ASL Interpreter Certification: Complete Requirements

Earning your ASL interpreter certification is the gateway to a professional interpreting career. Certification proves that you have met rigorous standards for language fluency, interpreting skill, and ethical knowledge. The process is demanding — and it should be, because certified interpreters hold communication access for Deaf individuals in their hands. This guide walks you through every step from preparation to maintaining your credentials.

Why Certification Matters

ASL interpreter certification exists to protect Deaf consumers. Without certification standards, anyone who knows a few signs could claim to be an interpreter, leading to dangerous miscommunication in medical, legal, and educational settings. Certification ensures a baseline level of competence that the Deaf community and hiring organizations can rely on.

From a career perspective, certification opens doors that are closed to uncertified interpreters. Federal agencies, hospitals, courts, and most school districts require certification for interpreting positions. Certified interpreters earn significantly more than uncertified ones — the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) reports that certification typically corresponds to a 20-30% salary increase.

Certification also provides legal protection. In many states, only certified interpreters can provide services in legal proceedings. Using an uncertified interpreter in court can be grounds for appeal or mistrial. Employers who hire uncertified interpreters for ADA-mandated services risk compliance violations.

The Deaf community has long advocated for strong certification standards. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has been involved in developing and refining certification criteria to ensure that interpreters truly serve the community’s needs rather than just meeting a minimum bar.

RID National Certification (NIC)

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf administers the National Interpreter Certification (NIC), which is the primary national credential for ASL-English interpreters. The NIC replaced several older RID certifications (CI, CT, CSC) and became the sole national certification pathway.

The NIC exam has two components. The NIC Knowledge Exam is a written test covering interpreting theory, ethics, cultural competence, and professional standards. It includes questions about the RID Code of Professional Conduct, linguistic features of ASL and English, and the role of the interpreter in various settings. A passing score is required before taking the performance exam.

The NIC Performance Exam tests your actual interpreting skills through video-based scenarios. You interpret from ASL to English and from English to ASL in a variety of settings. Evaluators — both Deaf and hearing professionals — assess your accuracy, fluency, cultural appropriateness, and ethical decision-making. The performance exam is where most candidates struggle, as it requires real-time demonstration of skills under pressure.

Eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and completion of an interpreter education program or equivalent training. The degree requirement was phased in over several years and is now mandatory for all new candidates. Check RID’s website for the most current eligibility criteria and exam schedule.

State-Level Certification Requirements

In addition to national RID certification, many states have their own licensing, registration, or certification requirements. These vary significantly from state to state, and navigating them is one of the more confusing aspects of the interpreting profession.

Some states — like Texas, Virginia, and Alabama — have state Quality Assurance Screening (QAS) programs that assess interpreter competence independently of RID. These programs issue state-level credentials that may be required for certain types of work, particularly educational interpreting in K-12 settings.

Other states require RID certification and an additional state license. This typically involves an application, background check, and fee in addition to your national credentials. States like Minnesota, Georgia, and New Hampshire have interpreter licensure laws that regulate the profession similarly to how they regulate healthcare providers.

A smaller number of states have no specific interpreter regulations, meaning anyone can technically provide interpreting services regardless of qualification. The Deaf community in these states actively advocates for licensure legislation to protect consumers from unqualified interpreters.

The certification requirements by state can change as new legislation passes. Always verify current requirements with your state’s regulatory body and RID’s state-by-state resource page before accepting assignments or applying for positions.

Specialized Certifications

Beyond the general NIC, several specialized credentials address specific interpreting contexts.

Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI): This RID certification is for Deaf individuals who work as interpreters, typically in tandem with hearing interpreters. CDIs are essential for interpreting with Deaf individuals who use non-standard sign language, have limited language skills, or are DeafBlind. The CDI brings native ASL fluency and Deaf cultural knowledge that enhances accuracy in complex situations.

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA): The EIPA is widely used for K-12 educational interpreters. It assesses interpreting skills specifically in classroom settings and assigns a score from 1.0 to 5.0. Most states require an EIPA score of 3.5 or higher for educational interpreting positions.

Legal interpreting credentials: The National Center for State Courts and several state court systems offer legal interpreting certifications. These require demonstrated competence in legal terminology, courtroom procedures, and the ethical considerations unique to legal settings.

BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters): Used primarily in Texas, the BEI offers multiple certification levels from Basic to Master. This tiered system allows interpreters to demonstrate progressive skill development and is increasingly recognized in neighboring states.

Steps to Get Certified

Here is a practical roadmap to ASL interpreter certification.

Step 1: Build language fluency. You need strong ASL skills before entering an interpreter training program. Most programs expect at least two years of ASL coursework or equivalent experience. Immersion programs, Deaf community involvement, and practice with native signers accelerate this process.

Step 2: Complete an Interpreter Training Program (ITP). Accredited programs are available at colleges and universities nationwide. Look for programs approved by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE). A quality program includes both classroom instruction and supervised fieldwork.

Step 3: Gain experience. Before attempting certification exams, work in lower-stakes environments to build your skills. Volunteer interpreting (under supervision), practicum placements, and mentorship with certified interpreters provide essential real-world experience.

Step 4: Pass the NIC Knowledge Exam. Study the RID Code of Professional Conduct, interpreting theory, and linguistic principles. Prep courses and study groups improve pass rates significantly.

Step 5: Pass the NIC Performance Exam. Practice with mock exam scenarios. Record yourself interpreting and review with a mentor. Join a study group with other candidates preparing for the performance test. Many candidates take the performance exam more than once before passing.

Step 6: Obtain state credentials. Apply for any required state licensure or registration once you hold your NIC. Complete background checks, pay fees, and submit documentation as your state requires.

Maintaining Your Certification

RID certification is not a one-time achievement. You must complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain your credentials. The current requirement is 8.0 CEUs (80 contact hours) per four-year certification maintenance cycle. At least 6.0 CEUs must be in professional studies, and at least 2.0 must involve activities sponsored or approved by RID.

CEU opportunities include workshops, conferences, college courses, independent study, and community service. The RID national conference and regional conferences are popular venues for earning CEUs while networking with colleagues. Online learning platforms have expanded access to CEU courses for interpreters in rural areas.

Failure to complete CEU requirements results in certification suspension. Repeated noncompliance leads to revocation. The maintenance system ensures that certified interpreters continue developing their skills throughout their careers — a commitment that benefits the Deaf community they serve.

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• ASL Interpreter Salary Guide
• ASL Certification Requirements by State