You can't write everything down word-for-word during interpretation. Professional interpreters use symbols — quick marks that capture meaning in a fraction of a second. This guide teaches you the essential symbols for NAATI CCL success.
Why Note-Taking Matters in CCL
In the NAATI CCL exam, each segment is 35 words or fewer. That can still be a lot to hold in memory, especially names, numbers and conditions. NAATI allows you to take notes with a pen and loose sheets of paper (you cannot bring existing notes or type notes), and quick notes help you avoid omissions.
Most omissions happen not because you didn't understand, but because you forgot a detail while focusing on something else. Notes are your external memory.
The Rozan System
Jean-François Rozan, a conference interpreter, set out an influential note-taking method in his 1956 book La prise de notes en interprétation consécutive. His principles are still widely taught:
- Ideas, not words: Capture meaning, not verbatim text
- Symbols over writing: A symbol is faster than spelling
- Vertical layout: One idea per line for easy reading
- Links between ideas: Show relationships (cause, contrast, sequence)
Essential Symbols for CCL
Movement & Direction
| → | go, send, transfer, next, then |
| ← | come, receive, return, previous |
| ↑ | increase, improve, rise, more |
| ↓ | decrease, decline, less, reduce |
Comparison & Contrast
| = | equals, same as, is, means |
| ≠ | not equal, different, but |
| > | greater than, more important |
| < | less than, minor |
Affirmation & Negation
| ✓ | yes, correct, agree, approved |
| ✗ | no, wrong, disagree, rejected |
| ! | important, must, critical |
| ? | question, maybe, uncertain |
Time & Sequence
| 1. 2. 3. | first, second, third (sequence) |
| tmw | tomorrow |
| yday | yesterday |
| wk | week |
People & Roles
| Dr | doctor |
| Pt | patient |
| Gvt | government |
| Sch | school |
Domain-Specific Symbols
| $ | money, payment, cost, fee |
| Rx | prescription, medication |
| ⚖ | legal, court, law |
| 🏠 | home, housing, residence |
How to Use Notes During CCL
Remember that you must start interpreting within 5 seconds of the chime, so keep notes brief.
During the Source Audio
- Listen first, write second: Understand the idea before writing
- One idea per line: Makes reading easier when interpreting
- Leave space: You might need to add details
- Numbers always: Write down every number immediately
During Your Interpretation
- Glance, don't stare: Quick looks at notes, maintain flow
- Follow your layout: Work down the page systematically
- Cross off as you go: Prevents repetition and omissions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing Too Much
If you're writing full words or sentences, you're doing it wrong. You'll fall behind the audio and miss new information. Trust your symbols.
Illegible Notes
Notes you can't read are useless. Practice until your symbols are automatic and clear. Speed comes from practice, not sloppiness.
Inconsistent Symbols
Using "→" for "go" one time and "G" the next creates confusion. Pick your system and stick with it. Consistency enables speed.
Building Your Personal System
The symbols above are starting points. Develop your own based on:
- Your language pair (some concepts need custom symbols)
- Your handwriting style (what's fast for YOU)
- Common CCL domains (healthcare, legal, government)
The best system is one you've practiced enough to use automatically. Spend time developing muscle memory before exam day.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Symbol Speed Drill
Read a news article. As you read, write only symbols for key ideas. Time yourself. Can you capture 10 ideas in 30 seconds?
Exercise 2: Audio to Notes
Listen to a 1-minute podcast clip. Take notes using only symbols. Then try to recreate the main points from your notes alone.
Exercise 3: Full CCL Simulation
Practice with realistic dialogue audio. Take notes during the source, then interpret while using those notes. Review for omissions.
Master Note-Taking with PassNaati
PassNaati includes a note-taking course with symbol lessons and practice, based on Rozan's principles and adapted for common CCL settings.