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Best sign language interpreter certifications
Sign language interpreter certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an sign language interpreter to employers. However, not all sign language interpreter certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a sign language interpreter are Master Level Sign Language, National Interpreter Certification (NIC), and Certified Interpreter.
Below is a list of the best sign language interpreter certifications. Obtaining an sign language interpreter certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for sign language interpreters
| Rank | Sign language interpreter certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master Level Sign Language | ASLTA |
| 2 | National Interpreter Certification (NIC) | RID |
| 3 | Certified Interpreter | Administrativ... |
| 4 | Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) | RID |
| 5 | Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) | NBCMI |
| 6 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
6 best sign language interpreter certifications
1. Master Level Sign Language
Certified teachers have met the requirements according to standards established by the ASLTA. The teacher, certified at the Professional level, has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and skills in teaching ASL. These include knowledge of curriculum development, evaluation, linguistics, and theoretical and contemporary issues in the field of ASL teaching.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 8 year(s)
2. National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
Individuals achieving certification at the NIC, NIC Advanced or NIC Master level are all professionally certified interpreters. The National Interpreter Certification (NIC) exam tests interpreting skills and knowledge in three critical domains: General knowledge of the field of interpreting through the NIC Knowledge exam Ethical decision making through the interview portion of the NIC Performance test Interpreting and transliterating skills through the performance portion of the test. In all three domains, certificate holders must demonstrate professional knowledge and skills that meet or exceed the minimum professional standards necessary to perform in a broad range of interpretation and transliteration assignments.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
3. Certified Interpreter
Certified interpreters have passed the Administrative Office certification examination. To date, certification programs have been developed for Spanish, Navajo and Haitian Creole. In these languages, the courts will select interpreters who have met the Administrative Office's criteria for certification if the judge determines that certified interpreters are reasonably available.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)
Holders of this certification are interpreters who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and who have completed at least eight hours of training on the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct; eight hours of training on the role and function of an interpreter who is deaf or hard-of-hearing; and have passed a comprehensive combination of written and performance tests. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. This test is currently available.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
5. Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI)
To be granted a CMI credential individuals must meet all of the eligibility prerequisites and pass BOTH the written and oral examinations. The CMI credential is awarded in the specific language(s) for which the oral exam is passed (for example CMI-Spanish). The National Board only awards the CMI credential to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and successfully complete the written and oral examinations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a sign language interpreter?
The best sign language interpreter certification is Master Level Sign Language. The Master Level Sign Language is awarded by the American Sign Language Teachers Association. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this sign language interpreter certification:
- To become a certified Master Level Sign Language, you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 8 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for sign language interpreters?
The most in-demand sign language interpreter certification is National Interpreter Certification based on all active job postings. Having this sign language interpreter certification will give you access to more sign language interpreter jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of sign language interpreter certifications include: Master Level Sign Language, National Interpreter Certification (NIC), and Certified Interpreter.
Online courses for sign language interpreters to earn certifications
1. Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a subfield of linguistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to interpret and manipulate human language.\n\nThis technology is one of the most broadly applied areas of machine learning and is critical in effectively analyzing massive quantities of unstructured, text-heavy data. As AI continues to expand, so will the demand for professionals skilled at building models that analyze speech and language, uncover contextual...
2. Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher
Many Deaf children around the world still leave school functionally illiterate. In some cases, there is no allowance made for the education of Deaf children at all. This 4-week course provides you with invaluable knowledge and skills about teaching Deaf children. You will learn about the importance of Deaf culture and community, the need for a language-rich environment for the Deaf child from as young as possible, and that having access to sign language can help Deaf children academically,...
3. ASL First 120 Basic Signs American Sign Language
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