Insights

Interpreter Certifications & State Requirements Updates

When providing accommodations services to your stakeholders, it is key to utilize qualified and certified providers. Just as medical or legal professionals are required to maintain a series of active licenses and certifications to maintain their practices, ASL interpreters are also held to a strict standard of qualifications. With evolving framework nationwide, this article will explore national and state level certification standards for ASL interpreters and expand on the necessity of qualified partnerships between businesses and interpreting agencies.

National-Level Certifications (RID & Others)

RID and Its Certification System

The RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), established in 1964, is the primary national governing body for American Sign Language Interpreters. RID describes this industry standardization as, “being certified helps to standardize practices and procedures within the sign language interpreting profession. The standardization promotes consistency and quality and helps to ensure that individuals working in the field are held accountable for their provision of services.” Certification with RID also includes annual recertification with varying requirements including CEU (Continuing Education Units) to maintain lifelong learning and skill development and testing.

Using certified ASL interpreters rather than individuals who “just know ASL” is crucial for ensuring accurate, ethical, and culturally competent communication. Certification demonstrates that an interpreter has met rigorous national standards for language proficiency, interpreting skills, and professional conduct. While someone who knows ASL may be able to hold casual conversations, interpreting—especially in settings like medical appointments, legal proceedings, or educational environments—requires specialized training to accurately convey nuanced meaning, tone, and intent between English and ASL. Certified interpreters also follow a professional code of ethics, ensuring confidentiality, impartiality, and respect for all parties involved. Relying on uncertified individuals can lead to misunderstandings, incomplete information, or even serious legal and safety risks for Deaf and hearing participants alike.

Requirements for RID Certification (NIC, CDI, etc.)

Requirements for RID certification typically include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in interpreting education, passed written and performance exams, and series of ongoing maintenance requirements. National certification provides interpreters with field recognition and eligibility for government, higher education, or other specialized assignments. RID certification drives the framework for most requests for proposals and bid invitations to vet participating agencies.

The Northwest American Sign Language Associates, Inc. Outlines the following common certifications of sign language interpreters. While many of these certifications are no longer offered, they can still be found on resumes of many active interpreters.

“First Generation RID Certification

CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certificate)

MCSC (Master Comprehensive Skills Certificate)

RSC (Reverse Skills Certificate)

IC/TC (Interpretation Certificate/Transliteration Certificate)

Second Generation RID Certification

CI (Certificate of Interpretation)

CT (Certificate of Transliteration)

CI and CT (Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration)

CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter)

OIC:C (Oral Interpreting Certificate: Comprehensive)

OIC:S/V (Oral Interpreting Certificate: Spoken to Visible)

OIC:V/S (Oral Interpreting Certificate: Visible to Spoken)

OTC (Oral Transliteration Certificate)

SC:L (Specialist Certificate: Legal)

Third Generation RID Certification

Leveled NIC Certification (National Interpreter Certification)

NIC

NIC Advanced

NIC Master

Educational Certificate: K-12 (Ed:K-12)

Fourth Generation RID Certification (Currently Awarded Certification)

National Interpreter Certification (NIC)

National Association of the Deaf (NAD Certification)

NAD III (Generalist) – Average Performance

NAD IV (Advanced) – Above Average Performance
NAD V (Master) – Superior Performance”

State-Level Certification & Licensing

Similar to state level professional legal or medical licenses or examinations, many states require licensure or certification for sign language interpreters, while others do not. Some focus on requirements for educational settings while others legislate varying fields. Many states have local RID chapters to connect local interpreters and manage state requirements. Additionally, many states have governing departments or commissions for services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing who manage certification standards and maintenance. A full list of state requirements can be found at the RID state-by-state list, including state-unique certifications and licenses.

Arizona:

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing www.acdhh.org/interpreters/

Requires national certification in addition to ACDHH certification.

Missouri

Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing www.mcdhh.mo.gov/interpreter-info/

Requires national certification in addition to BEI examination and certification.

