List of Credentials

Credential (Short Name)

Description

Credential (Long Name)

Organization*

CI

Holders of this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Interpretation and have demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English in both sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign. The interpreter's ability to transliterate is not considered in this certification. Holders of the CI are recommended for a broad range of interpretation assignments. This test is currently available.

Certificate of Interpretation

RID

CT

Holders of this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Transliteration and have demonstrated the ability to transliterate between English-based sign language and spoken English in both sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign. The transliterator's ability to interpret is not considered in this certification. Holders of the CT are recommended for a broad range of transliteration assignments. This test is currently available.

Certificate of Transliteration

RID

CI/CT

Holders of both full certificates (as listed above) have demonstrated competence in both interpretation and transliteration. Holders of the CI and CT are recommended for a broad range of interpretation and transliteration assignments.

Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration

RID

NIC I

There are three levels of certification: Certified, Certified Advanced and Certified Expert. All certified levels are considered professional-level certified interpreters and all are eligible, as long as they meet the application criteria, to apply to take the Specialist Certificate: Legal Examination. Those who pass as Certified have shown basic professional-level interpreting/transliterating skills.

Certified

NCI

NIC II

There are three levels of certification: Certified, Certified Advanced and Certified Expert. All certified levels are considered professional-level certified interpreters and all are eligible, as long as they meet the application criteria, to apply to take the Specialist Certificate: Legal Examination. Those who pass Certified Advanced have scored within the standard range on the interview portion and high on the performance portion of the examination.

Certified Advanced

NCI

NIC III

There are three levels of certification: Certified, Certified Advanced and Certified Expert. All certified levels are considered professional-level certified interpreters and all are eligible, as long as they meet the application criteria, to apply to take the Specialist Certificate: Legal Examination. Those awarded the Certified Expert scored high on both the interview and performance portions of the test.

Certified Master

NCI

QA I

Work with supervisor, one-on-one where apprentice has opportunity to stop communication for clarification; example situations ? social and recreational (i.e. YMCA, gyms, etc.), informational meetings and non-technical situations, library, parks, arts and crafts, non-academic adult ed., on-the-job training (not computer or technical), routine employment (not firings, reprimands, promotions, etc. ? where consumer impact is high); small group or limited platform interpreting with extensive prior preparation, where there is minimal impact on the consumer.

Do Not Use In ? legal of any kind, mental health, serious medical situations, educational, interviews, formal platform, critical situations of any nature ? where impact on the consumer is moderate to high.

Quality Assurance 1: Basic Apprentice

FRID

QA II

Discretion should be used according to the situation and the language level of the consumer; be able to function expressively and receptively with interpreting and transliterating; educational tutorial situations, informational meeting, daily living skills training, routine medical appointments, childbirth classes, some eligibility and welfare, some technical meetings, some K-12 and undergraduate
coursework; one-on-one easy voicing; limited voicing and limited platform (without much opportunity for preparation)
 
Do Not Use In ? legal of any kind, critical or life threatening medical, mental health

Quality Assurance 2: Intermediate Apprentice

FRID

QA III

Can function in many situations; where there may not be the opportunity to stop for clarification; situations as noted in Level 1 and 2, including public meetings, interviews, some mental health (routine), non-critical and non-life threatening medical situations
 
Do Not Use In ? legal of any kind, critical or life threatening medical, extensive mental health

Quality Assurance 3: Advanced Apprentice

FRID

EIE I

Denotes an educational Interpreter (K-12) with entry-level abilities who accurately received and expressed at least 60% of the materials presented during the evaluation. An interpreter at this level should be able to competently handle interpreting situations in which there is an opportunity to stop the student/
professional for clarification or repetition.

Educational Interpreter Evaluation Level One

FRID

EIE II

Denotes and educational interpreter (K-12) with intermediate abilities who accurately received and expressed at least 75% of the materials presented during the evaluation. An interpreter at this level should be able to effectively handle more difficult, faster paced communication where there may or may not
be an opportunity to stop for clarification or repetition.

