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How to become a licensed sign language interpreter in New Hampshire. Total initial fees: N/A. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Governing Authority
New Hampshire Board of Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (also referenced in statute as 'Board of Licensing for Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing')
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
68% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
No
RID Required
No
BEI Accepted
Required
State Exam
0 hrs
CE Hours
N/A
Total Initial Fees
Interpreter Training Program & Degree
VerifiedDegree Required
Not Required
Minimum Degree Level
No state minimum
ITP Program
Not required by state
Accreditation
N/A
Sign language interpreters typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with completion of an Interpreter Training Program (ITP). Programs include coursework in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, interpreting theory, ethics, and practicum experience. CCIE (Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education) accreditation indicates a program meets national standards for interpreter education.
Browse approved sign language interpreter training programs to find the right fit.
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Certification Requirements
VerifiedRID Certification Not Required
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
RID Certifications
RID certification or NH/MA state screening required
State Certification
NH license requires RID certification or NH/MA state screening; NH offers state screening exam
BEI Certification N/A
Board for Evaluation of Interpreters
EIPA Not Specified
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment
The RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) offers the NIC (National Interpreter Certification) as the current national certification. Previously issued CI (Certificate of Interpretation) and CT (Certificate of Transliteration) are no longer offered but still recognized. BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters) testing is used in Texas and accepted in several other states. EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) is used for K-12 educational interpreter qualifications.
Examination Requirements
VerifiedNational Exam Not Required
RID NIC or Equivalent
Performance Exam
NH state screening exam (live interview and performance evaluation) OR RID certification
Knowledge Exam
NH state screening or RID knowledge exam
State Exam Required
State-Specific Exam
Sign language interpreter examinations typically include both a written knowledge component covering ASL linguistics, Deaf culture, interpreting ethics, and professional standards, and a performance component assessing ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL interpreting skills in various settings. The RID NIC exam is the most widely accepted national certification. Some states administer their own exams or accept BEI testing.
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Sign Language Interpreter Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study materials for the NIC interpreter certification exam.
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State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
New Hampshire Licensed Interpreter (required since January 1, 2003 under RSA 326-I)
Additional Notes
New Hampshire requires licensure under RSA 326-I (effective January 1, 2003).
Approximately 30 states require licensure or registration for sign language interpreters. States that do not require licensure include Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Even in non-licensing states, RID certification may be required by employers, courts, or agencies under ADA.
Practice Scope & Services
Mostly verifiedCommunity Interpreting
Authorized
Legal Interpreting
Available
Medical Interpreting
Available
Educational Interpreting
K-12 interpreting available
VRI Services
Governed by ADA requirements
Sign language interpreters provide communication access services across multiple settings including community, legal, medical, and educational environments. Legal interpreting involves court proceedings, depositions, and law enforcement interactions. Medical interpreting covers healthcare appointments and informed consent. Educational interpreting serves K-12 students under IDEA. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) provides real-time ASL interpretation through technology platforms.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | N/A |
License Fee | N/A |
Renewal Fee | N/A |
Total Initial Fees | N/A |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
N/A
Renewal Fee
CE Details
No state-mandated CE; RID-certified interpreters follow RID CEU requirements
Sign language interpreter licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing authority. RID requires 8.0 CEUs (80 hours) per 4-year certification cycle. State CE requirements typically range from 10-40 hours per renewal cycle and must include courses in interpreting skills development, ASL linguistics, Deaf culture, professional ethics, specialized interpreting, or related professional topics.
We'll send you courtesy reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before your license expires — so you can stay ahead of your CE and renewal deadlines.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
Comity Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states that license sign language interpreters offer reciprocity or endorsement for licensed interpreters from other states. Requirements typically include verification of current RID NIC certification (or equivalent), meeting education requirements, completing a background check, and submitting a reciprocity application. Some states may require a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
New Hampshire has been licensing since 2003 with unusually stiff penalties ($250/day up to $2,000) for unlicensed interpreting. The state accepts Massachusetts screening in addition to its own. License terms are 3 years, longer than most states.
New Hampshire requires licensure under RSA 326-I (effective January 1, 2003).
Interpreters need RID certification or NH/MA State screening to be licensed.
License valid for 3 years, expires on September 1 of the third year.
Board of Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing administers the program.
Applications available through NH Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Sign Language Interpreter requirements in nearby states
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Hampshire.
Sign Language Interpreter Schools in New Hampshire
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#23 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Interpreters and Translators (SOC 27-3091)
Entry Level
$48,630
25th percentile
Median
$54,650
-8% vs. national avg ($59,440)Experienced
$66,970
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
50 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Interpreters and Translators" includes all language interpreters and translators, not just ASL interpreters. Sign language interpreter wages may differ from the combined category.
Source: BLS OEWS – Interpreters and Translators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.6%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+1,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,300
per year (avg.)
53,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Estimated total: 108–218 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Moving to New Hampshire? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Sign Language Interpreter license to New Hampshire →
Transfer your Sign Language Interpreter license from New Hampshire to: Maine → | Massachusetts → | Vermont →
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
New Hampshire requires licensure for sign language interpreters. All licensing is managed through the New Hampshire Board of Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (also referenced in statute as 'Board of Licensing for Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing').
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.