Sign Language Interpreters - Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Making Interpreting a Profession

Even sign language interpreters who are not members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or people looking to become interpreters, can benefit from a visit to the RID website.

Not Yet an Interpreter

There is a section, "How to Become an Interpreter." This section, with both downloadable PDFs and web pages, includes an FAQ and information on interpreter training and preparation programs. The site includes a searchable database of interpreter training programs.

Together with the National Association of the Deaf, RID is part of the National Council on Interpreting, which has developed a National Interpreter Certification test that replaces the old RID generalist (CI/CT) test. The website has downloadable test materials, including an outline, reference materials listings, application forms, and study materials.

In addition RID continues to offer its own tests, in certified deaf interpreting, oral interpreting, and legal interpreting.

RID Membership

RID offers six different membership categories, each with different levels of membership benefits. These categories are:

1. Certified (currently certified by RID). This category includes expired certifications and retired interpreters.
2. Associate (not currently certified by RID but working in interpreting full time or part time)
3. Student (for interpreting students)
4. Supporting (not involved in interpreting)
5. Organizational (for organizations that support RID)
6. Trial (temporary membership with only a subscription to VIEWS)

In addition to national membership, interpreters can belong to an affiliate chapter of the RID. Affiliate chapters can be found in any of five regions, and the RID site includes a listing of affiliate chapters and their websites.

For RID Members

As an organization with over 10,000 members (at the time this article was written), RID holds biennial national conferences. There are also other conferences with a different scope - regional, state, local, and international. The conferences feature workshops and activities that allow members to earn continuing education credits.

RID has a Certification Maintenance Program/Associate Continuing Education Tracking Program that is mandatory for all RID certifified interpreters. Through this program, interpreters maintain their skills by earning continuing education credits. The site has a searchable database of workshops approved by RID that members can use for earning continuing education credits.

RID publishes a membership newsletter, VIEWS. If you are not a member, yo may be able to read VIEWS at a library in a deaf college such as Gallaudet.

Hiring an RID-Certified Interpreter

RID has a member database that can be searched to find an interpreter near you to hire. You can search by certification type, membership category, and whether the interpreter is available for freelance assignments. This database can help with finding an interpreter to hire for events such as a wedding.

More from RID

There is an online store (RID members receive a discount), with books on interpreting published by RID Press and others, publications such as the Journal of Interpretation (collection of papers) published by RID Publications, and conference proceedings, fun stuff like shirts, and testing materials.