You must make a 4.0 or higher on your EIPA to qualify for a Certified membership in RID. If you have a Certified membership in RID, you may apply for a License in AL.
If you scored 3.0-3.9 on your EIPA and you have passed an RID approved ethics or written knowledge exam, you may apply for a Renewable Permit in AL. (see below for additional requirements)

The required items are below, but remember, you can apply online or print forms from the Forms page of our website.

Licensure:
Application for Licensure
Copy of current RID Certified membership card
Copy of one of these: GED, high school diploma, college diploma, certified college transcripts
Proof of Citizenship Form and a copy of one of documents listed on the form.
$225, which includes licensure fee of $175.00 and application fee of $50.00

Permit:
Application for Permit
Documentation of passing either of the following:
o RID approved ethics or written knowledge exam OR
o Jacksonville State University Interpreter Knowledge skills assessment
Documentation of passing one of the following approved performance assessment tests:
o Georgia Quality Assessment (GAQA) Levels 3,4,5
o Florida Quality Assessment (FLQA) Level 3
o Educational Interpreter Evaluation (EIE) Level 3 o Mississippi Quality Assessment (MSQA) Level 3
o Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Levels 3.0 to 3.9
o Kansas Quality Assessment (KSQA) Level 4 or higher
o Virginia Quality Assurance Screening (VQAS) Level 3 or higher
o Texas BEI Advanced or Master Levels
o Any other performance assessment test approved by the Board
Copy of one of these: GED, high school diploma, college diploma or certified college transcripts
Proof of Citizenship Form and a copy of one of documents listed on the form.
$175, which includes permit fee of $125.00 and Application fee of $50.00

Non-Renewable Permit:
Application for the Non-Renewable Permit
Three letters of recommendation from Board approved Licensed/Certified Interpreters attesting to skill level of applicant
Copy of one of these: GED, high school diploma, college diploma, certified college transcripts
Proof of Citizenship Form and a copy of one of documents listed on the form.
$175, which includes permit fee of $125.00 and application fee of $50.00

Non-renewable permits are valid only for one year from issuance.

If you provide any interpreting for remuneration, you must have a license or permit regardless of your job title or main responsibilities. This applies to every situation/agency (i.e. legal, medical, educational, etc.).

Yes, please read the list of exemptions located in our Rules.

Persons interested should write a letter to the Board asking for an exemption and the reasons why you think you qualify for one. Your request will be reviewed by the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Remember, you cannot work as an interpreter until the Board approves your request. The Board will also determine, on a case by case basis, how long your exemption is effective.

Any person who lives outside of the State of Alabama may provide interpreting and transliterating services for up to 14 working days per calendar year without a license.

Exemptions may be approved for persons who are unable to complete the necessary qualifications to be permitted or licensed according to the same Legislative Act. Persons interested should write a letter to the Board asking for an exemption and include documentation from a licensed audiologist verifying that you meet federal government standards for legal deafness. Your request will be reviewed by the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Remember, you cannot work as an interpreter until the Board approves your request. If your exemption is approved by the Board of Interpreters and Transliterators, you must interpret with the assistance of an intermediary interpreter or transliterator as defined by AL Code §34-16-3(6). An exemption of this kind is not the same as being licensed or permitted. In addition, persons with this exemption are not acknowledged on our website as being licensed or permitted persons.

Yes. Volunteered interpreting while in your regular employment capacity is not considered volunteering — that is considered interpreting for remuneration.

Persons practicing interpreting or transliterating without a license may be subject to discipline by the Board.

Yes, at last count 22 states already have legislation and 12 more states are considering new legislation or modifying existing legislation.

For hearing and deaf consumers throughout the state of Alabama, it allows a mechanism to ensure quality services are provided. This protects both the hiring agency and the deaf individual. For interpreters, one advantage is that certification presents a "true measure of professionalism."

Everyone in need of interpreter services is entitled to qualified interpreters who will render the message faithfully and adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct. Without a regulatory system in place, like Licensure to assure the qualifications of an interpreting service provider, anyone can make the claim that they are qualified. Licensure documents a person’s qualifications and experience in the field of interpreting.

If you suspect someone is interpreting without a valid license or permit, or someone is violating the law or RID Code of Ethics, you should file a written complaint. The Complaint forms are located on the Forms page of our website: www.albit.alabama.gov. We will notify you once your complaint is received and the allegation will be investigated.

Go to the Forms page of our website and print off the “Change of Information” form; complete it and send it in either via US mail or you can scan and email it. It can take care of name and address changes, employer changes and education updates. A reminder: if you want a new card because of your name change or if you want to add additional credentials, go to the Forms page of the website and print a Replacement Card Request form.

You can start renewing online on February 15. Paper forms are also available on our website to print and complete. The last day to renew without penalty is March 15, but you can still renew until April 29 if you pay the renewal fee, the late fee and a reinstatement fee. After April 29, you’ll need to reapply for a new license or permit.

For Licensees: If you are audited, send in a copy of your current RID Certified membership card and a copy of your CMP transcript showing 2.0 CEUs earned since March 15 of the previous year.
For Permit holders: If you are audited, send in certificates of attendance of attending workshops earning 2 CEUs since March 15 of the previous year.

Complete and send in, along with $25, the Replacement Request form located on the Forms page of our website.

For Licensees: Proof of earning 2.0 CEUs within the last 12-month cycle or proof of adhering to the RID CMP (Certificate Maintenance Program) by including a copy of your most recent CMP/ACET (Associate CE Tracking) record obtained from RID. The RID CMP requires a total of 8 CEUs earned within their 4-year cycle, so you can earn as little or as many hours as you want during that time, IF you can show that 8 CEUs were earned by the end of their cycle. That schedule is satisfactory to maintain ALBIT Licensees as well.
For Renewable Permit holders: Each year, you need to send in proof of earning 2.0 board approved CEUs within the previous 12-month cycle ending March 15 of the current year.

Permit holders are required to show 2.0 CEUs each renewal cycle and are not allowed to use any CEUs that is carried over from the previous year.

Approval of CEUs will be automatically granted for all workshops endorsed by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or Gallaudet University. Professional Studies must consist of at least 1.5 out of the required 2 CEU’s per year. No more than 1.5 CEUs relating to Professional Studies may be earned through RID-approved independent study.