Educational Interpreter Evaluation Level Two

FRID

EIE III

Denotes and educational interpreter (K-12) with advanced abilities who accurately received and expressed at least 90% of the materials presented during the evaluation. An interpreter with this level can proficiently handle a full range of complex communication situations occurring in an educational environment.

Educational Interpreter Evaluation Level Three

FRID

SC:L

Holders of this specialist certificate have demonstrated specialized knowledge of legal settings and greater familiarity with language used in the legal system. Generalist certification and documented training and experience is required prior to sitting for this exam. Holders of the SC:L are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting. This test is currently available.

Specialist Certificate: Legal

RID

OTC

Holders of this generalist certificate have demonstrated, using silent oral techniques and natural gestures, the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a person who hears to a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing and the ability to understand and repeat the message and intent of the speech and mouth movements of the person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. This test is currently available.

Oral Transliteration Certificate

RID

CDI

Holders of this certification are interpreters who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and who have completed at least 8 hours of training on the RID Code of Ethics, and 8 hours of training in general interpretation as it relates to the interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing and have passed a comprehensive combination written and performance test. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. This test is currently available.

Certified Deaf Interpreter

RID

EIPA I

Demonstrates very limited sign vocabulary with frequent errors in production. At times, production may be incomprehensible. Grammatical structure tends to be nonexistent. Individual is only able to communicate very simple ideas and demonstrates great difficulty comprehending signed communication. Sign production lacks prosody and use of space for the vast majority of the interpreted message. An individual at this level is not recommended for classroom interpreting.

EIPA Level 1: Beginner

EIPA

EIPA II

Demonstrates only basic sign vocabulary and these limitations interfere with communication. Lack of fluency and sign production errors are typical and often interfere with communication. The interpreter often hesitates in signing, as if searching for vocabulary. Frequent errors in grammar are apparent, although basic signed sentences appear intact. More complex grammatical structures are typically difficult. Individual is able to read signs at the word level and simple sentence level but complete or complex sentences often require repetitions and repairs. Some use of prosody and space, but use is inconsistent and often incorrect. An individual at this level is not recommended for classroom interpreting.

EIPA Level 2: Advanced Beginner

EIPA

EIPA III

Demonstrates knowledge of basic vocabulary, but will lack vocabulary for more technical, complex, or academic topics. Individual is able to sign in a fairly fluent manner using some consistent prosody, but pacing is still slow with infrequent pauses for vocabulary or complex structures. Sign production may show some errors but generally will not interfere with communication. Grammatical production may still be incorrect, especially for complex structures, but is in general, intact for routine and simple language. Comprehends signed messages but may need repetition and assistance. Voiced translation often lacks depth and subtleties of the original message. An individual at this level would be able to communicate very basic classroom content, but may incorrectly interpret complex information resulting in a message that is not always clear. An interpreter at this level needs continued supervision and should be required to participate in continuing education in interpreting.

EIPA Level 3: Intermediate

EIPA

EIPA IV

Demonstrates broad use of vocabulary with sign production that is generally correct. Demonstrates good strategies for conveying information when a specific sign is not in their vocabulary. Grammatical constructions are generally clear and consistent, but complex information may still pose occasional problems. Prosody is good, with appropriate facial expression most of the time. May still have difficulty with the use of facial expression in complex sentences and adverbial non-manual markers. Fluency may deteriorate when rate or complexity of communication increases. Uses space consistently most of the time, but complex constructions or extended use of discourse cohesion may still pose problems. Comprehension of most signed messages at a normal rate is good but translation may lack some complexity of the original message. An individual at this level would be able to convey much of the classroom content but may have difficulty with complex topics or rapid turn-taking.

EIPA Level 4: Advanced Intermediate

EIPA

EIPA V

Demonstrates broad and fluent use of vocabulary, with a broad range of strategies for communicating new words and concepts. Sign production errors are minimal and never interfere with comprehension. Prosody is correct for grammatical, non-manual markers, and affective purposes. Complex grammatical constructions are typically not a problem. Comprehension of sign messages is very good, communicating all details of the original message. An individual at this level is capable of clearly and accurately conveying the majority of interactions within the classroom.

