GENERAL EIPA FYI...from RID

Q: I’m an EIPA interpreter. Do the new educational requirements apply to me?

A: Yes, EIPA interpreters who hold the Ed:K-12 credential and would like to become certified members of RID must meet either the educational requirements or the Alternative Pathway requirements.

Q: Why must I have a minimum of an associate’s degree to take the National Interpreter Certification (NIC), Sign Certificate:Legal (SC:L), or Oral Transliterating Certificate (OTC)

Interview/Performance Exams after June 30, 2009?

A: The RID Membership took a huge stride in elevating the profession of sign language interpreting when they passed motion C 2003.05 at the 2003 RID National Conference in Chicago. This motion mandated that after June 30, 2008, all hearing interpreters must hold a minimum of an associate's degree, in any field, to take the NIC, SC:L, and OTC Interview/Performance Exams. (A degree is not required for the NIC, SC:L, and OTC Written/Knowledge Exams.)

It was recognized that some system of “equivalent alternative criteria allowable in lieu of the educational requirements” was needed for interpreters who had many years of experience and expertise, yet who did not have a degree in higher education. Upon nearing the requirements deadline, it was realized that more time was needed in developing the requirements for the Alternative Pathway, so the deadline was reset to    June 30, 2009.

Q: What is the Alternative Pathway to Eligibility?

A: The Alternative Pathway is a system that measures a combination of qualifications that can be collectively considered an acceptable substitute for the new educational requirements. The Alternative Pathway uses a point system that awards credit for college classes, years of full-time interpreting work, interpreter-related training, professional interpreting certifications, and specific volunteer services to RID (including articles published in VIEWS or the Journal of Interpretation).

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EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Q: I do have a 2-year degree (associate’s degree), but it has nothing to do with sign language or interpreting. Would this satisfy the educational requirements?

A: Yes, if you have a college degree that is an associate’s degree or higher, no matter what your major was, it will satisfy the educational requirements.

Q: I completed a certificate program from a business college. Would this satisfy the educational requirements?

A: Not by itself. Only an actual associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree automatically fulfills the educational requirements. You will need to see if you can gain eligibility through the Alternative Pathway.

Degree Requirements Beginning June 30, 2008

At the 2003 RID Conference in Chicago, the membership passed a motion which requires a degree in order to stand for future performance interview tests. It is important to note that these requirements are not immediate.

In 2008, applicants who are hearing will be required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in order to be considered a candidate for certification.

This means that they can take written or knowledge tests without a degree, but must have the degree in order to apply for the interview and performance sections of any test.

In 2012, applicants who are hearing will be required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered a candidate for certification ...

while applicants who are deaf will be required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree.

In 2016, applicants who are deaf will be required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, there will be exceptions to the requirement. Those exceptions will be formulated and publicized no later than 2006.

By June 30, 2006, the Certification Council shall establish equivalent alternative criteria allowable in lieu of the educational requirements such as one or more of the following:

Life experience, years of professional experience, years of education (credit hours) not totaling a formal degree.

Alternative Pathway to Eligibility Application:

The Alternative Pathway application is required for:

1) Individuals who do not hold an associate’s degree or higher and who wish to apply to take the NIC, SC:L, or

OTC interview/performance exams

and

2) EIPA interpreters who hold the Ed:K-12 credential and would like to become certified members of RID.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RID.ORG

TESTING AND TESTING PROCESS... NEAR THE BOTTOME OF THE PAGE YOU WILL CLICK ON "ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY"