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How to become a licensed sign language interpreter in New Jersey. Total initial fees: N/A. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
New Jersey does not require a state license for sign language interpreters. New Jersey does not require state licensure.
Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Governing Authority
New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH), under the Department of Human Services
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
62% of data points are verified against official sources. 14 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
No
License Required
No
RID Required
No
BEI Accepted
Not 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 required for DDHH interpreter referral lists and court interpreting
State Certification
No state certification; DDHH maintains referral lists of RID-certified interpreters
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
No state performance exam required
Knowledge Exam
No state knowledge exam required
No State Exam
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.
Study materials for the NIC interpreter certification exam.
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State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedNo State License Required
State License Title
No state license required; RID certification required for DDHH lists and court work
New Jersey does not require state licensure.
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
Educational interpreters need Educational Sign Language Interpreting Standard Certificate from NJ DOE
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedEndorsement Available
No
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 Jersey has no licensing but effectively requires RID certification through its referral system and judiciary policy. Educational interpreters need a separate DOE certificate. DDHH manages referral lists but interpreters operate as independent business entities.
New Jersey does not require state licensure.
RID certification required for DDHH referral lists and court interpreting.
DDHH manages interpreter referral lists.
Educational interpreters need NJ DOE standard certificate.
Judiciary policy requires RID certification for court settings.
Sign Language Interpreter requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (you) | — | 108–218 wks | |
| Connecticut | — | 108–218 wks | → |
| Delaware | — | 108–218 wks | → |
| New York | — | 108–218 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $100 | 108–218 wks | → |
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
Sign Language Interpreter Schools in New Jersey
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 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
$31,470
25th percentile
Median
$45,120
-24% vs. national avg ($59,440)Experienced
$79,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,090 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.
Source: New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) — Licensing Requirements
Moving to New Jersey? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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New Jersey does not require licensure for sign language interpreters. All licensing is managed through the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH), under the Department of Human Services.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.