ASL Interpreter Requirements & Best Practices

  A Few Fact About the Role of an ASL Interpreter Becoming an interpreter requires dedication, skill and a strong ability to stay focused and keep up. But there are additional skills that can be added to the ability to fluently speak and translate multiple languages — such as learning American Sign Language (ASL). Being able to sign and understand ASL is a useful skill all of its own, but being able to do it as an interpreter is even more useful. In this blog, Akorbi looks at what’s involved in becoming an interpreter who is also able to interpret and translate in ASL, and how you can identify the best candidate.

The Right Qualifications

Obviously, the knowledge of American Sign Language and fluency in using and understanding it is required. Anyone looking to be an interpreter in ASL can find plenty of courses to learn, and that proficiency will be vital when it comes to further interpretation study. A bachelor’s degree in interpretation is a must for anyone looking to work with ASL. A BA will be the foundation for an ASL interpreter certification.

Practice and Testing

To get certified, candidates need to pass testing designed by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). The RID offers certification to show that someone is able to accurately and effectively interpret through sign, and is vital to a career in ASL interpreting. The RID also offers alternate pathways to certification to certain candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in ASL from professional experience. This will also require continuing education from the RID to improve and add to their existing skills. This extensive training and testing demonstrates to anyone hiring an ASL interpreter just how capable they are. If you’re looking for an ASL interpreter, make sure they have the necessary credentials to demonstrate their RID compliance.

Experience and Additional Training

Once a graduate with a BA and RID testing enters the industry, experience becomes the biggest benefit. Finding work in ASL interpretation is generally a fast process due to a reasonable demand through a wide range of industries, and the more experience a person has, the better their ASL skills become. Ultimately, hiring someone certified and experienced in ASL interpretation comes down to knowing they have the right qualifications. Akorbi can help with hiring fully qualified and compliant candidates.

Find a Professional Interpreter with Akorbi

If you’re looking for an interpreter or translator, talk to the team at Akorbi for more information. We offer multilingual staffing solutions, learning services, contact centers and much more to individuals and organizations the world over. We can help you find the ideal solution for your translation and interpretation needs, whatever they may be.