Sign Language Interpreters in Maine
Whether you're an experienced interpreter or just starting your career, MeAD provides the resources and support you need to thrive. Explore our comprehensive range of tools, from continuing education to licensure requirements, and join our professional community today.
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CEU Resources

Interpreter and
CDI Resources

Interpreting in Maine

Interpreting Education
Licensure and State Requirements
How to Apply for a License

Determine Licensing Requirments:
- Research the specific requirements for your profession in your state or country, including educational qualifications, exams, and any necessary CEUs (Continuing Education Units).

Complete Necessary Education and Training:
- Enroll in and complete the required educational programs or
training courses. - Accumulate any required CEUs by attending accredited
workshops, courses, or professional development programs.

Submit Your Application:
- Gather all necessary documentation, including proof of
education, training, and CEUs. - Fill out the application form provided by the licensing authority.
- Pay any applicable application fees.
- Submit your application and wait for confirmation or further
instructions from the licensing body.


How to Get Your CHRC (For Educational Interpreting)
To become an educational interpreter, you must complete a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC). Maine state law requires all school employees to be fingerprinted and pass a CHRC. A copy of your CHRC must be uploaded as part of your application to be considered. For more information about Maine’s CHRC requirements, please visit the Maine Department of Education.
Legal Interpreting Requirements in Maine

Meet Educational and Traning Standard:
- Complete a recognized interpreter training program or possess a degree in interpretation, linguistics, or a related field.
- Attend specialized training in legal interpreting to understand
legal terminology, court procedures, and ethical standards.

Obtain Certification:
- Pass the certification exam offered by a recognized body, such as
the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT). - Accumulate required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through accredited workshops and courses related to legal interpreting.

Apply for Legal Interpreter Status:
- Submit an application to the Maine judicial system or the appropriate state authority, including proof of education, training, and certification.
- Pay any applicable fees and provide any additional documentation as requested.
- Await approval and any further instructions from the licensing or certification body.


Liability Insurance
Protect yourself and your practice with liability insurance. This section outlines the importance of liability coverage for interpreters, how to choose a plan, and what types of coverage are available.

Hiring Referral Agencies
Maine-Based Sign Language Interpreting Specific Referral Agencies.
Kewl ASL
Other Agencies

Hiring Specialized Intepreting Entities
Description here
Educational Interpreting: MECDHH
Medical Interpreting: PTS, Covenant Health, St. Joseph
State Interpreting: State of Maine Direct Contracting
Legal Interpreting: Administrative Office of the Courts
Know Your Rights
Working with Interpreters
How to Check Your Interpreter's Credentials: Licensee search and RID registry search

Professional Development and Continuing Education
The Maine Association of the Deaf (MeAD) proudly sponsors the Maine Sign Language Interpretive Collective (MeSLIC) Certification Maintenance Program.This program supports interpreters in maintaining their certification through various professional development opportunities and continuing education workshops.
CEU Sponsor Contact:
For inquiries regarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs), please contact us at ceu@deafmaine.org.
For inquiries regarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs), please contact us at ceu@deafmaine.org.
Workshop Sponsorship Requirements:
To receive CEUs for your workshop, please follow our paperwork and submission guidelines. This section provides all necessary forms and step-by-step instructions to ensure your workshop is accredited for CEUs. CEU Paperwork and Guidelines.
Workshops in Maine:
Explore upcoming workshops in Maine designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of ASL interpreters. From beginner to advanced levels, these workshops cover a wide range of topics relevant to the interpreting community.