Section outline

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    Welcome to the Community Language Aide (CLA) Knowledge Competency Course!

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    This course is designed to increase your understanding of the role played by bilingual workers in the delivery of language services, and to prepare you to sit the Community Language Aide (CLA) test. Please note that this course is separate to the CLA test, and if your workplace has requested that you obtain a CLA certificate, you will need to apply for and pass the Community Language Aide (CLA) test.


    The modules contain information lessons followed by learning assessment activities. In each module, important concepts will be discussed such as the differences between a bilingual worker and a NAATI certified interpreter, Duty of Care, and Standards of Professional and Ethical Behaviour.

    The aim of this course is to equip you with the underpinning knowledge essential to understanding your level of competency as a bilingual worker.

    There is a final knowledge competency quiz for this course, containing 7 scenario-based multiple-choice questions.

    The Resources section provides an overview of the Community Language Aide (CLA) test, the CLA assessment rubric and practice material. You may download the documents in this section.

    If you wish to obtain a certificate of completion for this course, please click "Enrol me in this course" before you begin. If you don't need a certificate, you can continue as a guest.

    A group of students looking at a computer screen



    • NAATI acknowledgement of country

      NAATI acknowledges and pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and speakers of its first languages. In the spirit of reconciliation, NAATI acknowledges the richness that Indigenous, signed and all other languages bring to Australia and the role interpreters and translators play in connecting us all.

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    Module 1: Introduction

    Module Overview

    In this module, you will learn about the role of a bilingual worker.

    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of this module, you will be able to: 

    1. Explain what a bilingual worker is and what a bilingual worker does 
    2. Understand when to engage a NAATI certified interpreter

    Learning Activities

    1. Watch the session related video presentation
    2. Complete the review questions at the end of this module

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    Module 2: Duty of Care

    Module Overview 

    In this module, you will learn more about what constitutes a 'duty of care', how duty of care may be breached, and some of the potential consequences. 

    You will also gain a broad understanding of the legal risks and professional accountabilities that may apply as you fulfil your responsibility in the provision of services to your customers and clients.

    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of this module, you will be able to: 

    1. Explain the importance of a duty of care
    2. Identify the standard of care reasonably expected of bilingual workers
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the extent of your duty of care
    4. Recognise the consequences of not providing a sufficient duty of care

    Learning Activities

    1. Watch session related video presentation
    2. Complete the review questions at the end of the video presentation
    3. Complete the review questions at the end of this module



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    Module 3: Standards of Professional and Ethical Behaviour

    Module Overview 

    All bilingual workers should understand how codes of conduct, including relevant organisational and industry codes, affect how they perform their job responsibilities.

    Professional ethical behaviour includes the adherence to professional codes of conduct, sensitivity to ethical issues in the workplace, client centredness, ethical decision-making skills, judgement and skills for speaking up and acting on values.

    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of this module, you will be able to: 

    1. Understand the need to work within the boundaries of your professional competence
    2. Understand the importance of identifying individuals and/or resources within your own organisation that may provide advice and guidance on ethical dilemmas
    3. Demonstrate the importance of applying codes of conduct and other organisational policies when determining a course of action

    Learning activities

    Review questions

    Download material in this module:



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    Scenario-based Assessment Activity

    The following multiple-choice quiz will assess your knowledge of principles and issues covered during the course. 

    The scenario-based quiz consists of 7 questions each presenting a situation followed by three or four possible answers.

    Tip for answering scenario-based questions: Read each question carefully to make sure you understand what the scenario is presenting and process all important information.

    Grade to pass: 7 out of 7


    • Sample question H5P
      Students must
      Receive a grade

      Pre-quiz information 

      Before you start the scenario-based multiple-choice quiz please take a look at this sample question and answer. 


    • Take the quiz now H5P
      Students must
      Receive a grade
      Receive a passing grade

      All test materials are the property of NAATI. NAATI’s aim is to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.  You are not permitted to make copies, paper or electronic (i.e. a screenshot), of any test material, or reproduce the test or communicate the test content to a third party.  

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    Resources for CLA test candidates

    Here you will find some useful information regarding the Community Language Aide (CLA) test. 

    Who is the CLA test for?

    The Community Language Aide (CLA) Test is appropriate for anyone needing to communicate at a basic level in a Language Other Than English (LOTE) in the workplace. 

    An individual who has passed a CLA test is not qualified to act as an interpreter or translator. 

     
    What does the test assess? 

    The CLA test assesses your ability to: 

    • Convey information accurately and clarify routine points if needed 
    • Adhere to the procedural norms expected in English language interactions (such as politeness and time-efficiency)
    • Follow and understand speech from a native-speaker of a LOTE
    • Pronounce language accurately enough that speech is generally intelligible
    • Produce language accurately enough that errors do not impede or impair communication 

    You need to have a vocabulary range that allows you to explain organisational procedures and related matters with some precision and clarity. 

    For more information about the CLA test and how to apply, please see our website: Community Language Aide (CLA) - NAATI

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    How did we do?

    • This is a short anonymous survey that gives you the opportunity to provide valuable feedback to us on the Community Language Aide (CLA) Knowledge Competency Course. It will take 5 minutes of your time. 


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    References

    • References Page

      This list contains all the resources used in this Community Language Aide (CLA) Knowledge Competency course.  NAATI is grateful for permission to reproduce material in this course. Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge copyright. However, should any infringement have occurred the publishers tender their apologies and invite copyright owners to contact NAATI.