EIPA Level 5: Advanced

EIPA

TSC

The CLTNCE is a pass/fail (no levels as of Jan. 1, 1997) minimum national standard of practice. When a testee passes the CLTNCE (Cued Language Transliterator National Certification Exam) a Translator Skills Certificate (TSC) is awarded.

Translator Skills Certificate

TECUnit

CAECS-E Acceptable

The testee performs satisfactorily at the word and sentence level. The applicant performs consistently in areas of form, vowel accuracy, consonant-vowel constructions, sentence-level discourse, and inclusion of prosodic information like stress, prominence, and question forms. The testee should strive to maintain the aspects of his/her expressive performance which are in accordance with the accepted standards of cued American English. Applicants who received a score under 4.0 should continue developing skills in order to eliminate the errors indicated in the Errors Analysis Report.

Cued American English Competency Screening-Expressive (Level 3.4-4.0)

TECUnit

CAECS-E Developing

The testee demonstrates many components of cued American English correctly. However, the testee omits and/or incorrectly models several essential aspects of cued English in at least four of the following of the areas: form, vowel accuracy, consonant-vowel constructions, sentence-level discourse, and inclusion of prosodic information like stress, prominence, and question forms. The testee should continue to advance his/her expressive cueing skills. At this level, testee?s performance is generally better at the word level, deteriorating at the sentence and discourse level. The omission and/or incorrect modeling of cueing mechanics at this level does not necessarily indicate that the cuer is unaware of these elements, but that he/she is unable to demonstrate these multiple tasks cohesively. The cuer should continue training in order to learn appropriate standards of cued English as necessary, and strive to synthesize these essential elements to render cued discourse fully and accurately.

Cued American English Competency Screening-Expressive (Level 2.7-3.3)

TECUnit

CAECS-E Emerging

The testee demonstrates some components of cued American English, but also exhibits frequent and consistent common errors. The applicant omitted and/or incorrectly modeled several essential aspects of cued English in the majority of these areas: form, vowel accuracy, consonant-vowel constructions, sentence-level discourse, and inclusion of prosodic information like stress, prominence, and question forms. The testee is advised to attend appropriate training with a qualified instructor of cued American English .The cuer should devote regular practice time to cueing at a relatively slower rate in order to correct common errors, extraneous movements, and/or omitted elements.

Cued American English Competency Screening-Expressive (Level 2.0-2.6)

TECUnit

CAECS-E Inaccurate

The testee demonstrates few components of cued American English and exhibits numerous and consistent errors in the nearly all of the following areas: form, vowel accuracy, consonant-vowel constructions, sentence-level discourse, and inclusion of prosodic information like stress, prominence, and question forms. The testee is advised to undergo appropriate training with a qualified instructor of cued American English and utilize appropriate training materials to re-learn basic cueing mechanics.

Cued American English Competency Screening-Expressive (Level 1.0-1.9)

TECUnit

CAECS-R

The CAECS?R can be taken by any individual who wishes to assess their basic cue reading skills. Employers often require both the CAECS?E and CAECS?R screenings as a prerequisite to hiring any professional who will be cueing in the educational setting. As of June 1, 2002, the CAECS-R is a prerequisite subtest of the CLTNCE, replacing the BCSPR. In some states, it is also a prerequisite subtest for State Level Assessments, or Quality Assurance Screenings. The CAECS-R screening is available at any time through the mail.

Cued American English Competency Screening-Reading

TECUnit

Credential (Short Name)

Description

Credential (Long Name)

Organization*

NAD III

The individual who attains this level possesses above average voice-to-sign skills, and good sign-to-voice skills, and demonstrates the interpreting skill necessary for some situations.

NAD Level III (Generalist)

NAD

NAD IV

The individual who attains this level possesses excellent voice-to-sign skills and above average sign-to-voice skills, and demonstrates the interpreting skill necessary for most situations.

NAD Level IV (Advanced)

NAD

NAD V

The individual who attains this level possesses superior voice-to-sign skills and excellent sign-to-voice skills, and demonstrates the interpreting skill necessary for just about all situations.

NAD Level V (Master)

NAD

IC

Holder of this partial certificate demonstrated ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English. This individual received scores on the CSC examination which prevented the awarding of full CSC certification or partial IC/TC certification. The IC was formerly known as the Expressive Interpreting Certificate (EIC). The IC is no longer offered.

