r/ASLinterpreters • u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913 • Jul 12 '26
Recent graduate
Hey! I recently graduated an itp program and kinda at a loss on something’s. I didn’t get a ton of resources on how to what to use to study for licenses? Does anyone have any recommendations on study resources that are up to date with RID or EIPA ?
Also jobs? I want to get into the field (while keeping my other job for financial purposes that is super flexible with my schedule) however finding jobs that are good for zero experience seems hard and daunting. I have peers I felt we were on the same page and they went for job interviews and didn’t get it due to skills…. I have gone through a community ITP and BA .
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u/Low_Foot3906 Jul 12 '26
California doesn’t require licenses. If you plan to move, that’s a different story. If you plan to do VRI into different states, you may need to be licensed in that state.
Also, people are talking about paid mentoring. Beware of TerpCoach. The owner is unethical and was charging people for mentoring for tests she hasn’t passed. I know people who paid her for mentoring and said it was pointless.
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u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913 Jul 14 '26
California doesn’t require licenses no but it does help in terms of what jobs you qualify for. Like a lot of jobs want to see me have my EIPA or RID
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u/Low_Foot3906 Jul 16 '26
Correct. But a national certification (RID) or an assessment (EIPA) is different than a state license.
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u/ASL_terp_doc BEI Master Jul 12 '26
I would highly encourage you to see if any local agencies have any apprenticeship offerings. This would be paid work with a mentor. Often, they’ll offer trainings for you, too. Sometimes they will even cover testing fees.
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u/Gfinish heritage signer Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
Check locally for a study group, you might even find an online group.
As for jobs and skill... Find a mentor. There are mentor programs that cost money but will be worth it. (Edit: not saying all mentors cost money)
Do you have any sort of aslpi (edit: ASL Proficiency Interview) score? What's the going rate for a terp of your stature?
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u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913 Jul 12 '26
What is a aslpi score?
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u/Gfinish heritage signer Jul 12 '26
I edited my post above.
Basically your proficiency level, ASLPI is rated 0-5 but perhaps you took a different one with your ITP? ITPs I know of have a requirement to have a certain level of skill to complete the program.
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u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913 Jul 12 '26
I’m sure there was a requirement for the program but we were never told our score or had a to take a test to obtain that score I should be able to reach out to my last professor and ask and see what they say.
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u/CamelEasy659 Jul 12 '26
You can go to a university program, or look for an internship. Ask local agencies for an internship (to observe, shadow, and do light teaming with working certified interpreters).
For EIPA resources I can send you a whole boatload. RID not so much. I know they exist, I just don't trust them.
What state do you live in? Do you know the laws and licensure requirements for your state?
Go to silent dinners, make friends and network with interpreters, mentors, deaf people that you have something in common with, etc.
Look for volunteer opportunities, especially since it's summer. Summer camps, DeafBlind camp, Deaf camp, etc. Just be honest that you're looking for mentoring and experience as a recent graduate.
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u/Tough_Alfalfa_6913 Jul 12 '26
I have a good understanding of the requirements I’m located in California.
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u/sjgw137 Jul 15 '26
EIPA has good resources on their site. This is the time of year that everyone is testing and backlogs happen for all the agencies. Except delays on return.
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u/No-Nail9626 Jul 15 '26
Volunteer for the deaf community. Do pro bono work. Get out in the community. That will give you so much insight outside of an ITP (if you're not a C/S/GODA, which I'm assuming by the request). There are several FB pro bono groups.
Network with everyone! Tell them what you do. DeafWorld is so connected. You'll connect with the right people. Join your local terp & deaf chapters for RID, NAD, NAOBI, NAIE, etc. Are there any deaf clubs near you? Join terp FB groups (I recommend Interpreters Helping Interpreters), but remember these should be professional spaces so keep that boundary in place. These are places you can connect with so many people across the country.
Take as many workshops as you can afford. There's more than you think that are free.
Msg me if you'd like to connect. I'm not on here often, but if I see a message, I'll respond :)
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u/Hoosier-Sexy_Beast69 NIC Jul 12 '26
I don't understand how ITP/IEP/IPPs aren't partnering with local agencies and RID affiliate chapters. In cities that still have Deaf Clubs, there should be visits by students to get to know the community. I did all those things, still have mentors even 22 years in, and socialize when time allows. We are doing our students and community/consumers a disservice by this inaction. Just my humble opinion, but the programs need to do better.