What is a Qualified or Certified Interpreter?

A qualified interpreter is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as someone who “is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.”

 

A certified interpreter has passed a national test indicating a measured level of skill has been attained.

 

Pennsylvania Act 57 of 2004 has defined a qualified interpreter as someone who is registered with the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This requirement supersedes the ADA definition.

Pennsylvania Act 172 of 2006 defines qualifications for interpreting in the legal system.

Pennsylvania Dept of Education, Chapter 14, requires educational interpreters working in K-12, to have a score of 3.5 on the EIPA.