Novice Interpreters
Welcome to the world of ASL/English Interpreting! We're glad you're here :)
ASL Terp Prep is happy to provide services for new up-and-coming interpreters. One of the first things you'll want to do once you become certified is to make your resume perfect, so you can begin working as soon as possible. Our resume services can help with that!
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*More services, such as workshops and webinars, are added all the time. Check back often!
Recently Completed Workshops:
September's workshop was a collaboration with Tarrant County College's SLIP program for their interpreting interns: 5 Tips to Survive & Thrive in your Practicum Year
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October's workshop was an online workshop via Zoom for newly certified interpreters (that's you!!). This workshop was called: I'm Certified, Now What? The Logistics of Getting Started as an ASL/English Interpreter
*Approved for .3 BEI CEUs (General category)
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DID YOU KNOW?
Some companies won't even offer you an interview if there are more than 5 errors in your cover letter or resume.
You're Certified...Now What?
Be Prepared...
While you travel around to various job sites, you may come across something unexpected...always be prepared! Keep an "emergency" bag in your car, or in your purse/computer bag, with various items that could come in handy throughout the day.
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Below you'll find an example stash of what is kept in Stephanie's car!
What's In My Bag??
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, & floss
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Bandage & Ointment
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Feminine Products
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Food with protein (and chocolate, because chocolate)
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Disinfectant spray & hand sanitizer
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Mask (this pandemic seems never-ending)
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Fragrance-free lotion
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Dry shampoo
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Hair tie
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Nail file
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Lip Balm
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An ID Matters extra badge
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Portable phone charger
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Not Pictured, but in the car:
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Deodorant
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Water bottle
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Extra black blazer
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Black flats (shoes)
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Quarters (parking meters)
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Professional Development...
As a certified interpreter, you now need to start earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain your certification. As a BEI certified interpreter, you have 5 years to complete your CEU cycle--you must earn 100 hours (10.0 units) within that 5-year timeframe. If you are National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certified, you have 4 years to complete your cycle and must earn 80 hours (8.0 units). That averages 20 hours a year for either certification.
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BEI Requirement Breakdown:
-100 total hours/5 years
-20 hours must be in ethics-related topics
-60 hours in interpreting-related topics
-No more than 20 hours in general studies
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RID Requirement Breakdown:
-80 total hours/4 years
-60 hours Professional Studies
-20 hours General Studies
-As of 2019, at least 10 of the 60 Professional Studies hours must fall under the Power, Privilege, and Oppression (PPO) CEUs
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There are so many sites that offer CEUs, so it will be easy to find several workshops that work for you! ASL Terp Prep has compiled a few sites that offer CEUs for American Sign Language Interpreters.
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Websites:
CWood Professional Development
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RID Continuing Education Center
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Some agencies give you a badge, and some do not. You may also be working freelance and need a badge with your basic information on it. Some places require a badge with a photo on it for security reasons. Always good to have a back up!
Check out this interpreter-owned business:
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Identification
