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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
21.7 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.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | License Req. | RID Req. | BEI Accepted | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $225 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | high | Mar 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0 | Contact ACDHH for current fee schedule | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $125 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| California(CA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | high | Mar 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | high | Mar 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | No | No | No | 0 | Contact state for fees | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | No | Yes | 10 | $100-$130 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | No | Yes | 20 | $150 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | No | Yes | 40 | $120 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $50 maximum | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | Yes | No | No | 0 | Up to $375 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | Yes | No | No | 20 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | No | No | 0 | No fee | medium | Mar 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| New York(NY) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Yes | No | Yes | 20 | $150 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $100 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $25 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $400 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | $100 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | No | Yes | 0 | $75 | medium | Mar 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | No | No | 0 | N/A | medium | Mar 2026 |
Sign language interpreters often work alongside other licensed professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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