Specialty Credential
How to Verify an ASL Interpreter Certification
Verify NIC, CI/CT, and CSC certifications for ASL interpreters through RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf). Understand BEI state credentials, CDI certification for Deaf interpreters, and a checklist for sign language interpreter hiring.
Quick answer
Verify RID certifications (NIC, CI/CT, CDI) at rid.org → Member/Certification Search. For state-issued credentials, check the state's interpreter licensing authority (BEI for Texas, similar bodies in other states). Confirm Active status and the specific certification level — NIC, NIC Advanced, or NIC Master designate different proficiency tiers.
RID certification types
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) is the primary national credentialing body for ASL interpreters. Current and legacy certifications:
| Credential | Full Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NIC | National Interpreter Certification | Current; entry-level national standard |
| NIC Advanced | National Interpreter Certification Advanced | Current; intermediate proficiency tier |
| NIC Master | National Interpreter Certification Master | Current; highest NIC tier |
| CI/CT | Certificate of Interpretation / Certificate of Transliteration | Legacy; no longer awarded but remains valid if held |
| CSC | Comprehensive Skills Certificate | Legacy; remains valid if held |
| CDI | Certified Deaf Interpreter | Current; for Deaf interpreters working with Deaf-Blind or international signers |
The NIC replaced older exam-based certifications after 2012. Holders of valid legacy certifications (CI, CT, CI/CT, CSC) may maintain those credentials through continuing education. Do not discount legacy certs — they remain recognized and valid.
RID certification verification
RID maintains a public member and certification search.
Verify RID certifications at: rid.org → Member Search (search by name). The portal shows:
- All RID certifications held by the individual
- Active or Inactive status for each certification
- Whether the individual is a current RID member in good standing
Note that RID membership and certification are separate. An interpreter may hold a valid RID certification without being a current dues-paying member. The certification itself is what matters for credentialing purposes — confirm certification status, not just membership.
State licensing and BEI credentials
Several states have enacted interpreter licensing laws requiring state-issued credentials in addition to or instead of RID certification:
- Texas: Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) — dars.texas.gov; BEI certification required for K-12 educational interpreting; levels I-V plus Advanced
- Louisiana: State Interpreter Coordinator for educational settings; no separate state license but BEI or RID credential typically required
- Tennessee: Tennessee Interpreter License through the state Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Wisconsin: Wisconsin Educational Interpreter Program (WEIP) for K-12 educational interpreters
For healthcare settings subject to Title III of the ADA, the focus is on qualified interpretation rather than a specific state license. Hospitals may require RID certification, state licensure (where applicable), or documented competency assessment. Confirm requirements for the specific setting and state.
Educational vs. professional interpreting
Requirements differ by setting:
- K-12 educational interpreting: Often requires state credential (BEI in Texas) and may require Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) score above a minimum threshold
- Postsecondary education: RID certification typically required or strongly preferred
- Legal/court interpreting: RID Legal Specialist Certificate (SC:L) preferred for court settings; some states require court interpreter certification through the court system
- Healthcare interpreting: RID certification preferred; may combine with medical terminology training
- Federal government (VRS/relay): FCC-regulated Video Relay Service requires RID certification
Verification checklist
- 1. Verify RID certification at rid.org — confirm Active status and specific certification type (NIC, NIC Advanced, NIC Master, CDI, or legacy cert)
- 2. Confirm certification is Active — NIC requires continuing education for renewal every 5 years
- 3. For Texas K-12 positions: verify BEI credential at dars.texas.gov and confirm minimum level required for the position
- 4. For legal settings: confirm SC:L specialty certification or state court interpreter credential if required
- 5. Do not treat legacy certifications (CI/CT, CSC) as inferior — confirm they are Active through RID
Verify interpreter education program accreditation
ASL interpreter training programs are offered by regionally accredited colleges. Some programs hold additional accreditation through CATIE (Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education). Use VerifyED to confirm a candidate's program accreditation status.
Search Schools and Accreditation →