Certified?

[Chuck]

Hi, does anyone know how to get certified in the state of California?

What tests do I have to take?

I know alot of signing, I mostly use SEE but I was working at a job with 2 deaf people and I had to sign alot for them, they taught me alot of ASL, its not too different, but I think ASL is more sloppy, thats not the point here......

but does anyone know how I can get certified? What books do you suggest on ASL? That usually is the same as the contents of the test?

Ive always wondered how did they do the tests? I would like to get a job doing this....I know I would be limited to certain jobs, where the speaker and the deaf person are in close proximity, as opposed to interpreters I've had for example in school....that was not close proximity.

 

[Reba]

Hi, does anyone know how to get certified in the state of California?

I'm not from CA, so I don't know what additional state requirements are for terps working there. However, if you want certification from a national organization such as RID or NAD, you should enroll in an ITP program at either a two-year or four-year college.

What tests do I have to take?

It depends on which certifications you seek to attain. There are different tests for interpreters and transliterators, and you have to prove competancy in expressive and receptive skills, and knowledge and application of interpreter ethics.

I know alot of signing, I mostly use SEE but I was working at a job with 2 deaf people and I had to sign alot for them...

Do you mean you were interpreting for them at your work place? Is that part of your job description or were you just "helping"? Did you also voice for them?

... they taught me alot of ASL, its not too different, but I think ASL is more sloppy, thats not the point here......

So I assume you haven't taken any formal classes in ASL yet. If you did, you wouldn't make that statement.

Interpreting requires a lot more than just "signing."

Check out these sites for information:

Home - National Association of the Deaf

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

but does anyone know how I can get certified? What books do you suggest on ASL? That usually is the same as the contents of the test?

You can get practice tapes for the certification tests but before you even consider that you should graduate from an ITP with at least a two-year degree.

Ive always wondered how did they do the tests? I would like to get a job doing this....I know I would be limited to certain jobs, where the speaker and the deaf person are in close proximity, as opposed to interpreters I've had for example in school....that was not close proximity.

If you're certified, you should be able to work in a variety of settings, not just a limited few. Of course, every terp has her/his preferences and strengths/weaknesses for types of assignments but you should still be qualified to fulfill most general assignments.

I'm not quite sure what you mean about close proximity assignments unless you are referring to small one-on-one meetings such as student and advisor, or patient and doctor, rather than platform work in front of large audiences.

 

[Chuck]

I'm not from CA, so I don't know what additional state requirements are for terps working there. However, if you want certification from a national organization such as RID or NAD, you should enroll in an ITP program at either a two-year or four-year college.

You need a degree to get a cert?

Do you mean you were interpreting for them at your work place? Is that part of your job description or were you just "helping"? Did you also voice for them?

No it wasnt part of my job description, they knew how to do the work, I would just intrepret simple requests and sometimes interpret late meetings (1am) because there was no interpreter on call that late. They were my work friends so I would go to break/lunch with them, etc.

So I assume you haven't taken any formal classes in ASL yet. If you did, you wouldn't make that statement.

I really do think ASL is sloppy. Alot of the ASL signers are really really sloppy and tend to put in their own quirks in their signing. It promotes individuality, at least in my opinion.

Check out these sites for information:

Home - National Association of the Deaf

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Thank you.

You can get practice tapes for the certification tests but before you even consider that you should graduate from an ITP with at least a two-year degree.

2 years to learn ASL? I already know alot...

I'm not quite sure what you mean about close proximity assignments unless you are referring to small one-on-one meetings such as student and advisor, or patient and doctor, rather than platform work in front of large audiences.

The former, including prisons and jails would be cool.

 

[Interpretrator]

You need a degree to get a cert?

Previously there were no degree requirements for educational interpreters in California, but they are introducing requirements over the next few years. Sign language interpreters will be required to have an A.A. degree by some year...maybe 2008? And then a few years later a bachelor's degree will be required.

I don't remember the exact dates (obviously) or which settings this is pertinent to other than post-secondary so check with the California BOE or possibly SCRID (Southern California RID) for details.

For interpreters in other settings (VRS, agency, etc.) usually either national certification or passing an in-house test is required. I don't think they are subject to the same laws.

 

[Chuck]

wow that sucks. I love this information thanks

 

[Gobae]

wow that sucks.

I'm assuming that, that statement is because you feel you already have a decent signing background and years of college would just be a repeat of what you know?

Well, if the ASL classes are being given at fully accredited colleges, you can typically choose to "proficiency out" of those classes by taking the final exam on the first day of class. Thus bypassing all of the stuff you already know.