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How to become a licensed sign language interpreter in Washington. Total initial fees: N/A. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Washington does not require a state license for sign language interpreters. Washington does not require general state licensure for sign language interpreters.
Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
57% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 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
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 recognized; DSHS has own certification exam
State Certification
DSHS certification for interpreters working with DSHS clients; background check required
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
DSHS language interpreter examination or state/federal court exam
Knowledge Exam
No state knowledge exam required
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
VerifiedNo State License Required
State License Title
No general license; DSHS certification for state agency work; court certification separate
Washington does not require general state licensure for sign language interpreters.
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.
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
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 →
Washington has no general licensure but requires DSHS certification for state agency work. Court sign language interpreters have a completely separate certification pathway. All interpreters must complete DSHS orientation and ethics training.
Washington does not require general state licensure for sign language interpreters.
DSHS Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) administers court interpreter certification.
Court interpreters must be registered with and meet qualification standards established by ODHH.
Accepted credentials include RID certification or BEI credentials.
ODHH offers credentials to Qualified Deaf Interpreters who are not yet certified.
WAC 388.818.600 outlines court interpreter qualification requirements.
to be on ODHH's certified court interpreter list, sign language interpreters must register with and meet qualification standards established and administered by ODHH (WAC-based criteria plus official Washington Courts training).
approved sign language interpreters hold RID certification or BEI credentials; court-certified interpreters may also hold SC:L or CDI certification
ODHH offers a QDI (Qualified Deaf Interpreter) credential; the approved interpreter list shows multiple interpreters listed as 'QDI, ODHH-approved'
WAC citation referenced on official DSHS pages as 'WAC 388.818.600' for court interpreter qualifications; also WAC 388-03-114 for DSHS interpreter recognition
Sign Language Interpreter requirements in nearby states
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How does Washington compare to other states for sign language interpreter? See the full comparison →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
Sign Language Interpreter Schools in Washington
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 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
$50,060
25th percentile
Median
$69,620
+17% vs. national avg ($59,440)Experienced
$98,550
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,620 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: Washington DSHS Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington DSHS Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing — Licensing Requirements
Moving to Washington? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Sign Language Interpreter license to Washington →
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.
Washington does not require licensure for sign language interpreters. All licensing is managed through the Washington DSHS Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.