Choosing a career as an ASL Interpreter or Translator is a sound career decision. The need for qualified interpreters is on the rise. American Sign Language interpreters translate ASL into another language for people who do not know sign language. They also translate spoken languages into American Sign Language for people who are deaf Traduzione Simultanea. ASL interpreters are hired to work in hospitals and medical facilities, law firms, courts, schools, churches, theaters, corporate offices, government agencies, technology companies, and more. Anywhere a person who is deaf or hard of hearing might be is a place where an ASL interpreter would be useful.
Interpreters have the important job of helping people to communicate. A person who is interested in becoming an interpreter must demonstrate patience, discretion, and confidence. They should possess a non-judgmental attitude, good objectivity and diplomacy. Strong auditory and visual skills and a good memory are also essential characteristics of a successful ASL interpreter. A career as an ASL interpreter would be rewarding for someone who enjoys being able to help others and making a difference in their community.
Recent legislative changes require educational interpreters to hold certification, so for anyone wanting to work in the education field as an interpreter, certification is a must. Interpreters in other types of employment may not be required to hold and maintain certification but quite often a certified interpreter will receive preference over a non-certified applicant.
Standards for certification are set and maintained by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), a national membership organization representing the professional ASL interpreter community. RID was established in 1964 and is a non-profit organization. RID functions as a support system for the deaf community by regulating the interpreters who facilitate conversations on their behalf. RID offers its members opportunities for continued professional development as well as the resources necessary to secure and maintain proper certification.
The sign language interpreter’s certification process involves two steps. First, a person must pass a written test detailing knowledge of deaf culture, history and interpreting protocol. Once they pass the written test, they may take the performance test. In order to pass the performance test and receive certification they must demonstrate acceptable interpreting skills as well as ethical decision making skills.
There are several types of certifications. National Interpreter Certification is for professional interpreters. The Specialist Certificate is for interpreters in a designated specialty such as the legal system. The Oral Transliteration Certificate is for interpreters who demonstrate the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a hearing person to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing. The Certified Deaf Interpreter Certificate is awarded to interpreters who are deaf or hard of hearing and who have completed specified requirements. It is important to note that before a person may take the National Interpreter Certification (NIC), Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L), or Oral Transliteration Certificate (OTC) performance exams they will be required to show proof that they meet the educational requirements by having earned at least an Associate’s Degree. The degree may be in any field. Beginning June 30, 2012 an Associate’s Degree will also be required in order to take the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) performance exam. Once certification has been awarded it is maintained by earning a minimum of eight continuing education credits in each four-year certification maintenance cycle. Annual membership dues and fees must also be kept current or certification will expire.