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Minnesota does not require a state license for sign language interpreters. Minnesota does not require general licensure.
Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Total cost: N/A
Governing Authority
Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing
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.
No
License Required
No
RID Required
No
BEI Accepted
Not 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.
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Certification Requirements
VerifiedRID Certification Not Required
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
RID Certifications
RID, NAD, or comparable state certification required for educational interpreters
State Certification
No general state certification; educational interpreters must hold RID/NAD certification per Minn. Stat. 122A.31
BEI Certification N/A
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
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: 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 state license required; educational interpreters must be certified
Minnesota does not require general licensure.
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
Educational interpreters must hold RID/NAD certification and complete accredited ITP per Minn. Stat. 122A.31
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.
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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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Minnesota has no general licensing but has strict requirements for educational interpreters under statute 122A.31, requiring both national certification and completion of an accredited interpreter training program.
Minnesota does not require general licensure.
Educational interpreters must hold RID, NAD, or comparable certification under Minn. Stat. 122A.31.
Educational interpreters must complete accredited ITP.
Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing advocates for quality assurance.
Sign Language Interpreter requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (you) | — | 108–218 wks | |
| Iowa | $120 | 108–218 wks | → |
| North Dakota | — | 108–218 wks | → |
| South Dakota | — | 108–218 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $75 | 108–218 wks | → |
See how Minnesota compares: Sign Language Interpreter License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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Sign Language Interpreter Schools in Minnesota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Transfer your Sign Language Interpreter license from Minnesota to: Iowa → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Minnesota does not require licensure for sign language interpreters. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.