IdahoRID - Interpreting Laws

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Interpreting In Idaho
Interpreting Laws

The Idaho Licensure Law applies to all interpreting settings, whether compensated or volunteer. The limited exceptions 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, visit the DOPL website here or review the flowchart below (PDF version available here).

Provisional Template (A)

Provisional Template (B)

Provisional Template (C)

Educational interpreters must meet requirements mandated by the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (EIA). If requirements by EIA are met, working in educational setting with students is waived from Idaho's licensure requirement. If an interpreter does not meet the EIA requirements, it is unlicensed practice.

Interpreting for public school students only
Adults: License is required

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.”

Yes, If the interpretation is ONLY for students.

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)

Each provisional permit holder will have a plan with their supervisor specifying what settings and situations the provisional permit holder can interpret in. If there are no restrictions interpreting in these settings, then that is acceptable. For the list of Provisional Permit holders and their approved settings, that information can be found here

Please remember that an IEP meeting is a procedure to complete legally binding document and falls under a legal setting.

Idaho Supreme Court Language Access Information
Idaho Judiciary Statewide Language Access Plan (2022)

This document provides definitions for ASL and Deaf Interpreters. The Idaho Supreme Court does not maintain a roster of ASL interpreters.

Idaho's Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary

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.