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Introduction
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Merit System Services (MSS) administers examinations for 30 of California's 58 county social services departments.
We are pleased you have applied for an employment opportunity where your bilingual skills may compliment the county's
delivery of services to its non-English speaking clients.
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Why is it necessary to take the Bilingual Examination?
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The exam is administered in compliance with regulations issued by the State of California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
The CDSS, which oversees the delivery of welfare and other social services provided by counties throughout the state, has directed
that only those applicants who pass the exam are eligible to hold bilingual designated positions which require the employee to
serve non-English speaking clientele. The CDSS made this decision because of their desire to ensure each client receives effective
bilingual services and accurate information. Toward this end, the agency recognized that employees who interview non-English speaking
clients must be reasonable fluent in the client's language. Without an acceptable level of fluency, an employee could convey inaccurate
and/or incomplete information, or misunderstand information provided by the client. Either case could affect a client's eligibility
for benefits or create delays in the receipt of benefits. In an effort to diminish risk, the CDSS directed MSS to develop and administer
an examination which measures the language skills of the employees who will serve non-English speaking clients.
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Is this the only exam applicants need to take to be placed on an eligible list?
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No. Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications for the job classification and pass the competitive examination for the classification.
This may require taking a written examination, an oral examination, or both.
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What does the Bilingual Examination consist of?
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Depending on the position that is associated with the bilingual exam, the exam may be comprised of either and Oral component only, or a Multiple Choice and Oral component.
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How is the Bilingual Examination administered?
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In most instances the Multiple Choice Written Test will be administered to a group of applicants on the same date, at the same time, in the same location.
Each applicant will need to present a picture identification, sign in, and await instructions from the proctor. The Multiple Choice Written Test is
approximately one hour long. Aids such as dictionaries, notes, or other resource materials are prohibited.
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The Oral Performance Component is administered on an independent basis with a trained proctor present in the room. The proctor will read the instructions
of the exam before it starts.
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Should applicants study for the exam?
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Studying before any exam is always a good idea. For this exam, you may benefit from a review of grammar rules and vocabulary, practicing using your interpreting
skills, and asking a person educated in both languages to monitor and evaluate your skills when you practice interpreting conversations.
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How are the exam components evaluated and scored?
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Applicants use a scantron sheet for the Multiple Choice Written Test. Answer sheets are then electronically scored based on the number of questions answered correctly.
A computerized statistical analysis of each question (test item), each subject, and the test as a whole is completed to measure the reliability, validity, and other critical aspects.
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One subject matter expert (SME) will evaluate the Oral Performance Component by listening to the applicant's oral exam tape recording. When evaluating your performance, the SME
assesses the accuracy level of your renditions. Specifically, they identify errors in the categories listed below and determine whether or not an error (or omission) led to a
change of meaning, or may create confusion in the listener's mind:
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Basic Vocabulary: including correct use of cognates (words that may look or sound alike but have different meanings) and social services terminology
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Language Register: including the ability to speak, read, or write in the same register (level) as the source material as opposed to lowering the register by using slang,
improper or informal words, or lower level vocabulary
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Grammar: including the correct use of verb tense and/or mood; articles; prepositions, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, gender agreement, singular and plural agreement, and syntax
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Word Distortion and/or Inventions
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Pronunciation
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Accuracy: indicated by correct language usage and the absence of paraphrasing or summarizing, omissions, embellishments and inventions, or other errors that would change the
intended meaning or impair the listeners ability to clearly understand the speaker (with special attention paid if the consequence of the error could be serious)
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Comprehension of the Source Material
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Pronounced Hesitations or Repeated Unsuccessful Attempts to Interpret/Translate
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Literal (word-for-word) Renditions: indicated by poor vocabulary choices and/or words strung together in a manner that reflects incorrect syntax (sentence structure) and diminishes
the listener's ability to comprehend the intended meaning
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*All results will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service. Ensure that MSS has your current mailing address.
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*Once you pass a component, you will not need to re-take that particular exam.
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