- As of June 30, 2009, interpreters are required to have a minimum of an associate's degree in order to take the certification test. If an interpreter does not have a degree, RID offers an "alternative pathway to eligibility" that takes into account life experience, years worked, previous certification and any college credit earned. This option is primarily for interpreters who entered the profession before interpreter training programs and otherwise would need to go back to school in order to be certified.
- Testing is completed in three parts: a written exam of general interpreting knowledge (called the NIC Knowledge exam), an interview that discusses ethical dilemmas faced by interpreters and a performance test of interpreting skills. An interpreter must pass the written portion before moving on to the interview and performance tests, which are taken on the same day.
- Passing test results are ranked at one of three levels: NIC, NIC Advanced and NIC Master. According to the RID website, interpreters who pass at the NIC level have scored within the standard range of a professional interpreter. NIC Advanced signifies a high ranking on the performance portion of the test, and NIC Master shows a high rank on all areas of the exam.
- Before the NIC was introduced, both the RID and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) provided certification to interpreters. While these separate certifications are no longer offered, they are accepted as equivalent to the NIC, and many interpreters who already are certified under these systems elect not to pursue NIC certification.
- To maintain their certification, interpreters are required to participate in RID's certification maintenance program, earning continuing education units (CEUs). Each CEU is equivalent to 10 hours; and eight CEUs (80 hours) must be completed every four years. Of those eight CEUs, six (60 hours) must be categorized as professional studies and be related directly to the field of interpreting, while two CEUs (20 hours) can be in general education.
- RID also offers separate certification in a variety of specializations. These certificates require advanced knowledge of the topic, and interpreters must pursue continuing education in these areas to maintain the certificate. Specialized certifications offered in 2010 were: Legal (SC:L) and Educational (Ed: K-12).
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