Clarity ASL Interpreting Patrick Hoarty · NIC

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For Interpreters: Licensing, Credentials, and Getting Involved

For ASL interpreters and Deaf interpreters working in Rhode Island and Massachusetts: licensing, state screenings, Certified Deaf Interpreters, and ways to keep growing.

Do I need a license to interpret in Rhode Island?

  • In most cases, yes. Rhode Island requires ASL interpreters and Deaf interpreters to hold a license from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) before they work.
  • The law lists a few exceptions. For example, an interpreter who is RID certified but not licensed in Rhode Island may work up to 25 hours per calendar year. Certified interpreters volunteering without pay, and certified interpreters in an emergency, are also exempt.
  • If you are using the 25 hours, RICDHH asks you to fill out its Non-Licensed Certified and State-screened Interpreter Form at least 48 hours before each assignment.

Full info: RICDHH: State Licensure & Master Price Agreement (MPA) · R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-71-15: Exemptions

What kinds of Rhode Island license are there?

  • Certified: for interpreters certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). There are two: certified interpreter and certified deaf interpreter.
  • Screened: for interpreters who passed a current state screening (or a state equivalent), plus either the RID written generalist exam or coursework in ASL, Deaf Culture, and the Code of Ethics. There are two: screened interpreter and screened deaf interpreter. A screened license lasts for a limited time set by the Board.
  • Educational interpreter: for interpreting in schools. The law asks for a passing result on the EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) or a similar test the Board approves.

Full info: RIDOH rule 216-RICR-40-05-21: Interpreters for the Deaf · R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-71-8: Qualifications

How do I apply in Rhode Island?

The RIDOH application asks for:

  • The completed application with its cover page, and the non-refundable application fee
  • A copy of your driver's license or state ID
  • An original background check (BCI) from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. If you live outside Rhode Island, you also need one from your home state.
  • If you are applying as RID certified: RID sends your certification directly to the Board
  • If you are applying by state screening: proof you passed the RID generalist written exam, or proof of coursework in ASL, Deaf Culture, and the Code of Ethics
  • If you have ever been licensed in another state: that state sends a license verification directly

An application stays valid for one year from the day RIDOH receives it.

RI Interpreter Licensing Quest: A step-by-step guide to getting your Rhode Island interpreter license from RIDOH.

Full info: RIDOH: Interpreters for the Deaf · RIDOH application (PDF)

How do renewal and CEUs work in Rhode Island?

  • Renew every year before July 1. RIDOH sends a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, and you can renew online.
  • Five hours of continuing education each year. The courses need to be ones approved by RID.
  • Keep your certificates of completion for at least three years. The Board may audit at random.
  • If you were first licensed after the July 1 renewal date, the CEU requirement starts with the next renewal cycle.
  • RIDOH may grant more time for hardship, at its discretion.

Full info: RIDOH rule 216-RICR-40-05-21: Interpreters for the Deaf

What are the "MPA tiers"?

  • MPA means Master Price Agreement. When interpreters take Rhode Island state jobs, they are paid through the MPA. RICDHH says it sets a pay rate based on your certification and years of experience.
  • The current agreement is MPA-358. In RICDHH's Tier 2 notice:
    • Tier 1 is individual interpreters already set up under MPA-358 who work freelance with the State.
    • Tier 2 is interpreting and CART agencies or companies approved to provide services to the State.
  • RICDHH's steps for individual interpreters: get your RIDOH license, register as a State vendor with Ocean State Procures, complete the MPA forms with RICDHH, set up an ESRP account with the RICDHH referral office, and then bill the service provider directly.
  • RICDHH posts the current state rate schedule on its website. I don't list rates here.

Full info: RICDHH: State Licensure & MPA · RICDHH: Tier 2 · RICDHH: Interpreter State Rates (MPA)

How does Massachusetts screen interpreters?

