Frequently asked Questions

1. I want to become an Interpreter! Where do I start?

If you do not know American Sign Language you need to take the perquisites for the program which are ASL 1 through 3 and English Composition 1301.

If you know American Sign Language and have completed English Composition 1301, set up an appointment with Dr. Nathie Marbury to have your ASL skills evaluated then send your contact information to Dr. Lynn Beaman for advising.

2. What kinds of degrees or certificates can you earn through the program and how are they different?

Interpreter Preparation Program Associate of Applied Science Degree: includes all ASL, Interpreting, and general education courses; will prepare students to take the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification test.

American Sign Language Studies Certificate: includes ASL I-IV and a class on Deaf culture; provides a thorough knowledge of ASL; designed for students in other majors (e.g. Pharmacy Tech) who might use ASL to communicate as part of their job.

Interpreter Preparation Program Certificate: includes all ASL and most of the Interpreting classes; designed for students with a bachelor’s degrees in related areas or students who come to ACC with strong ASL skills and some interpreting experience; will prepare students to take the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification test.

We encourage all potential interpreting students that do not have a large post secondary academic or ASL background to pursue an associates degree. The two year program provides enough exposure to ASL and interpreting course work that will prepare them to be competent interpreters. Having an associates degree will also allow future students to become state or nationally certified.

At the 2003 RID Conference in Chicago, the membership passed a motion which requires a degree in order to stand for future performance interview tests. It is important to note that these requirements are not immediate. In 2008, applicants who are hearing will be required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in order to be considered a candidate for certification.

Effective January 1, 2012, DHHS (state certification) will require individuals to possess an Associates degree to be eligible for certification testing

3. If I already know some sign language, can I waive some ASL courses?

Yes, if you qualify you may be able to waive some classes. Contact Dr. Nathie Marbury to set up an appointment for ASL Placement.

4. If a student has a full-time job, can they still complete this program?

Yes, if they have some job flexibility.  Some courses are offered once a year and some are offered either in the daytime or the evening.

5. What kinds of job opportunities are out there for sign language interpreters?

There are a variety of full-time and part-time jobs for interpreters in the fields of educational, legal medical and video relay interpreting.  There is a national shortage of interpreters.

6. Do students get help in finding internships?

Yes.  The internship supervisor will help them find a placement based on the students' area of interest. However we do encourage our students to independently seek out resources that best fit their needs.

7. How much money can entry-level graduates from this program earn?

Hourly wages range from $14 to $25 an hour depending on education, experience and certification. Consult the following website, created by the U.S. Labor Bureau for a listing of current hourly wages and salaries for interpreters.

8.How does the IPP differ from being “certified” as an interpreter?

The certificate provided by ACC is an educational certificate and not state or national certification. The IPP is designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to become certified at the state level.

9. How does a student become “certified” as an interpreter?

State Certification is available through the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Board of Evaluation for Interpreters.  For more information regarding DARS, visit their website at http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/index.shtml

National Certification is available through the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID).  For more information regarding national certification, visit their website at http://www.rid.org