Holders of this certification are deaf or hard of hearing and have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of interpreting, deafness, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. Holders have specialized training and/or experience in the use of gesture, mime, props, drawings and other tools to enhance communication. Holders possess native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language and are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. This credential has been available since 1998. Please see the information on CASLI’s website regarding exam eligibility. Source: https://rid.org/certification/available-certifications/

Image Description: The infographic is titled “CASLI → RID Certification Process” in dark red at the top. On the left, a white box with a black outline lists the three exams interpreters must take: Generalist Knowledge, Ethical Case Studies, and Generalist Performance, under the heading “Take Exams.” A dark red arrow points to the center, where the CASLI logo appears with the full name “Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation.” Beneath the logo, a white box states “Administers and Scores.” Another arrow points to the right, where a box reads “Results Sent To” and connects to the blue RID logo with its full name “Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.” Below the logo, a white box with red text reads “Grants Certification.” A final downward arrow leads to the last box, which says “RID Maintains Certification (CPC, CEUs, Fees).” The layout flows clearly from left to right and then downward, showing the progression from testing with CASLI to certification and ongoing maintenance with RID. June 23, 2016, RID established the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation, LLC (CASLI) to take over the administration and ongoing development and maintenance of exams. Eligibility requirements and the credentialing of any and all individuals will remain the responsibility of RID. With this shift in responsibilities candidates will need to contact both RID and CASLI during different times in the certification process. For more information view our CASLI FAQ page. Review all pertinent CDI webpages on the CASLI website Submit an audiogram or letter from audiologist to CASLI Register for the CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam (This includes both portions: Fundamental of Interpreting AND Case Studies: Ethical Decision-Making Process & Cultural Responsiveness) Pass the CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam (Candidate must successfully pass the Fundamental of Interpreting portion before they are eligible to take the Performance exam) (If candidate does not pass the Case Studies portion, they can take it with the Performance Exam) Submit proof of meeting RID’s educational requirement of Bachelor’s degree or an approved Alternative Pathway plan. Register for the CASLI Generalist Performance Exam: CDI (with or without the Case Studies portion) Successfully passes ALL CASLI’s required examination for the CDI Certification Start the CDI Certification Process HERE Source: https://rid.org/certification/available-certifications/

Candidates pursuing CDI Certification must have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree (any major) or an approved updated/2012 Alternative Pathway to Eligibility application recorded in their RID/CASLI account prior to testing for CASL Generalist Performance Exam: CDI. At the 2003 RID National Conference, in Chicago, IL, the membership passed motion C2003.05, establishing degree requirements for RID certification candidates. The motion stated the following related specifically to the CDI Performance Exam: Effective June 30, 2016, Deaf candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The education requirement is currently a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, effective May 17, 2021. The CASLI Generalist Performance Exam for Deaf interpreters was released November 16, 2020 therefore the date at which the Associate degree requirement became a Bachelor degree requirement was May 17, 2021. Source: https://rid.org/certification/available-certifications/