  • The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) refers interpreters who are either RID certified or screened and approved by MCDHH.
  • MCDHH screenings are for interpreters who are not yet nationally certified. MCDHH calls approved interpreters entry-level and refers them to settings that fit their skill level. It encourages them to keep working toward national certification.
  • The screenings are ASL Interpretation, English Transliteration, and Deaf Interpreting. Passing makes you an MCDHH-Approved Interpreter/Transliterator or an MCDHH-Screened Deaf Interpreter (SDI). MCDHH also has a separate Legal Interpreter Interview for legal settings.
  • Every screening starts with an interview on the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. If you pass, you can apply for the performance part.
  • If you are already certified, MCDHH has a separate application to join its referral contract.

Full info: MCDHH Quality Assurance Screenings · MCDHH Statewide Interpreter and CART Referral Service

What is a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)?

  • A Deaf interpreter is a Deaf person, fluent in signed language for life, who works as a professional interpreter and translator. Some Deaf interpreters are certified and some are not.
  • A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) holds RID's national certification for interpreters who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • RID says a Deaf interpreter can be hired for any setting. Asking for one is not a judgment about anyone's language skills. It is about accuracy and what works best for the people in the room.
  • RID's practice paper names some situations where a CDI may be needed, for example when a Deaf person:
    • uses home signs or signs from another country
    • has limited language
    • is DeafBlind or has limited vision
    • uses signs particular to a region, ethnic group, or age group
  • As a team: often a CDI works with a hearing interpreter. The CDI works between the Deaf person and the hearing interpreter, and the hearing interpreter works between the CDI and the hearing person. They may check with each other to agree on the best interpretation. RID suggests asking the Deaf interpreter for input when the team is put together.
  • Getting certified: the CDI path goes through CASLI. You pass the CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam, meet RID's education requirement (a bachelor's degree or an approved Alternative Pathway), send an audiogram or a letter from an audiologist, and pass the CASLI Generalist Performance Exam: CDI.

Full info: RID: Deaf Interpreter Professional Practice Paper (PDF) · RID: Use of a Certified Deaf Interpreter · RID: Available Certifications

How do I get nationally certified (NIC)?

  • RID offers two national certifications today: the NIC (National Interpreter Certification) for hearing interpreters and the CDI for Deaf interpreters.
  • CASLI (the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation) was set up by RID in 2016 to run the exams. RID still handles eligibility and the certification itself.
  • The NIC path:
    • First, pass the CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam. It has two parts: Fundamentals of Interpreting, and Case Studies on ethical decision-making and cultural responsiveness.
    • Next, meet RID's education requirement: a bachelor's degree (any major) or an approved Alternative Pathway.
    • Then pass the CASLI Generalist Performance Exam: NIC.
  • You need to be at least 18. You have five years from your first passing exam to finish everything.

Full info: RID: Available Certifications · CASLI: For NIC Candidates

How can I keep growing and get involved?

  • Know the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). RID shares it in ASL and in English. In Rhode Island, following it is part of the license requirements.
  • Track your CEUs. RID certified members need 8.0 CEUs in each four-year cycle. At least 6.0 must be Professional Studies, and at least 1.0 of those must be in RID's PPO category. Extra CEUs don't roll over to the next cycle.
  • Not certified yet? RID Associate members are tracked through ACET (Associate Continuing Education Tracking). There is no minimum, but RID notes ACET can help document state requirements, like Rhode Island's yearly hours.
  • Join a local chapter. RID lists affiliate chapters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Chapters are a good way to find workshops, other interpreters, and mentors.
  • Find a mentor. I recommend working with experienced interpreters, and with Deaf interpreters and Deaf mentors when you can. Getting honest feedback on your work is one of the best ways to grow.
  • Show up in the Deaf community. Go to Deaf events as a guest, not just for work. It keeps your language current and builds trust.

Full info: RID: NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct · RID: Certification Maintenance Program · RID: ACET · RID: Affiliate Chapters

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026.