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Requirements to work as a Sign Language Interpreter in Minnesota

What interpreter certifications are recognized in Minnesota?

Any certification offered by RID or NAD. EIPA is accepted for K-12 settings. RID SC:L is preferred for working in Minnesota courts. Minnesota does not offer or recognize BEI certification. For more information about the BEI, go to: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/assistive-services-providers/board-evaluation-interpreters-certification-program


Does Minnesota have Licensure for interpreters?It currently does not, but for more information on licensure bills that have been proposed in Minnesota, click here: https://mrid.org/Licensure-History


Working in a K-12 Setting:

Law: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/122A.31

Minnesota Department of Education: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/cat/dhh/

Any person employed to provide American sign language/English interpreting or sign transliterating services on a full-time or part-time basis for a school district must have the following:

  • You must have completed an Interpreter Training Program
    AND

  • Hold RID CI/CT, NAD III, IV, or V, NIC, or EIPA with a 4.0 or above and have passed both the written portion and either the secondary or elementary performance exam, AND

  • Must be a member of RID and maintain the CEU requirement whether you hold RID, NAD, NIC, or EIPA.

  • OR...if you are not yet certified but within 2 years of ITP graduation:

  • You must file for a 2 year provisional certificate from the Minnesota Department of Education and while holding this you MUST be mentored weekly by a qualified mentor (as outlined per statute 122A.31) and have an education plan in place.

  • You can apply for a one time extension to your provisional license. 

Educational Interpreter Resources and Articles

Working in a post-secondary (colleges/universities) setting:

National certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or National Association for the Deaf is highly encouraged, but not required. Each post-secondary college or university interviews and hires based on qualifications, and what is determined as qualified is defined by each hiring entity.


Working as a freelance/independent contractor interpreter for an agency: 

National certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or National Association for the Deaf is highly encouraged, but not required. Each agency interviews and hires based on qualifications, and what is determined as qualified is defined by each hiring entity.


Working as a Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreter:

National certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or National Association for the Deaf is highly encouraged, but not required. Each VRS company (Sorenson, Convo, ZVRS, Purple) interviews and hires based on qualifications, and what is determined as qualified is defined by each hiring entity.


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