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Continuing Education Requirements
- What is Continuing Education?
Continuing Education is profession development required under Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 for sign language interpreters to maintain their license. Proof of continuing education is required at the time of renewal of the license.
- How is Continuing Education calculated?
Continuing Education is earned in increments of a ½ hour after the completion of initial 1 hour. Continuing Education is not awarded for lunch hours, socials and breaks. - How can an interpreter earn Continuing Education?
Continuing Education is earned by verified attendance at or participation in a program or course that is offered or sponsored by an approved Continuing Education provider. Approved providers include any CMP sponsor for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); IDHHC; and any entity approved by IDHHC. - Can university or college classes qualify for Continuing Education credit?
Yes. Upon successful completion of courses that are part of the curriculum of an accredited institution relating to interpreting, Continuing Education hours are awarded.
Semester system courses – 1 credit hour = 15 CE hours
Quarter system courses – 1 credit hour = 10 CE hours - Is Continuing Education required the first year of having a license?
No. When a sign language interpreter submits for the first renewal of their license, there is no requirement to have completed Continuing Education. (For example, if an interpreter received their license January 1, 2009, they would be required to renew by December 31, 2009. The interpreter is not required to show proof of continuing education when they submit the renewal.). - What if I earn Continuing Education hours during the first renewal period?
Interpreters may “carry over” a maximum of 50% of the hours required in the first renewal requiring continuing education. (For example, if an interpreter was licensed January 1, 2009 and earned 10 hours in 2009, when the interpreter applies for renewal in 2010 he/she is not required to have earned continuing education; however, he/she may carry over up 6 hours of the 10 hours towards the 12 hours required for the 2011 renewal) - What are the requirements for Continuing Education after the first renewal period?
For interpreters renewing their license for 2011, a sign language interpreter is required to have completed 12 hours of Continuing Education during January – December 2010. For interpreters renewing their license for 2012, a sign language interpreter is required to have completed 16 hours of Continuing Education during January – December 2011. For interpreters renewing their license for 2013 and thereafter, a sign language interpreter is required to have completed 20 hours of Continuing Education during the previous year. - What if I earn more than the required hours of Continuing Education in one year?
Interpreters are allowed to “carry over” to the next renewal period up to 50% of the hours required in that renewal period. (For example, if an interpreter earned 20 hours in 2010 but only 12 hours are required for the 2011 renewal, up to 8 hours could be carried over for the 2012 renewal. The continuing education hours required for 2012 renewal is 16 hours; 50% of 16 is 8 hours.) See example below. - Does it matter whether the Continuing Education is classified as “General Studies” or “Professional Studies”?
No. The Continuing Education requirements do not distinguish between “General Studies” and “Professional Studies”. - What do sign language interpreters need to provide to IDHHC for proof of Continuing Education hours?
Interpreters will be required to certify on the renewal application that they have complied with the Continuing Education requirements. At the time of renewal, no additional documentation is required. However, IDHHC will perform random audits to verify interpreters’ compliance with Continuing Education requirements. If audited, the interpreter is required to produce evidence of completion such as a Certificate of Attendance. Interpreters shall maintain evidence of completion for 3 years after the end of the relevant reporting period.
| Pre-Renewal Period | Renewal Year | CE Hours Required | CE Hours Needed | CE Hours Earned | CE Hours Allowed to Carry Over |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. – Dec. 2009 | 2010 | 0 - None required in first renewal year | 0 | 10 hours | 6 hours (50% of 12 hours required in 2011) |
| Jan. – Dec. 2010 | 2011 | 12 hours | 6 hours (6 carried over from 2009) | 20 hours (+14 hours) | 8 hours (50% of 16 hours required in 2012) |
| Jan. – Dec. 2011 | 2012 | 16 hours | 8 hours (8 carried over from 2010) | 8 hours | |
| Jan. – Dec. 2012 | 2013 | 20 hours | 20 hours (nothing carried over) | 30 hours (+10 hours) | 10 hours (50% of 20 hours required in 2013) |
| Jan. – Dec. 2013 | 2014 | 20 hours | 10 hours ( 10 carried over from 2012) | 20 hours (+10 hours) | 10 hours (50% of 20 hours required in 2014) |