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Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Total cost: $100-$130
Governing Authority
Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board (IDOPL)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
No
RID Required
Yes
BEI Accepted
Required
State Exam
10 hrs
CE Hours
$100-$130
Total Initial Fees
Interpreter Training Program & Degree
VerifiedDegree Required
Degree Required
Minimum Degree Level
High school diploma or equivalent
ITP Program
Not explicitly required; must pass written and performance exams
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.
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Certification Requirements
VerifiedRID Certification Not Required
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
RID Certifications
RID, NAD, CASLI, BEI (Basic level or above), Utah Interpreter Program (UIP) at professional or master level all accepted
State Certification
Idaho SIGN license issued through IDOPL; required since July 1, 2018
BEI Certification Accepted
Board for Evaluation of Interpreters
EIPA Accepted (Educational)
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
Written and performance exam for SIGN license
Knowledge Exam
Written exam component for SIGN license
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: 10/100
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
Idaho Sign Language Interpreter License (required since July 1, 2018)
Additional Notes
Idaho requires licensure since July 1, 2018 through IDOPL.
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 | $100 |
License Fee | $100 (General License); $130 (Provisional Permit) |
Renewal Fee | N/A |
Total Initial Fees General License $100; Provisional Permit $130; Endorsement License $100 | $100-$130 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (license expires on licensee's birthdate each year)
Renewal Period
10 hrs
CE Hours Required
N/A
Renewal Fee
CE Details
10 hours (1.0 CEUs) of continuing education required annually
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.
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.
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Idaho's license is called 'SIGN' and is administered through the Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board. The state has its own exam pathway in addition to accepting RID certification. Applications must be submitted at least 7 business days before board meetings.
Idaho requires licensure since July 1, 2018 through IDOPL.
Must pass written and performance exams for SIGN license.
10 CEU hours required annually.
Applications reviewed by Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board.
High school diploma is the minimum education requirement.
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Idaho requires licensure for sign language interpreters. BEI certification is also accepted. All licensing is managed through the Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board (IDOPL).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.