Learn what it takes to enter the interpreting profession and available resources. Understand the requirements for interpreters in Idaho and how to apply for an interpreting license.
Statutes, Rules, and Guidance
The following legislation regulates the sign language interpreting profession in Idaho. For a more detailed explanation of these laws and other laws that guide the use of sign language interpreter services, see (link).
- The Idaho Educational Interpreter Act: for school-age students
- Idaho Court Administrative Rule 52 (link): for court proceedings
- Idaho License Law, IC§54-29: for all other settings, unless exempted
- The RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) is incorporated by reference.
- Rules of Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services Licensure Board
Understanding Licensure
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 54-2904, all sign language interpreters practicing in the state of Idaho must be licensed through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) unless otherwise exempt. Video 2018.
Licenses must be renewed annually and require 10 hours of continuing education.
Regardless of credentials used to qualify for a license, all licensed or provisionally licensed interpreters are required to adhere to the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). The CPC may be used to determine if the actions of an interpreter were outside the bounds of ethical practice. Whether self-employed, or employed through an agency or business, interpreters are individually responsible for their professional decisions. Reports of malpractice or unethical conduct may be filed with the license board here.
Misrepresentation of credentials is a violation of Idaho code. Certification and licensure are NOT the same.
Download Interpreting in Idaho Flowchart PDF
Download CPC PDF
Interpreting In Idaho Flowchart
Enforcemente
File a complaint
Unlawful unlicensed practice
Unlawful licensed practice
Court Interpreting
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Advocacy Resources
Insert resources interpreters can use to advocate for themselves (Medicaid interpreter reimbursement, Interpreters in medical settings document, Working with Deaf Interpreters, anything else we may have produced that makes sense here)
Link to any other place on our website that has advocacy info — interpreters are often the ones having these conversations
Advocating for a Deaf Interpreter
This document explains when and why DIs/CDIs may be necessary to ensure effective communication.
Download Here
Interpreters in Medical Settings Letter??
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Download Here
Idaho Medicaid Interpreter Reimbursement
This document explains how qualified clinics and providers can bill medicaid to offset interpreter costs. Interpreters do not bill medicaid.
Download Here
Advocating for a Deaf Interpreter
This document explains how qualified clinics and providers can bill medicaid to offset interpreter costs. Interpreters do not bill medicaid.
Download Here
Learning ASL & Interpreter Training Programs
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is not English on the hands.
The demand for qualified interpreters exist in many settings. Interpreting requires advanced fluency in both American Sign Language and English, to accurately convey messages between two languages. Interpreting also requires specialized training in ethics, the process, and the mental demand. Novice signers are not equipped to interpret but encouraged to attend an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) to gain the necessary skills.
Find an ITP
ITP’s require basic fluency in ASL before enrolling in the program.
There is one ITP in Idaho through Idaho State University. Learn more about their program here.
For nationwide list of accredited ITP options, including fully virtual and hybrid options, visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) website.
Learn ASL
College programs in Idaho
- Boise State University
- Idaho State University
- College of Southern Idaho
- College of Western Idaho
For a list of online resources, see our Learn ASL webpage (insert link)
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof of documentation is needed for credentials when applying for an interpreting license?
If submitting a certification recognized by RID, a copy of your current RID membership is acceptable.
If submitting other certifications or passed exam results, these results need to be sent directly from the issuing body.
Am I required to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for my license?
Yes, interpreters are required to obtain 10 hours every year. These are audited at random, interpreters are expected to have documentation at hand.Commonly used documentation includes Certificates of Attendance or an RID transcript.
How do I transition from a provisional license to an original license?
When your original license is received, you need to submit your last quarterly report and CLEARLY state this will be the last quarterly report done, up to the date you received your original license.
What are the requirements for obtaining a license?
- Application submitted
- Pass a competency examination or hold certification as defined by board rule
- Obtained High School diploma or equivalent
- License fee paid
How do I apply for a license?
Go to IDOPL Forms
See Interpreting in Idaho Flowchart
How do I submit quarterly reports for my provisional license?
Quarterly reports are due on or before:
- January 10th
- April 10th
- July 10th
- October 10th
If the permit has not been in effect for the entire quarter, the report is due for that portion of the quarter in which the permit was in effect. It does not matter if you were actively interpreting or not, a report is due if your license was active during the quarter.
If quarterly reports are not received by the specified due date, are inadequate, or document inadequate progress or incompetent practice the permit may be suspended or revoked upon notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Quarterly reports must be on forms approved by the Board, attested to and signed by the permit holder and approved supervisor(s), and include:
- a log of weekly supervisor contact
- supervisor’s statement of completed training assignments by the permit holder
- certification of attendance of any workshop or training sessions
See Rule and name the section
What should I know before agreeing to supervise an interpreter on a provisional permit?
A provisional permit holder must be supervised by a licensed interpreter in good standing.
Meetings between supervisor and permit holder must occur weekly throughout the period of the permit, see application form for details.
Supervisor Responsibilities
- The supervisor is responsible for all approved practice of the permit holder.
- Identify each setting in which the applicant may be allowed to work.
- Review and sign quarterly reports
- Be familiar with all laws and rules regarding sign language interpreting.
- Relationship of a permit holder and their supervisor is public information.
See Rule
See Application form
I live in another state, do I need an Idaho interpreting license?
If you provide services in Idaho, whether in person or through virtual services to Idaho clients, you must hold a valid Idaho license or out-of-state registration. See Interpreting In Idaho flowchart for license options.
I ONLY interpret in VRS settings, do I need an Idaho interpreting license?
In VRS settings, follow the requirements of the state you are physically located. If you are working in Idaho, whether at home or from a call center, you must hold a valid Idaho license. Idaho does not require interpreters working VRS from another state to hold an interpreting license.
Are there resources to help me satisfy my continuing education requirements
The state of Idaho has allocated funding for the professional development of Idaho interpreters. See IdahoRID and the State Interpreter Education Coordinator [link to Educational Interpreter page] for more workshop information.
When does my license expire?
An interpreting license expires annually on your birthday. The first year, it expires one year from your next birthday (12+ months).
Provisional permits expire 2 years after being granted.
Out-of-state registration expires December 31st of each year. Interpreters need to reapply for the registration annually.
Check Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses website under license search to confirm when you need to renew your license.
I’m certified, which means I’m licensed, right?
No! You must apply for a license to interpret in Idaho. Your certification may serve as the credential to qualify for the license.
Likewise, if you are licensed, you cannot claim to be certified unless you hold a current certification from another entity.
Can my job title be changed, and I won’t need a license?
No! The law CLEARLY defines what constitutes interpreting, regardless of the job title. If someone is functioning as an interpreter, they need to be licensed.
What happens if I interpret without a license?
A violation of the the license law constitutes a misdemeanor and any person convicted thereof shall be fined an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisoned in a county jail for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or shall be punished by both such fine and imprisonment.
Organizations and Resources
DOPL, IdahoRID, NAIE State Rep, Joelynne (State Interpreter Coordinator),