●
Can I pay my MICS fees
using a credit card?
●
Do I have to be certified in order to provide sign language interpreting
services?
●
Do I have to graduate from an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) in order to
become certified in the MICS?
●
How can I earn MICS CEUs?
●
How do I become certified in
the MICS?
●
How long will it take before I know the results of my MICS tests?
●
How many CEUs must I earn annually to maintain my MICS certification?
●
How much does
it cost to become certified in the MICS?
●
What
are the different certifications one can earn in the MICS?
●
What
are the requirements to apply for certification in the MICS?
●
What
do the evaluators use to determine the certification level?
●
What is the
Board for Certification of Interpreters (BCI)?
●
What is the difference between certification and licensure of an interpreter?
●
What is the MICS?
●
What is the MICS written test?
●
What is the MICS performance test?
●
What is the MICS Skill
Level Standards rule?
●
When did Missouri actually begin certifying interpreters in the MICS?
●
When do I have to renew
my MICS certification?
●
Where can I take the MICS
performance test?
●
Where can I take the MICS
written test?
●
Who do I
contact if I have other questions about the MICS?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Can I
pay my MICS fees using a credit card?
No,
unfortunately MCDHH is not allowed to accept credit cards. All MICS fees are
nonrefundable and must be paid with either a cashier’s check or a money order.
Do I have to be certified in order to provide sign
language interpreting services?
Yes, Missouri statute 209.321, RSMo says that “No person shall represent himself
or herself as an interpreter or engage in the practice of interpreting … in the
state of Missouri unless such person is licensed….” And in order to obtain a
license a person must be certified in the MICS or hold one of several specific
certifications issued by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) or the
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
Do I have to graduate from an Interpreter Training Program
(ITP) in order to become certified in the MICS?
No, you do not have to graduate from an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) in
order to become certified in the MICS.
How can I earn MICS
CEUs?
Annual participation in a continuing education program is required for
interpreters certified in the MICS. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be
earned by attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences, and workshops, as well
as participation in extension study, correspondence courses, teaching,
mentorship, self-study and other options, all of which must be approved by the
BCI and must be related to interpreting. A complete description of the
procedures to be followed in order to earn CEUs can be found in the
Certification Maintenance rule (5 CSR 100-200.130) which can be found in the
Interpreters Manual (http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/interpmanual/interpmanual.pdf).
How do I
become certified in the MICS?
Certification in the MICS is a two-step process. The first step is to apply for
certification and take the written test. Upon passage of the written test a
person is eligible to take the second step, which is to take the performance
test.
How long will it take before I know the results of my MICS
tests?
Due to a variety of factors that can affect the evaluation process, the MCDHH
office cannot and does not guarantee that results from MICS tests will be sent
to interpreters in any certain amount of time. However, it can be said that the
average time for results to be known from the written test is one (1)
week. The average time for results to be known from the performance test
is twelve (12) weeks.
How many CEUs must I earn annually to maintain my MICS
certification?
An interpreter is required to earn one and two-tenths (1.2) CEUs annually for
certification maintenance in the MICS. One contact hour earns one-tenth (.1)
MICS CEU.
How much does it cost to become certified in the MICS?
There are many fees associated with the MICS. The fees are determined by the
lengthy administrative rulemaking process, and they are specified in the Fees
rule (5 CSR 100-200.150). The current MICS fees can be found on the MCDHH
website at
http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/fees.htm and in the
Interpreters Manual
(http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/interpmanual/interpmanual.pdf).
The basic fees to become certified are $35.00 for the written test and $135.00
for the performance test.
What are the different certifications one can earn in the
MICS?
There are many certifications that an interpreter can earn in the MICS depending
on their desires and skill level. Those include Novice, Apprentice,
Intermediate, Advanced, and Comprehensive certifications, as well as three kinds
of Restricted Certifications in Education [RCED (General), RCED (K-6), and RCED
(7-12)], a Provisional Certificate in Education (PCED), and an Intern/Practicum
Certification. More information about the certification levels can be found on
the MCDHH website at
http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/certlevels.htm
and in the
Interpreters Manual (http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/interpmanual/interpmanual.pdf).
