UPDATE:
September 23, 2013 – Alexandria, VA – The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID), announces two significant changes to the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Knowledge Examination, more stringent eligibility requirements for the CDI exam and improvements to the content of the written exam. These changes go into effect on January 1, 2014.
The new eligibility requirements for individuals to sit for the CDI Knowledge Exam were recommended by the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Task Force and approved by the NAD-RID Certification Committee and RID Board of Directors.
“The CDI Task Force has done an outstanding job working tirelessly over the past few years to review the eligibility requirements for CDI certification and revise the ASL videos for the written CDI exam,” stated Shane H. Feldman, RID Executive Director. “Furthermore, their work demonstrates the commitment of our volunteer leaders to the vision and mission of the organization. We are grateful to their dedication to RID.”
The 16 total hours currently required to sit for the CDI Knowledge Exam will be replaced with the following requirements:
40 hours (4.0 CEUs)
Candidates for the CDI Knowledge must demonstrate that they have completed at least 40 hours (or 4.0 CEUs) of interpreter training, total. This training must be completed in specific content areas as outlined below.
Included are suggested topics of study that may be used to demonstrate that these requirements have been completed.
8 hours – RID Code of Professional Conduct (required) Recommended topics: Ethical Decision Making, Ethics in Interpreting
8 hours – Introduction to Interpreting (required) Recommended topics: Interpreting 101
8 hours - Process of Interpretation (required) Recommended topics: The Deaf Interpreter at Work, Deaf/Hearing Team Interpreting, Deaf/Deaf Team Interpreting, Interpreting for Deaf Blind consumers, Deaf Interpreting Processes, Deaf Interpreting Theory and Practice, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Sight/Test Translation, Visual Gestural Communication, and Platform Interpreting
16 hours - General Interpreter Training Recommended topics: Linguistics of ASL, Interpreting Practicum, Additional training in any of the required content areas above
The CDI Knowledge Exam revision and the updated eligibility requirements will be implemented on January 1, 2014. All candidates who take the CDI Knowledge Exam after that date will receive the revised version of the exam.
In addition, all candidates who test on or after January 1, 2014 must demonstrate that they meet the new eligibility requirements as outlined above. Candidates are welcome to begin submitting their updated documentation to RID Headquarters at this time. Only the current version of the exam will be given to exams provided prior to January 1, 2014, even if the candidate meets the new eligibility requirements.
Those familiar with the current eligibility requirements will recognize that the revised requirements are, in essence, an addition to the current 16 hours of training required in the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct and Role and Function of a Deaf Interpreter. Candidates who are currently eligible for the CDI Knowledge Exam must meet the additional 24 hours in the Introduction to Interpreting and General Interpreter Training content areas if they want to schedule their exam after the implementation date of January 1, 2014.
Revisions to the CDI Knowledge Exam
Along with the change in eligibility requirements, the CDI Task Force took on the job of revising exam questions for the CDI Written/Knowledge Examination Furthermore, during the exam revision, a study conducted by Castle Worldwide determined the appropriate pass score is 72, which was approved by the CDI Task Force, NAD-RID Certification Committee and RID Board of Directors.
CDI Candidate Handbook Available Soon
To coincide with these changes, the current CDI Bulletin will be replaced with a more comprehensive CDI Candidate Handbook. This new document will include all the relevant information in the CDI Bulletin in addition to updated information about becoming a CDI certified and RID’s examination policies and procedures. The CDI Handbook will soon be available on the CDI Certification page, on the RID website at
RID -, in the “Education and Certification” section.
Educational Requirements for the CDI
The current educational requirements to take the CDI Performance Exam are still applicable to all candidates. Candidates must have an associates degree in any field to quality for CDI certification. On July 1, 2016, all candidates must then demonstrate that they hold a bachelors degree in any field.
Candidates may also meet this eligibility requirement by submitting an application through the Alternative Pathway to Eligibility. More information about this program be found on RID’s website.
RID - CDI Certification