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So... you want to work as an interpreter in Alabama? 

You’ve come to the right place and wow, do we really need you!  It's true, there is a shortage of qualified sign language interpreters throughout the whole US, not just Alabama.  This page is designed to serve as your 'map' for the journey to becoming a professional and qualified licensed sign language interpreter in Alabama. It doesn't matter where you are in the spectrum - beginner, advanced or just curious, the resources on this page should be beneficial.  

"Fascination with sign language and/or the desire to "help" are admirable, but these alone are not qualifications to be interpreting for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Patience, persistence, and professional training are the keys to becoming an interpreter." - RID.org

If you have any questions along the way or just need a bit of encouragement, simply holler "help!" (by typing it in an email) and we'll come running!  The Alabama Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ALRID) and The Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators (ALBIT) are here for you. We'll do whatever we can to see you succeed.  It's our motto and we mean it! :) 

First, lets begin by letting you know that Alabama has passed a law requiring people who interpret, for remuneration (while earning income), in the State of Alabama must either hold a License or Permit to interpret.  You may ask, "What is the difference in a License and Permit?"…well, in a nutshell, if you hold Certification from RID or NAD (IV or V) then you can apply for a License. If you are 'not-yet-certified' then your choice would be to apply for a Permit to interpret. Obtaining a License or Permit requires an interpreter to provide documentation that they have passed both a written Code of Ethics test and an Performance Evaluation within the first year of obtaining their initial Permit. 

The purpose of establishing the regulations of this law was in the interest of consumers in Alabama. The goal of this law is to regulate the practice of interpreting, maintaining a register of qualified interpreters and establishing standards for interpreting. 

Okay, let's get you started. Please choose the path that fits your experience and background. You can always come back to this page and choose a new path. 

Path 1: Obtain your temporary Permit (good for one full year) to work in Alabama as an Interpreter or Transliterator.  

   How?

If you have never passed an Interpreting Evaluation and have passed a Code of Ethics exam (from RID or JSU) as approved by the board, then: 

• Obtain an application by either downloading the form from the ALBIT website: albit.state.al.us, or by requesting an application be mailed to you by calling 334-244-8090. 

• The four requirements for application, which are listed on the application, are: 

  1. A completed and notarized application 

  2. the application fee 

  3. 3 letters of recommendation from Licensed interpreters of your skill 

  4. A copy of your H.S. Diploma or GED or College transcript.

Path 2: Obtain a regular renewable Permit to work in Alabama as an Interpreter or Transliterator.

  How? 

If you have already passed a Performance Evaluation and Code of Ethics test, as approved by the board, then you may:

• Obtain an application by either downloading the form from the ALBIT website: albit.state.al.us, or by requesting an application be mailed to you by calling 334-244-8090. 

• The five requirements for application, which are listed on the application, are: 
  1. A completed and notarized application; 
  2. the application fee; 
  3. documentation of passing a performance test (see details below), as approved by the board; 
  4. documentation of passing a written code of ethics test, as approved by the board; , and 

  5. participation in a continuing education program, as approved by the board. 

Path 3: Obtain your LICENSE to work in Alabama as an Interpreter or Transliterator.

How?

If you are Nationally Certified by RID or NAD (Level IV or V) to obtain your License to work in Alabama as an Interpreter or Transliterator, you may: 

• Obtain an application by either downloading the form from the ALBIT website: albit.state.al.us, or by requesting an application be mailed to you by calling 334-244-8090. 
• The five requirements for application, which are listed on the application, are: 
  1. A completed and notarized application; 
  2. the application fee; 
  3. a copy of your current RID membership card; 
  4. a copy of your current CMP transcript, and 
  5. if certified after 1995, documentation of passing a written code of ethics test, as approved by the board.

Suggested Letter of Recommendation

The Licensure Board would like to assist both licensed interpreters making recommendations and candidates applying for a Non-renewable Provisional Permit with a suggested form letter.  This suggested form letter might also serve as a checklist for both parties when consideration for a recommendation is being made.  It clearly outlines the requirements of the candidate during the year of working with a Non-renewable Provisional Permit, provides the licensed interpreter with a list of pertinent information for dialogue with each candidate, and provides the candidate with useful contact information.

The Licensed interpreter may want to use the suggested form letter as a checklist for the potential candidate to sign indicating that they understand their responsibility toward attaining a Renewable Permit within a year of receipt of their Non-renewable Provisional Permit.

Contact Information for ALBIT Approved Tests

Documentation required for a Renewable Permit

*Excerpt from the Alabama Licensure Board of Interpreters and Transliterators’ Rules and Regulations (488-X-1-.06):

 1.        After 1999 and in all subsequent years, an initial Renewable Permit may be obtained, by submitting all of the following:

a)     notarized application for Renewable Permit,

b)    payment of the nonrefundable fee,

c)     documentation applicant has passed a Code of Ethics test, specifically either the RID Generalist Written Exam or the Jacksonville State University Interpreter Knowledge Skills Assessment,

d)     documentation applicant has passed one of the following performance assessment test:

• RID performance assessment, passing 2 out of 4 parts,

• NAD-IC, attaining levels 2 or 3,

• Georgia Quality Assurance (GA-QA)  

• Florida Quality Assurance (FL-QA) 

•  Educational Interpreter Evaluation (EIE)

• English Signing System Evaluation (ESSE)

•  Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), levels 3.5 or above

     e) documentation of earning 2.0, board approved, CEUs within the previous 12-month cycle ending March 15^th of the year of application.