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Interpreter Training Program

Becoming a proficient interpreter/transliterator begins with developing fluent expressive and receptive sign language skills. Once your skills have developed you may want to take one of the available screening or evaluation tools which provide an indication your skills.

If you are considering a career in interpreting you should seek a college education. Beginning in 2009, an applicant for the National Interpreter Certificate will be required to hold a 2 year college degree. This degree can be in any field of study. As of 2012, the requirement changed to a Bachelor Degree, in any field of study.

We have listed the community colleges and the university offering sign language studies or interpreter training. You can contact them for more detailed information about their programs.

Screening, Evaluation and Certification

National Certification

The National Interpreter Certification (NIC) for American Sign Language (ASL) is jointly offered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). The certification process, administered by the Center for Assessment of S ion Language Interpreters (CASLI), consists of multiple-choice Knowledge Exam followed by a video-based Performance Exam. More information may be found on CASLI鈥檚 .

Locations to take the CASLI Knowledge and Performance Exams can be found on CASLI鈥檚 .

Jobs and Pay Scales

The largest employer of sign language and oral interpreters is the public schools K-12, technical schools and higher education colleges and universities. Pay ranges from the same as teacher aides or paraprofessionals ($15,000.00 approx.) to as much as $35,000.00 depending on credentials. Each district or county determines their own pay scale.

Working in the community, interpreters generally earn an hourly wage, with no benefits, according to their level of certification, screening or evaluation. This can range from $8.00 to $40.00 per hour, often with a 2 hour minimum. There are a number of private companies/agencies which provide interpreting services, a person may work through them or be in private practice. Interpreting in legal settings is generally the highest paying, however it has the greatest liability.