How to Become a Certified ASL Interpreter in North & South Carolina

Becoming a certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is a rewarding career path that allows you to bridge communication gaps between the Deaf and hearing communities. If you live in North or South Carolina and want to pursue ASL interpreting, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve certification, gain experience, and start working in the field.

1. Learn ASL and Gain Fluency

Before becoming an interpreter, you must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Here’s how to start:

• Take ASL courses at local colleges or community centers.

• Enroll in online ASL programs like Gallaudet University or Lifeprint.

• Practice with Deaf community members at ASL meetups or events.

• Watch Deaf content creators on YouTube and social media.

  
  

2. Complete an ASL Interpreting Program

To become a professional interpreter, you’ll need formal education in interpreting techniques, Deaf culture, and ethics. Look for Interpreter Training Programs (ITPs) in North and South Carolina, such as:

• Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) – Charlotte, NC

• University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) – NC

• Piedmont Technical College – SC

• Spartanburg Community College – SC

  
  

Most ITPs offer Associate or Bachelor’s degrees in ASL-English interpreting, which provide hands-on experience and classroom learning.

3. Gain Interpreting Experience

Before certification, it’s important to gain real-world experience:

• Volunteer at Deaf events, churches, or community centers.

• Apply for internships through your interpreting program.

• Observe and shadow certified interpreters in different settings.

  
  

4. Pass the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Exam

To become a certified interpreter, you must pass the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) exam, administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

• Meet eligibility requirements (degree and experience).

• Pass the Knowledge Exam (written test on ASL interpreting theory and ethics).

• Pass the Performance Exam (demonstrate ASL interpreting skills).

  
  

For more details, visit www.rid.org.

5. Apply for State-Level Certification (NC & SC)

Each state has different requirements for working interpreters:

In North Carolina:

• Register with the North Carolina Interpreters & Transliterators Licensing Board (NCITLB).

• Obtain a state license to work as an interpreter.

• More information: www.ncitlb.org.

  
  

In South Carolina:

• South Carolina does not have state licensing, but employers may require NIC certification.

• Register with the South Carolina Association of the Deaf (SCAD) for job opportunities.

• More information: www.scadinc.org.

  
  

6. Specialize in an Interpreting Field

Once certified, you can specialize in different ASL interpreting areas:

• Educational Interpreting – Work in schools and universities.

• Medical Interpreting – Interpret in hospitals and clinics.

• Legal Interpreting – Courtroom and legal settings (requires additional certification).

• Video Relay Service (VRS) Interpreting – Remote interpreting through VRS providers.

  
  

7. Continue Education and Maintain Certification

ASL interpreting is a lifelong learning process. To stay certified:

• Complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through RID-approved workshops.

• Stay updated with ASL trends, ethics, and interpreting techniques.

• Join professional organizations like RID, NCITLB, or SCAD.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified ASL interpreter in North or South Carolina takes dedication, training, and practice, but it is an incredibly fulfilling career that makes a meaningful impact on the Deaf community. If you're ready to start your journey, look for ASL classes, interpreter training programs, and Deaf community events to build your skills!

Looking for Deaf-friendly events to practice ASL? 

Check out Deafinitely Fun’s event listings to connect with the Deaf community near you!