What are the requirements to apply for certification in
the MICS?
To be eligible for certification in the MICS a person must be 18 years old and
have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
What do the evaluators use to determine the certification
level?
The evaluators are trained to score each candidate on a list of performance
factors. Those factors with definitions are listed in the Interpreters
Manual (http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/interpmanual/interpmanual.pdf),
and they are available from the MICS Coordinator.
What is the Board for Certification of Interpreters (BCI)?
The Board for Certification of Interpreters (BCI) was established within what
was then the Missouri Commission for the Deaf (MCD) in 1994 with the passage of
Senate Bill 568. The BCI consists of five members who are appointed by the
governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The BCI has a variety of
powers and duties, but is generally responsible for the administration of the
MICS.
What is the difference between certification and licensure
of an interpreter?
Certification of an interpreter is a public statement by the certifying entity
of the skill level of an interpreter. On the other hand, licensure of an
interpreter is a grant of authority to an interpreter by the Division of
Professional Registration to engage in the practice of interpreting in
Missouri. In other words, certification tells a consumer the skill level of an
interpreter whereas licensure tells a consumer that an interpreter has met all
of the legal requirements to interpret in Missouri.
What is the MICS?
The MICS is the Missouri Interpreters Certification System. The MICS was
created by the Missouri legislature in 1994 with the passage of Senate Bill
568. When Governor Mel Carnahan signed that bill into law (209.285-339, RSMo),
Missouri became the first state in the United States to require all interpreters
in the state to be both certified and licensed.
What is the MICS
written test?
At this time the written test consists of fifty (50) multiple-choice questions
concerning the basic practices of interpreting and the code of conduct. In
order to pass the written test a person must achieve a score an 85% correct or
better.
What is the
MICS performance test?
The MICS performance test consists of a person interpreting and transliterating
while being recorded. In each portion there are three segments, Voice-to-Sign,
Interactive and Sign-to-Voice. The total time required for testing, including
time for warm-up practice, takes about two (2) hours. Each person’s performance
is evaluated by a team of trained evaluators and a certification level may be
granted. The level of certification earned through performance testing will
reflect the evaluator’s assessment of an interpreter’s maximum performance
ability in both interpreting and transliterating.
What
is the MICS Skill Level Standards rule?
The MICS Skill Level Standards rule (5 CSR 100-200.170) provides standards
concerning the certification levels appropriate for interpreters to practice in
various interpreting settings. The standards were developed to protect the
health, welfare and safety of consumers. The MICS Skill Level Standards rule
has been incorporated into the Ethical Rules of Conduct of the State Committee
of Interpreters, and interpreting in a setting beyond one’s certification level
constitutes unprofessional conduct and is sufficient reason for disciplinary
action by licensure. The Skill Level Standards rule may be found may be found
at
http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/skilllevelstandards.htm and in the
Interpreters Manual (http://www.mcdhh.mo.gov/mics/interpmanual/interpmanual.pdf).
When did Missouri actually begin certifying interpreters
in the MICS?
After the law that created the MICS was passed in 1994 it took several years to
develop the administrative rules that would govern the system. The Board for
Certification of Interpreters actually began certifying interpreters in 1997.
When do I have to renew my MICS certification?
All MICS certifications must be renewed annually with the exception of the
nonrenewable Intern/Practicum certification. Currently all materials required
for renewal must be submitted to the MCDHH office by December 2nd of
each year.
Where
can I take the MICS performance test?
The MICS performance test is administered only at the office of the Missouri
Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Where can
I take the MICS written test?
The MICS written test is administered at several approved proctor sites across
the state, or it can be taken at the office of the Missouri Commission for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Who do I contact if I have other questions about the MICS?
If you have any questions concerning the MICS you should contact the MICS
Coordinator at the MCDHH office.
