Requirements to work as a Sign Language Interpreter in Minnesota

What interpreter certifications are recognized in Minnesota?

Any certification offered by RID or NAD. EIPA is accepted for K-12 settings. RID SC:L is preferred for working in Minnesota courts. Minnesota does not offer or recognize BEI certification. For more information about the BEI, go to: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/assistive-services-providers/board-evaluation-interpreters-certification-program

Does Minnesota have Licensure for interpreters?It currently does not, but for more information on licensure bills that have been proposed in Minnesota, click here: https://mrid.org/Licensure-History

Working in a K-12 Setting:

Law: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/122A.31

Minnesota Department of Education: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/cat/dhh/

Any person employed to provide American sign language/English interpreting or sign transliterating services on a full-time or part-time basis for a school district must have the following:

• You must have completed an Interpreter Training Program
  AND

• Hold RID CI/CT, NAD III, IV, or V, NIC, or EIPA with a 4.0 or above and have passed both the written portion and either the secondary or elementary performance exam, AND

• Must be a member of RID and maintain the CEU requirement whether you hold RID, NAD, NIC, or EIPA.

• OR...if you are not yet certified but within 2 years of ITP graduation:

• You must file for a 2 year provisional certificate from the Minnesota Department of Education and while holding this you MUST be mentored weekly by a qualified mentor (as outlined per statute 122A.31) and have an education plan in place.

• You can apply for a one time extension to your provisional license. 

Educational Interpreter Resources and Articles