women and sexual assault victims. The ILSAT is also used by Ontario Colleges, community agencies and public institutions to assess interpreting aptitude and skills. ILSAT submissions are assessed by independent markers recruited and trained by Across Languages according to standardized marking criteria based on a system we have developed.

Across Languages' ILSAT Assessment Service is available to public institutions, government departments, community colleges and community agencies across Canada.

To obtain the ILSAT Test Administration Kit for use* in your college, government department, public institution or not-for-profit agency, contact: