2009 Wisconsin Act 360 – Sign Language Interpreter Licensing Laws and Requirements
As of December 1, 2010, Sign Language Interpreters working for compensation in Wisconsin are required to be licensed by the Department of Regulation and Licensing unless otherwise exempted. The licensing requirements began on December 1, 2010. Due to delays in getting verification and certifications from third parties, a grace period was granted through February 1, 2011 for individuals who had applied for licensure on or before December 1, 2010 but were waiting for third party verifications and/or certifications.
Therefore,
as of February 1, 2011, any person in Wisconsin who wishes to work for compensation as a Sign Language Interpreter must have a valid license, unless he or she has been granted an exemption by the Sign Language Interpreter Council.
Available Methods of Licensure
There are six ways in which an individual can become a licensed Sign Language Interpreter (each requires a $75 Initial Credential Fee):
1. Grandfathering. In order to be “grandfathered”, an applicant must show proof that they hold one of the following certifications by December 1, 2012. While applicants in this category have until December 1, 2012 to obtain certification and complete the application for licensure, they may not practice as a Sign Language Interpreter until their license has been issued.
a. A valid certification that was granted by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.;
b. A valid certification level 3, 4, 5 granted by the National Association of the Deaf; or
c. A valid certification deemed substantially similar by the Department to the two above certifications.
2. Renewable License Method 1. In order to qualify for this method, an applicant must satisfy two requirements:
a. Hold an associate degree in sign language interpretation or a certificate of completion of an education and training program regarding sign language interpretation; and
b. Hold one of the following:
i. Any valid certification granted by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.;
ii. A valid certification level 3, 4, or 5 granted by the National Association of the Deaf; or
iii. Any valid certification granted by any other organization that the Department determines is substantially equivalent to a certification specified in the two above certifications.
3. Renewable License Method 2. In order to qualify for this method, an applicant must satisfy two requirements:
a. Hold a valid certification granted by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.; and
b. Show satisfactory evidence of a diagnosis by a physician that the applicant is deaf or hard of hearing.
4. Renewable License Method 3. In order to qualify for this method, an applicant must satisfy two requirements:
a. Within 24 months after establishing residency in the state, the applicant must provide satisfactory evidence that the he or she holds one of the certifications:
i. Any valid certification granted by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.;
ii. A valid certification level 3, 4, or 5 granted by the National Association of the Deaf; or
iii. Any valid certification granted by any other organization that the Department determines is substantially equivalent to a certification in the two preceding bullet points.
b. Additionally, the applicant must have:
i. Obtained the certification prior to establishing residency in the state; and
ii. Held the certification at the time he or she established residency in the state.
5. Restricted License Method 1. In order to qualify for this method, an applicant must satisfy all of the following requirements. This is a restricted license and may only be renewed twice.
a. Hold an associate degree in sign language interpretation or a certificate of completion of an education and training program regarding sign language interpretation; and
b. Verified by the Wisconsin Interpreting and Transliterating Assessment at level 2 or higher in both interpreting and transliterating.
c. Passed the written examination administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
d. Is an associate or student member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
6. Restricted License Method 2. In order to qualify for this method, an applicant must satisfy all of the following requirements. This is a restricted license and may only be renewed twice. Additionally, the holder of this license may only provide interpretation services under the supervision of an interpreter licensed in Wisconsin with a renewable license.
a. Has been diagnosed by a physician as deaf or hard of hearing.
b. Has completed 8 hours of training sponsored by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. on the role and function of deaf interpreters.
c. Has completed 8 hours of training sponsored by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. on professional ethics.
d. Has obtained letters of recommendations from at least 3 individual who have held national certification for at least 5 years and who are members in good standing of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. The letters must document the applicant has completed 40 hours of mentoring, including at least 20 hours of observing professional work and at least 10 hours observing certified deaf interpreters.
e. Has completed 40 hours of training consisting of workshops sponsored by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other relevant courses.
f. Is an associate or student member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
g. Has a high school diploma or equivalent.
All applications and verifications must be submitted on forms provided by the Department of Regulation and Licensing, which can be accessed by visiting
http://drl.wi.gov. Once you are on the Department website, choose the “Sign Language Interpreter” profession from the drop-down menu, and then choose “Application/Forms.”