Interpretation Certificate

RID

TC

Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated the ability to transliterate between spoken English and a signed code for English. This individual received scores on the CSC examination which prevented the awarding of full CSC certification or IC/TC certification. The TC was formerly known as the Expressive Transliterating Certificate (ETC). The TC is no longer offered.

Transliteration Certificate

RID

IC/TC

Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated ability to transliterate between English and a signed code for English and the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English. This individual received scores on the CSC examination which prevented the awarding of full CSC certification. The IC/TC is no longer offered.

Interpretation Certificate/Transliteration Certificate

RID

CSC

Holders of this full certificate have demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English and to transliterate between spoken English and a English-based sign language. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of interpreting and transliterating assignments. The CSC examination was offered until 1987. This test is no longer offered.

Comprehensive Skills Certificate

RID

MCSC

The MCSC examination was designed with the intent of testing for a higher standard of performance than the CSC. Holders of this certificate were required to hold the CSC prior to taking this exam. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of interpreting and transliterating assignments. This certificate is no longer offered.

Master Comprehensive Skills Certificate

RID

CDI-P

Holders of this provisional certification are interpreters who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and who have demonstrated a minimum of one year experience working as an interpreter, completion of at least 8 hours of training on the RID Code of Ethics, and 8 hours of training in general interpretation as it relates to the interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. The CDI-P is no longer available.

Certified Deaf Interpreter-Provisional

RID

RSC

Holders of this full certificate demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and English-based sign language or transliterate between spoken English and a signed code for English. Holders of this certificate are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and interpretation/transliteration is rendered in American Sign Language, spoken English, a signed code for English or written English. Holders of the RSC are recommended for a broad range of interpreting assignments where the use of an interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. This certificate is no longer offered. People interested in this area should take the CDI exam.

Reverse Skills Certificate

RID

SC:PA

Holders of this certificate were required to hold RID generalist certification (CSC) prior to sitting for this examination and have demonstrated specialized knowledge in performing arts interpretation. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the performing arts setting. The SC:PA is no longer offered.

Specialist Certificate: Performing Arts

RID

Prov. SC:L

Holders of this provisional certificate hold generalist certification and have completed RID approved legal training. Holders of this certificate are recommended for assignments in the legal setting. Prov. SC:L is no longer available.

Provisional Specialist Certificate: Legal

RID

CLIP

Holders of this conditional permit completed an RID recognized training program designed for interpreters and transliterators who work in legal settings. Generalist certification (CI and CT, or CSC) was required prior to enrollment in the training program. Holders of this conditional permit are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting. The CLIP is no longer available.

Conditional Legal Interpreting Permit

RID

CLIP-R

Holders of this conditional permit have completed an RID recognized training program designed for interpreters and transliterators who work in legal settings and who are also Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Generalist certification for interpreters/transliterators who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing (RSC, CDI-P, or CDI) is required prior to enrollment in the training program. This permit is valid until one year after the Specialist Certificate: Legal written and performance test for Deaf interpreters is available nationally. CLIP-R holders must take and pass the new legal certification examination in order to maintain certification in the specialized area of interpreting in legal settings. Holders of this conditional permit are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting. The CLIP-R is still offered.

Conditional Legal Interpreting Permit-Relay

RID

OIC:C

Holders of this generalist certificate demonstrated the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a person who hears to a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing and the ability to understand and repeat the message and intent of the speech and mouth movements of the person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. This certification is no longer offered.

Oral Interpreting Certificate: Comprehensive

RID

OIC:S/V

Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a person who hears to a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. This individual received scores on the OIC:C examination which prevented the awarding of full OIC:C certification. The OIC:S/V is no longer offered.

Oral Interpreting Certificate: Spoken to Visible

RID

OIC:V/S

Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated ability to understand the speech and silent mouth movements of a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing and to repeat the message for a hearing person. This individual received scores on the OIC:C examination which prevented the awarding of full OIC:C certification. The OIC:V/S is no longer offered.

Oral Interpreting Certificate: Visible to Spoken

RID