NAD-RID NIC (National Interpreting Certification) Evaluation

The KCDHH is a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf supersite for testing for Kentucky. This means that the KCDHH offers the Knowledge test twice per year (first Saturday in June and December), and offers the NAD-RID NIC Knowledge, Interview, and Performance tests to individuals by appointment.

The following is information regarding the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC) examination process.

Individuals who join the RID at the same time they apply for the test may pay the member rate for test fees. One need not be a member to apply for the test; however, one of the benefits of RID membership is lower testing fees. Testing slots are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

An individual interested in obtaining NIC certification is required to take and pass the NIC knowledge test before taking the NIC interview and performance tests. Both the knowledge, interview and performance tests must be passed in order to become certified.

At least eight weeks prior to the written examination, complete the NIC application. Send this application with all appropriate fees directly to the RID national office.

The national office will send a receipt of payment letter and the Testing Information Bulletin to the applicant. About four weeks before the test, the supersite coordinator will send a test confirmation letter. This confirmation letter will include the date, time, and location of the exam in addition to the name of the Local Test Administrator (LTA). This letter of confirmation and picture identification must be provided by applicant at the test site. It is the applicant's admission ticket; no one will be allowed to take an examination without this confirmation.

There are three levels of certification:

Master - Those awarded this certificate scored high on both the interview and performance portions of the test.

Advanced- Those awarded this certificate have scored within the standard range on the interview portion and high on the performance portion of the examination.

Certified- Those awarded this certificate have shown basic professional-level interpreting/transliterating skills.

There are two categories of raters. Deaf/hard of hearing raters rate the sign language portions of the test for transliterating and interpreting skills. Hearing interpreter raters rate the overall performance of the candidate. The candidate's test tape is simultaneously sent to two raters in both rater categories for a total of four raters.

People who pass the knowledge portion of the test become "Candidates for Certification" and have five years from the date they passed the knowledge test in which to take and pass the interview and performance portion of the NIC examination. If a candidate fails to pass the interview and performance test within the five-year time frame, s/he will be required to reapply for the knowledge examination and pay all related fees.

To apply for the NAD-RID NIC examination, one must complete and send an application form with payment of appropriate fees to the national office eight weeks in advance of the published testing date. Preference for testing location(s) (site code) must be indicated on the application form. Applications for testing are available on-line.

For more information, please go to the RID web site