At UVSC interpreter preparation is broken down into two levels:

The Advanced Certification Interpreter Preparation Program (ACIPP)

The Novice-Level Interpreter Preparation Program (NLIPP)

The Advanced Certification Interpreter Preparation Program
Utah Valley State is pleased to announce the full-scale launch of its Advanced Certification Interpreter Preparation Program (ACIPP) Fall Semester 2006. Applications for the ACIPP are accepted at any time, but space is limited and the criteria for financial awards is rigorous so applicants are encouraged to submit application materials as early as possible.

The Novice-Level Interpreter Preparation Program
The creation of the ACIPP will result in new opportunities for those seeking their initial entrance into the interpreting profession as well. The Novice-Level Interpreter Preparation Program at UVSC is currently being expanded. We will be adding new coursework and new opportunities which will allow students to acquire ASL and then combine it with the knowledge and skills they need to be true professionals.The model for the Novice-Level program is the same as that of the ACIPP, one aimed at creating truly professional intepreters.

All of the upper division courses in the ASL program (as well as LANG 3000 Language & Culture) provide excellent preparation for interpreters. Currently we have four classes being offered that deal specifically with interpreting (ASL 3310, 3330, 3350, and 3360). We anticipate that more classes will be added in the very near future, and as mentioned above, we foresee the creation of a specific sequence of courses for would-be interpreters within the major (B.A.) in Deaf Studies.

Students who have little or no experience with ASL should know that it takes years of training and practice to become a skilled interpreter. The first step in that process is to begin learning ASL and to become familiar with the Deaf-World. To become an interpreter one does not necessarily need to have a degree in interpreting. Rather, one must obtain the skills that will allow him or her to obtain an interpreting certificate. (In the state of Utah, interpreters are required by law to obtain certificates before they begin working; employers are also obligated to hire certified interpreters.) While interpreter training programs can provide students with the basic skills they need to become interpreters, the training they provide is still just a first step on a long road to a professional career. While the main thrust of our program is more overreaching than just interpreting, our program will include offerings that will provide top-quality training for those who wish to pursue this career.

UVSC courses can be used to earn Continuing Education Hours (CEH's) for both the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the Utah Interpreter Program. The process for getting these CEH's is outlined here.