Translation Test

I think it's more of a 確認 that you have a certain level of Japanese knowledge, rather than anything else. If it hasn't changed since I took it two years ago, there should be a written portion and a speaking portion where you have to listen to something and then record yourself interpreting it into English/Japanese. I think the written was a combination of grammar questions and then some translations? It was a while ago so my memory is fuzzy.

But I remember thinking I didn't do very well but I still got in, so I wouldn't stress too much about it! (Easier said than done I know, haha)

If you've got the time, it can't hurt to study, so why not?

I'm in the same boat as you, Dango. I'll be taking the test in a couple of weeks. I want to revise for it but it's tricky to know how

The CIR先輩 in my office said she thought she'd failed but hadn't. So perhaps I/we'll end up saying the same thing.

I don't think you would get in just for being a CIR (some ALTs can speak Japanese just as well if not better), but at the same time being a CIR in the first place should help your odds, since you already have been recognized to have enough Japanese ability to be one.

 That's exactly what I thought and I got in.

I took it as an ALT. I'd passed N2 but had never translated or interpreted formally before, if that gives you a guide as to my level.

As for the test itself, I remember there being lots of words I didn't know, but no real tricky questions or curveballs in terms of format.  I think it was similar to the vocab section of the JLPT (but no star questions or anything).  Like snell said there's also a portion where you have to do some translation and interpretation. I remember that 松 or some kind of tree came up and I blanked and just said "matsu tree" or something, but in hindsight it was fairly par for the course for CIR work and not too specialized.  There's no handwriting section, thank goodness.

Anyway just to echo what the other 先輩 have said, I think it's just to make sure you're at a decent language level, because if you were already a boss translator then you wouldn't need to course would you? And I think there were 1-3 other ALTs in my class, but it was mostly CIRs and I was really intimidated by that, haha. So there's probably other people feeling more inadequate than you...

**Also I think the seminar is in that place with the Lake and NOTHING ELSE, not Saga, unless they changed it?

god that sounds like hell

I'm going to take the test as well in a couple weeks. aahhh. I hope we all do well!

same thing man. I would just take it that way yes, for sure

You made me realise I had to think about the season kanji...I think I got them... maybe.. My soup forwarded me the details for the test online but hasn`t told me when I`m doing it yet.. I don`t think I could handle doing handwritten test, good luck

thats not a fellow CIR right? Cos thats hard... Maybe I could read it but definitely not handwrite it.

Remember that it's not a contest between you and your Fellow CIR, dango. You'll only make yourself miserable if you constantly compare yourself to them.*

Follow your own pace, and remember -- you DID make it here as a CIR! Whether you wrote your entire translation test in hiragana won't matter in the long run; just show them what you know and do your best with it. So your Fellow CIR may be a kanji otaku and that's the thing that makes them happy, yay and best wishes for them, but you don't need to be them or live up to them or anything, be you and work on things you want to work on. It's completely okay to have different priorities in life and learning. Back to the test -- seriously, just do as best as you can, and if for whatever reason you don't pass and stay a second year, you'll know what you're up against and have another go. Good luck!

*I speak partially from personal experience. I had a wonderful pred beloved by many, and my Fellow CIR is extremely MAJIME and YUUSHUU. But we have different strengths and it makes our workplace more well-rounded to have both of us!

Thanks! <3 It's nice of you to say.

I don't really think that I will waste my time trying to memorize old kanji, but that is what gets his Japanese motor running and more power to him! I am slightly embarrassed at my inability compared to his ability, but it really is okay.
I'm way better at communicating in conversation and making everyone happy, and those are where my language strenghts lie. :3 Totally okay with that.

My old, old predecessor was amazing and everyone still talks about him. He was like Super Amazing CIR, so I hope I can someday be spoken of fondly like that. That's my goal!

And yeah, if I fail the test or whatever, there is always next year! Pssh. I passed N1 somehow, so I think I'll do okay.

it's okay guys

we're all failures, because none of us are as awesome as ザ・penguin54

you've inspired me to seriously take on the kanken and i want to be like you someday

i've been studying for about an hour and a half a day

i'm going to try taking 4級 in november

i know and can read all of them but can write basically none

but i'm learning fun words i didn't know, at least

like 煙雨 and 超越 and 目白押し

so, thank you, ザ・penguin54. you saved my life.