Nebraska

Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=20-150

Requires national certification in addition to NCDHH certification for interpretation within Nebraska.

Wisconsin:

Wisconsin Court System www.wicourts.gov/services/interpreter/cert/index.htm

Requires national certification as well as state-level certification to interpreter in Wisconsin courts.

Typical State-Level Requirements

Requirements to become a professional ASL interpreter may include earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in interpreting or a related field, passing state-specific certification exams such as the BEI or EIPA, and completing background checks, ethics training, and continuing education. According to ASLdeafined, some states offer streamlined paths to licensure. For example, the Iowa Department of Education accepts an EIPA score of 3.5 or higher or possession of the NIC for licensure by exam. These requirements ensure interpreters meet high standards of skill, professionalism, and ethical practice.

State Requirements vs. National Certifications: A Comparative Table

While easily perceived as extra hoops to jump through, these supplemental state-level requirements all exist to maintain interpreter integrity and protect the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers. These additional checks and balances provided safeguards in a field that could easily go unnoticed or unchecked. ASL Deafined outlines these common variables between state and national level certifications in the visual below.

Recommendations for Organizations Looking for ASL Providers

Organizations seeking ASL providers should prioritize working with certified interpreters and reputable agencies to ensure both compliance with legal requirements and high-quality communication access. Before hiring, verify the interpreter’s credentials, such as state licensure, national certification (e.g., NIC, BEI), and recent continuing education. Partnering with established interpreting agencies can help streamline this process, as they typically handle credential verification, scheduling, and matching interpreters with assignments suited to their skill set. It’s also important to clearly communicate the setting, subject matter, and any specialized vocabulary in advance so the interpreter can prepare accordingly. Finally, build ongoing relationships with trusted providers—consistent collaboration fosters smoother communication, better cultural understanding, and more effective service delivery for Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants.

In today’s evolving accessibility landscape, staying informed about interpreter certification and state requirements is essential for protecting the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Certified interpreters bring not only proven language and interpreting skills, but also a commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and ongoing professional development.

Whether navigating national certifications like RID’s NIC or meeting state-specific licensure requirements, these qualifications safeguard the integrity of communication and reduce the risk of errors, misunderstandings, and legal liability. For organizations, partnering with qualified providers isn’t just a best practice—it’s a responsibility that upholds inclusivity, fosters trust, and ensures every interaction is as accurate and respectful as possible. By making interpreter credentials a priority, organizations demonstrate their commitment to meaningful and equitable access for all.

At Deaf Services Unlimited, we stay on top of every state’s evolving licensure and certification requirements so our clients don’t have to. With regulations varying widely and changing often, the burden of compliance can be overwhelming—but DSU ensures you’re always covered. By making interpreter credentials a priority, we not only protect your organization from compliance risks but also provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re meeting standards consistently and conveniently. This proactive approach reflects DSU’s dedication to meaningful and equitable access, while giving our clients the assurance of full compliance and the convenience of knowing every requirement is already taken care of.

Q&A

1. Do I need a license to work as an ASL interpreter?
It depends on the state. While some states require licensure for ASL interpreters, others do not. For instance, Iowa mandates licensure, which includes passing exams like the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a score of 3.5 or higher. Inspections & Appeals

2. What certifications are commonly required for ASL interpreters?
Common certifications include:

National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
Oral Transliteration Certificate (OTC)
Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)

Requirements vary by state, so it’s essential to check local regulations.

3. How can I find out the certification requirements in my state?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provides a comprehensive state-by-state guide detailing licensure and certification requirements. rid.org This resource is invaluable for understanding specific state mandates.

4. Are there any recent updates to interpreter certification requirements?
Yes, some states have updated their requirements. For example, Iowa recently updated its licensure process to include additional certifications and examinations. Inspections & Appeals It’s crucial to stay informed about changes in your state.

5. Where can I find more information about interpreter certifications?
For detailed information on certification processes, requirements, and updates, visit the RID’s certification page: rid.org. Additionally, state-specific resources and local RID chapters can provide guidance tailored to your location.