Licenses must be renewed biannually on or before August 31 of odd-numbered years. The first renewal for Sign Language Interpreters will be due August 31, 2011.
Automatic Exemptions from Licensure
In the following circumstances, a person is not required to be licensed as a Sign Language Interpreter and does not need to take any action to be exempt:
1. A person who interprets in a court proceeding and is certified by the Wisconsin Supreme Court as a qualified interpreter in court proceedings.
2. A person who interprets at a school or school-sponsored event. This person must be licensed by the Department of Public Instruction as an educational interpreter and be acting within the scope of the DPI license.
3. A person who interprets at a religious service or function, including educational and social events sponsored by a religious organization. A person interpreting for a religious organization at a professional service sponsored by that organization does not qualify.
4. A support service interpreter who facilitates communication between an individual who provides interpretation services and a client of that individual.
5. A person who, during the course of his or her employment, provides interpretation services during an emergency. A person providing these services for a period longer than 24 hours does not qualify.
Exemptions a Person May Request
There are three instances in which the Sign Language Interpreter Council may grant an exemption from licensure. They are not automatically granted, but may be requested in the following circumstances. Interpretation services may not be provided until the exemption is granted.
1.
If an individual is not a resident of this state and wishes to provide interpretation services for no more than 20 days per year. In order for the Council to consider authorization, the individual must be certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., or the National Association of the Deaf. This exemption may only be granted twice per year.
2.
If an individual is a resident of this state, and wishes to provide interpretation services for a specific individual. An individual may request a temporary or permanent exemption from licensure requirements; the individual requesting the exemption must demonstrate that the person for whom services will be provided cannot reasonably obtain services from a licensed interpreter to meet his or her needs because of specific language requirements, cultural requirements, or physical, mental, or emotional conditions.
3.
If an individual is a resident of this state, and wishes to provide services for a specific period of time. An individual may request a temporary or permanent exemption from licensure requirements; the individual requesting the exemption must demonstrate that it is not possible to obtain a license and must demonstrate the need for sign language interpretation services to be provided.
An unlicensed interpreter requesting an exemption must submit a written request to the Council, including information and documentation to support that the criteria stated in the exemption has been met, as well as the following:
a. The identity of the individual to whom services will be provided (only for exemption 2);
b. The duration of the exemption being requested;
c. The settings for which the exemption is requested;
d. The unlicensed interpreter’s educational and training background;
e. Where, when, and from whom the unlicensed interpreter learned sign language;
f. The unlicensed interpreter’s knowledge of sign language and deaf culture;
g. Any other special training or experience of the unlicensed interpreter in working with persons who are deaf, deaf/blind, or hard of hearing, or with persons with other disabilities;
h. The unlicensed interpreter’s experience with interpreting;
i. The unlicensed interpreter’s knowledge of the code of ethics for sign language interpreters;
j. The unlicensed interpreter’s relationship to and how long the unlicensed interpreter has known the individual for whom services will be provided (only for exemption 2); and
k. Where, if applicable, the unlicensed interpreter is employed.
To File a Complaint
If a complaint is made that a credential holder is in violation of a law or rule related to Sign Language Interpreters, including the code of conduct, it is the Department’s responsibility to investigate, and if necessary, prosecute an action (discipline) against the credential holder. In order to file a complaint, see http://drl.wi.gov/, click “Complaints” on the left, and follow the instructions using the appropriate forms. You may also use this complaint process to have a interpreter investigated that may be practicing without a license.
Helpful Links
To look up an individual’s license:
http://online.drl.wi.gov/LicenseLookup/IndividualCredentialSearch.aspx
To look-up your application status:
http://online.drl.wi.gov/ApplicationStatus/CredentialApplicationStatus.aspx
Contact Information
All applications and supplemental information must be sent to:
Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Telephone: 608-266-2112
Fax: 608-261-7083
This information can be found in § 440.032 of the Wis. Stats., and §§ RL 200-202 of the Wis. Admin. Code.
All statutes and regulations governing the profession and other helpful information can be found at:
http://drl.wi.gov/profession.asp?profid=145&locid=0 (Renewable Licenses)
http://drl.wi.gov/profession.asp?profid=144&locid=0 (Restricted Licenses)