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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I
have to get a Permit/License?
If you provide any interpreting for
remuneration, then 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.). The
only exemptions are interpreting
religious services and volunteered
interpreting. Volunteered
interpreting while in your regular
employment capacity is not
considered volunteering – that is
considered for remuneration.
How long can I keep a
permit?
Permit holders, who comply with the
requirements, documentation of
passing an approved code of ethics
test and approved performance test
(see law for approved permit levels)
and annual participation in approved
Continuing Education Program (CEP)
may reapply annually to maintain
permit status.
What is the penalty for
interpreting without a
license/permit?
Up to a $1,000 fine and a Class “C”
misdemeanor may be imposed per
occurrence. The Alabama Licensure
Board for Interpreters and
Transliterators may suspend or
revoke the license or permit of the
person charged with violating the
law.
Isn’t there a federal/state
law in place that requires qualified
interpreting services?
There are laws in place which
require the provision of qualified
interpreting services (ADA, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act and
Alabama Code 12-21-13-1).
Do other states have
licensure?
Yes, at last count 22 states already
have legislation and 12 more states
are considering new legislation or
modifying existing legislation.
What are the benefits of
obtaining licensure/certification?
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”.
Isn’t there a shortage of
interpreters today? Won’t licensure
further limit the number of
available interpreters?
The shortage is in qualified
interpreters. Additionally, this
licensure does allow non-certified
interpreters to work before
obtaining a license. If someone is
financially benefiting from
providing interpreter services, they
must also be willing to accept
responsibility for their work.
pdf
version of above
Complaints
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