|
- Home
- Interpreting In Idaho
- Interpreting Laws
The Idaho Licensure Law applies to all interpreting settings, whether compensated or volunteer. The limited exemptions include: emergency medical, religious services, private family events, and incidental conversation. Signed language interpreters are required to have a valid license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) to interpret in the State of Idaho as specified in the Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act. This licensure requirement also applies to any interpreters working virtually with clients in Idaho. IdahoRID does not issue or regulate state licensure requirements. To learn more about this law and the wide array of credentials accepted to gain licensure, see the chart below and verify with DOPL. |
Interpreters with a provisional permit are required to document a plan with their supervisor. Below are three Provisional Templates made available for your use. |
Interpreting in any other setting for school-aged clients requires a general license. The Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304) does not require a written test comment. Therefore, interpreters in educational settings working with school aged students are not required to have passed a written knowledge exam. However, as stated above, if interpreting for adults or outside of a public school setting, a license is required. No. The Idaho Educational Interpreter Act clearly defines an educational interpreter as “a person employed in the Idaho public schools, working with school aged students, to provide interpreting services to students who are deaf, hard of hearing or DeafBlind.” No. The statute CLEARLY defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting regardless of the job title they hold. If the employee functions as an interpreter, they need to meet the requirements in the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act. As of July 1, 2020, the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act now includes preschool aged students. Meaning all interpreters that work with students in a public school setting that is school aged now follow the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304) |
Educational interpreters must meet requirements mandated by the  |
This document provides definitions for ASL and Deaf Interpreters. The Idaho Supreme Court does not maintain a roster of ASL interpreters. Documents from National Organizations
Find many more NAD Advocacy Letters and RID Standard Practice papers on their websites. |
 |
Find many more NAD Advocacy Letters and RID Standard Practice papers on their websites. |
One of the privileges of achieving RID certification is the ability to show your credentials on your business card, resume, brochures, and other advertisements. For information about how to display your interpreting credentials, click here. |
How do I apply for a license?
- Go to dopl.idaho.gov/shs/
- Click on the box that says “Apply for or Renew a License”.
- Expand “Application” drop down list.
- Select the license for which you are applying.
- Complete the application online and print, or print and fill out the application by hand.
- Application must be notarized and mailed or hand delivered. See website for DOPL locations.
Electronic submissions coming soon.
Am I required to obtain CEUs for my license?
Yes. Interpreters are required to obtain 10 hours of Continuing Education Units (1.0 CEUs) every year. You may be required to provide documentation of completed CEUs upon your annual license renewal with DOPL, such as Certificates of Attendance or RID Transcript. For interpreters that maintain RID CEUs, these hours can be concurrent with Idaho license CEUs.
Note: All certified members of RID are required to complete 80 hours of CEUs within their 4 year cycle.
Does the license have a code of ethics?
Yes. Idaho rule incorporates the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct by reference. This means that any licensed interpreter, regardless of certification through RID, is legally obligated to adhere to the CPC.
When does my license expire?
- Full licenses expire on your birthday with the exception of the first year, which expires a year from your next birthday.
- Provisional permits expire 2 years after granted.
- Out of State registrations automatically expire December 31st of the year granted.
- Registered Deaf Interpreters must renew annually.
Can my job title be changed, and I won’t need a license?
No. The statute CLEARLY defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting, regardless of the job title. If someone is functioning as an interpreter, they need to be licensed, exemptions apply.
Licensed and certified are the same thing, right?
No. A certified interpreter has passed a nationally recognized test of ethical competency and skill. A licensed interpreter is verification by the state of Idaho that the professional has met a minimum requirement to practice within Idaho, on site or virtually. You are required to apply for a license to interpret in the state of Idaho regardless of your certification status.
I’m not licensed. What can they do to me?
Criminal Proceedings. Misrepresenting oneself as a licensed interpreter or practicing without a license is a misdemeanor in Idaho and becomes part of your permanent record.*
Any person convicted of practicing, aiding, abetting, or requiring interpreting without a license can be imprisoned for up to 6 months, and fined up to $1,000, plus investigation fees, attorney fees, and court costs. Idaho Code § 54-2927
*Note that there are exemptions in the license requirement.
What is a Registered Deaf Interpreter?
A Deaf person who has registered with the state to legally interpret under the license of an interpreter that has endorsed them. This allows a Deaf person with a specific skill set to work as an interpreter if they are not an interpreter by profession.
Registration is not a path to become an interpreter. Deaf individuals that are interpreters must hold a full or provisional license.
Can I get an Idaho interpreting license if I am not certified?
Yes. There are over fifteen credentials that are acceptable for Idaho licensure. For a list of credentials that qualify see the Idaho licensure law infographic (green section) on IdahoRID’s website, under Interpreting in Idaho
Where does the interpreting license requirement come from?
Effective July 1, 2018 sign language interpreters are required to have a valid license issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL) to interpret in the state of Idaho, with few exceptions. This requirement is from IC § 54-2904.
Who can be a supervisor for a provisional permit?
Any licensed interpreter in good standing can be a supervisor. Supervisor Considerations:
- Supervisors identify each setting in which the applicant may be allowed to work.
- Meetings with permit holder must occur weekly throughout the permit.
- Review and sign quarterly reports.
- Be familiar with all laws and rules regarding sign language interpreting.
- A supervisor is responsible for all approved practice of the permit holder.
- Failing to adequately supervise a permit holder is grounds for disciplinary action.
Do school interpreters have to be licensed?
Depends. Interpreters have requirements set forth by the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act to interpret for children in public schools. Any interpreter working with deaf adults in the school setting or working in private schools must hold a current interpreting license.
|
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization | Copyright IdahoRID, all rights reserved |