RID also setup a national certification system to test the skills, ethics, and professional behavior of interpreters. There are different "certificates" one can achieve through RID. RID Nationally Certified Interpreters must maintain CMP's (Certified Maintenance Program units) same as CEU's and maintain RID membership to uphold their National level. In meeting these requirements, RID interpreters do not have to be retested. However, state certification such as QA (Quality Assurance) and EIE (Educational Interpreters Evaluation, only in a few states, and Florida is one) must be re-evaluated every 4 years. Both of these tests are only recognized by the State affiliate chapter of RID, here in Florida it is known as Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (FRID).
According to Alcorn and Humphrey, an Interpreter must be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to do the task of interpreting.
Interpreting is not an easy task and requires physical stamina, endurance, as well as great knowledge of our own language... English. Interpreters must have a vast vocabulary, speak clearly, and be audibly heard. An interpreter must portray the feelings and emotion of the speaker, whether they are voice interpreting or sign interpreting. An interpreter must always render the message faithfully, and must be able to match the mode of communication of the person for whom they are interpreting. Interpreters must also be able to emotionally handle an assignment, adhere to confidentiality, and always strive to further knowledge through workshops, certification and schooling. They must uphold the Code of Ethics pertaining to interpreters as well as have full knowledge of all laws written into act in pertinence to the deaf as well as to interpreters.
Interpreting is a human service related field that covers many aspects of different life situations, such as Medical, Mental Health, Law, Education etc. Interpreting is a true profession not just a "job" and should be regarded as that. So as you can see, interpreting is a profession that is highly dynamic and sophisticated. It is a career that allows one to grow with continuous knowledge from every task that we face.
