The students will be assessed at the final examination in both consecutive and simultaneous modes of interpreting into their A language(s) from all the other languages in their combination. Candidates offering a B language in an A-B-C combination will also be assessed in consecutive interpretation from their A language into their B language.

Candidates who offer an A-B combination must pass both consecutive and simultaneous sections in that combination.

In order to be awarded the degree, candidates will be required to pass each section of the examination at one and the same session.

However, candidates who do not achieve a pass in interpretation from additional C languages or into their B language in an A-B-C combination may be awarded a degree with an A-C-C combination.

The degree certificate shall clearly state the language combination for which it has been awarded.

Examinations

The examinations should comprise speeches on a variety of subjects in different registers. The speeches will be prepared to a standard commonly encountered by professional interpreters and delivered as if impromptu by practised speakers. Speeches will be approximately 5 minutes for consecutive interpretation and 10 minutes for simultaneous.

Candidates will be assessed on the mastery of their target language(s), comprehension of their source language(s) and on their interpreting skills, using the criteria defined in the Curriculum. They must demonstrate sufficient competence to be able to join a team of professional conference interpreters.

Tape recordings of the final examinations will be kept for one year.

The panel shall be composed of a majority of experienced interpreters of whom at least two must have the mother tongue of the candidate in their combination, including one who is a native speaker of the target language of the examination.

The panel shall also include at least one external examiner. The European Institutions, other international organisations, and other member institutions of the consortium will be invited to send a representative. If necessary, the panel may invite speakers or observers who are entitled to take part in the deliberations without voting rights.

The final decision on the candidates' performance shall be taken by consensus.