Ohio Sup.R. 9.04

(A) Registration

A sign language interpreter may be registered by the Supreme Court Language Services

Section and be styled a “registered sign language interpreter” pursuant to the requirements

of this rule.

(B) Requirements for registration

An applicant for registration as a registered sign language interpreter shall satisfy each of

the following requirements:

(1) Be at least eighteen years old;

(2) Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States or have the legal right to

remain and work in the United States;

(3) Have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude;

(4) Hold one of the following certifications:

(a) A “National Interpreter Certification” from the Registry of

Interpreters for the Deaf;

(b) A “Certification of Interpretation” and “Certification of

Transliteration” from the Registry of Interpreters for the

Deaf;

(c) A “Comprehensive Skills Certificate” from the Registry of

Interpreters for the Deaf;

(d) A “Level V Certification” from the National Association of

the Deaf;

(e) A “Level IV Certification” from the National Association of

the Deaf;

(f) A “Level III Certification” from the National Association of

the Deaf.

(5) Be in good standing with the entity from which the interpreter received

certification;

(6) Receive an overall score of eighty percent or better in the English language

and grammar, court-related terms and usage, and professional conduct

sections of the written examination of the National Center for State Courts.

The examination shall be administered by the Section in accordance with

the standards described in the test administration manuals of the center. An

interpreter who has taken the written examination in another state within the

past twenty-four months may apply to the Section for recognition of the

score. The Section shall recognize the score if it is substantially comparable

to the score required under this division.

(7) Complete twenty-four hours of court interpreter training. The training shall

consist of six hours of legal terminology, six hours of court interpreter

ethics, and twelve hours of modes of interpretation or other specialized legal

topics for court interpreters.

(8) An applicant from another state or the District of Columbia or a territory of

the United States may apply for reciprocity of registered status as a

registered sign language interpreter provided the applicant meets the

requirements of division (B) of this rule.

(C) Application for registration

An applicant for registration as a registered sign language interpreter shall file an

application with the Section. The application shall include each of the following:

(1) Verification the applicant is at least eighteen years old;

(2) Verification the applicant is a legal resident or citizen of the United States

or has the legal right to remain and work in the United States;

(3) A copy of a completed criminal background check showing no conviction

of a crime involving moral turpitude;

(4) A nonrefundable application fee in an amount as determined by the Section.