Interpreter Preparation Certificate

Important Information

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits.

Courses Needed for This Program*

Total Number of Credits Required for Certificate: 42*

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

***These courses include ENGL prerequisites. Placement testing or transcript evaluation may be required for new CCBC students. Please contact Academic Advising for more information.

Program Description

The Interpreter Preparation Program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. Students will develop skills in American Sign Language and specific technical skills required to interpret and transliterate. In addition, students will study topics relevant to Deaf people and the field of interpreting. Students will experience a wide variety of learning activities to enhance practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge. These include on-site observations and interviews, attendance at Deaf-related community activities, guest lectures, video and audio lab assignments, and classroom lectures.

The Certificate program is ideal for students who want to become ASL interpreters but already have a degree. While the Certificate program does not include general education course requirements, some INTR courses do have general education prerequisites. Transcript evaluation may be necessary to determine if prerequisites have been fulfilled.

For new students with prior skills in American Sign Language (ASL), the department offers an assessment, for a fee, that may allow students to test out of some or all of the ASL courses. Experienced students should contact the Interpreter Preparation office at 443 840 4274 no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester to set up an appointment.

It is important to note that because both Interpreter Preparation programs are primarily evening and part-time they usually take between three to four years to complete. Before you can learn to interpret, you must first become fluent in the language. This takes time and practice. It is also highly recommended that students spend at least one year socializing and interacting in the Deaf Community to gain the level of fluency needed to become a professional interpreter.

The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a program requirement. The ASLPI is a nationally recognized tool to measure language aptitude. Students are required to take the ASLPI and score at least 2.0 as a prerequisite to INTR 211 - Linguistics of American Sign Language , and score a minimum level of 2+ before INTR 241 - Practicum .

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

1. assess whether their skills match those needed on a particular interpreting assignment; 
2. interpret consecutively and simultaneously in a low-key, one-on-one setting;
3. use internal and external cues to maintain accuracy and determine if assignment goals are being met;
4. incorporate feedback from a mentor, team interpreter, and/or deaf consumer into their interpretations;
5. adjust language style for the situation, guided by the consumer’s preference; and
6. function appropriately in an interpreting situation following the interpreter’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Other

Gainful Employment Disclosure

http://www.ccbcmd.edu/migrate/gainfulemployment/interpreter preparation.html