New Mexico requires all signed language interpreters to be licensed in order to protect Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers.
Issuing Agency
Licenses are issued by the Signed Language Interpreting Practice Board (SLIPB) under the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). RLD is responsible for licensure of more than 200 professions in the state of New Mexico. The statute, rules, forms, and other information can be found at the SLIPB website. A searchable database of licensed interpreters in New Mexico can be found on the Regulation and Licensing Department website here.
Licenses
There are three types of licenses issued by the SLIPB:
- Community – for certified interpreters holding most certifications currently recognized by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or some certifications issued by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI). These interpreters may work in both community and educational settings.
- Educational – for interpreters who hold the ED: K-12 credential from RID, or who meet all the requirements for the ED: K-12 credential. This license is valid only for K-12 interpreting, not for any community or post-secondary settings.
- Provisional – for interpreters who have completed an interpreter training program and are working toward certification. This license may be held for up to five years and qualifies the interpreter to work in appropriate educational and community settings.
Complaints
Individuals who wish to file a complaint against an individual for interpreting without a license or for a violation of the Code of Professional Conduct may access the necessary procedure and form on the RLD website
Statutory Authority
The Signed Language Interpreting Practices Act is §61-34-1 NMSA 1978 and can be accessed via the SLIPB website