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Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Sign language interpreter licensing requires completion of an Interpreter Training Program, obtaining RID NIC certification or equivalent, and meeting state-specific requirements. Approximately 30 states require licensure — requirements for RID certification, BEI testing, and continuing education vary by jurisdiction.
51
Total States
31
Require License
4
Require RID
18.7 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Sign language interpreter licensure involves completing an Interpreter Training Program, passing national certification exams, obtaining RID NIC or equivalent credentials, and meeting state-specific requirements.
The RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) offers the NIC (National Interpreter Certification) as the current standard. Previously issued CI (Certificate of Interpretation) and CT (Certificate of Transliteration) are no longer offered but remain recognized. Most states that license interpreters require RID certification.
BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters) testing is used in Texas and accepted in several other states as an alternative to RID certification. EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) is used to evaluate interpreter qualifications for K-12 educational settings under IDEA.
Sign language interpreters work in community, legal, medical, and educational settings. Legal interpreting covers court proceedings and law enforcement. Medical interpreting serves healthcare facilities. Educational interpreting supports K-12 students. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is an emerging practice area.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
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Sign Language Interpreter Exam Prep Books & Study Materials
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Click any state to see full requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions →
| State | License Req. | RID Req. | BEI Accepted | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $225 | high | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0 | Contact ACDHH for current fee schedule | medium | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $125 | medium | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | high | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | No | No | No | 0 | Contact state for fees | medium | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | No | Yes | 10 | $100-$130 | medium | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | No | Yes | 20 | $150 | medium | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | No | Yes | 40 | $120 application fee (nonrefundable); no additional fees listed on the page for initial licensure. | medium | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $50 maximum | medium | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | Yes | No | No | 0 | Up to $375 | medium | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | Yes | No | No | 2 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | No | No | 0 | No fee | medium | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Yes | No | Yes | 20 | $150 | medium | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $100 | medium | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $25 | medium | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $400 | medium | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | $100 | medium | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | $75 | medium | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
Sign language interpreters often work alongside other licensed professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.