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Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Total cost: $50 maximum
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
No
BEI Accepted
Not Required
State Exam
0 hrs
CE Hours
$50 maximum
Total Initial Fees
Interpreter Training Program & Degree
Mostly 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.
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Certification Requirements
Mostly verifiedRID Certification Not Required
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
RID Certifications
RID certification recognized; additional qualifications vary by setting
State Certification
Louisiana Interpreter Registry administered by LCD; registration required by July 1, 2026
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
Mostly 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.
Overall licensing difficulty: 8/100
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
LCD Registered Interpreter
Additional Notes
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) administers interpreter registration.
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 | $50 maximum |
License Fee | $50 maximum |
Renewal Fee | N/A |
Total Initial Fees Registration and renewal fees shall not exceed $50 | $50 maximum |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verifiedN/A
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
N/A
Renewal Fee
CE Details
No state-mandated CE; RID-certified interpreters follow RID CEU requirements
Regulatory Board
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
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.
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Louisiana is transitioning to mandatory registration by July 1, 2026. The LCD administers the registry and has a grievance policy for unregistered interpreters. Registration fees are capped at $50.
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) administers interpreter registration.
Registration required by RS 46:2353 — all interpreters must register by July 1, 2026.
New standards effective July 2025 for new interpreters; current interpreters have until July 2026.
LCD maintains the statewide Interpreter Registry.
Registration includes written knowledge and skills-based performance exams.
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Sign Language Interpreter Schools in Louisiana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Louisiana requires licensure for sign language interpreters. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.