Preparing For CAECS-E 

Know the test

The CAECS-E is taken online by appointment. There are six task sections that comprise the CAECS-E. The candidate is recorded cueing a list of single words, then a list of single sentences. This sample is rated according to the following categories: vowels, consonant/vowels, sentence/comprehensive, discourse, form, and prosody. Within each section, basic inaccuracies, omissions, insertions, and ambiguities are recorded and tallied. Percentages are calculated in order to determine a score from 0-4 for each task section.

This screening has been designed to look at all of the essential components that make cued English complete. What does that mean for you? It means that you will get the most accurate assessment of your cueing with diagnostic feedback, so your skills continue to develop. What exactly are these skills that are examined through the CAECS-E? 

Understanding the goal

The purpose of the CAECS-E is to provide an objective assessment of your cueing clarity and accuracy. The screening does not measure speed, nor does the test evaluate specialized transliterator or instructor skills. This screening solely measures your ability to cue single words and single sentences. The test checks that you can cue all of the handshapes and placements/ movements in the cued American English system. Also, the screening looks to see that you can apply the system to the English language. For example:

  • You will be evaluated on your ability to distinguish between voiced and voiceless “th” as in think, other, them, and thorn.

  • You are expected to model /s/ and /z/ appropriately in words like weeds, pencils, carts, and easy.

  • Your ability to demonstrate reduced vowels in words like kitchen, taken, lifted, and control will be measured.

  • Inclusion of flicks and liaisons are scored, as are meaningful prosodic features such as stress, intonation, and rhythm.

You do not need to know terminology for the CAECS-E. However, if you are unfamiliar with reduced vowels or prosody, you may want to do some study in those areas to make sure they are part of your expressive cueing.

Preparing for the format

You will be recoded on video cueing from prepared, printed materials. If this format is uncomfortable for you or if you are uneasy at the thought of performing in front of a camera, you may wish to begin preparing early. Devote some regular time to recording yourself video cueing from a book or from worksheets. View your tape with the eye of a rater. How would you rate your performance? Do you regularly encounter words that you are unsure how to cue?

Plan ahead

This test is a prerequisite for the national certification exams for transliterators as well as for instructors of cued English. The entire process from application, through recording, to scoring and notification can take between four to six weeks. It is advised to allot ample time prior to the deadline to register for the national certification exam. Take the CAECS-E early! Be sure to allow yourself enough time to re-take the CAECS if necessary and to assimilate some of the new information you will learn in your feedback. Cuers who retake the test too soon without sufficient time to incorporate feedback tend to correct some of their previous mistakes, while incorporating new errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Results are sent four to six weeks following the test administration date.

  • The CAECS-E tests basic expressive cueing. The CLTNCE is a comprehensive test of transliterator skills. These tests serve different purposes.

  • CAECS-E scores are valid for two years from the date of the results report .

  • Currently, there is no required waiting period between administration dates. However, candidates are encouraged to take time to incorporate the feedback provided.