Requirements to work as a Sign Language Interpreter in Minnesota

What interpreter certifications are recognized in Minnesota?

Since Minnesota doesn't have licensure, each agency and hiring entity recognize different credentials. Working in courts vs. schools vs. VRS vs. freelance all look different when it comes to certifications and assessments. Overall, Minnesota is an RID & NAD state; they will consider any RID or NAD certification as certified. Since MN doesn't offer the BEI exam, it's up to each agency or hiring entity to recognize it and consider it as certification. The BEI: Court is accepted for MN district courts, along with the SC:L. Some agencies will consider BEI: Basic as certified, and some will not. You can work as a non-certified interpreter in Minnesota, however each hiring entity and freelance agency will determine where you're qualified to go.

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?  

Minnesota does not have licensure for interpreters, though there have been bills proposed at the legislature for several years. To learn more about the proposed bills, 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:

• Be a Certified Deaf Interpreter

OR

• You must have completed an Interpreter Training Program
  

AND

• Hold RID CI/CT, NAD III, IV, or V, NIC, CDI, 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.

• 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