Becoming Certified in Canada

The national certification process is referred to as the Canadian Evaluation System (CES) and is only available to AVLIC members (see our FAQ page for details on becoming a member). AVLIC members who have successfully completed the CES process are awarded the Certificate of Interpretation (COI). In Canada, it is not required to have this certification to work as an interpreter (however some employers do require you to have certain phases in order to work), but it is recommended that all AVLIC members work towards this certification. Members agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct when they become a member and one of the tenets reads as follows:

2.4.1     Members will incorporate current theoretical and applied knowledge, enhance that knowledge through continuing education throughout their professional careers and will strive for AVLIC certification.

The CES is a four-phase system offered to Active AVLIC members. Interpreters move through the four phases in the following sequence:

One: Written Test of Knowledge (WTK)  

• 75 question multiple choice test which ensures the candidate has the appropriate background knowledge in the field ASL-English interpretation
• Offered annually in June and November
• Student members of AVLIC can apply if in their final semester of program

Written Test of Knowlege Suggested Reading List

Please note: Certification is granted upon successful completion of Phases One through Three to those who have had continuous Active AVLIC membership. Passing the Written Test of Knowledge in no way constitutes any form of certification and may not be considered as partially certified.

Two: Preparation Phase

• Mandatory completion of two - workshops:
  • Interpretation of Narratives (two days)
  • Interpretation of Interactive Interviews (day and a half)
• Scheduled through the Affiliate Chapters with a minimum 6 registered participants
• Prior to attending either workshop, there is required reading that must be reviewed and a pre-workshop taping session that is collected for evaluative purposes
• Pre-workshop video samples are fashioned after the actual Test of Interpretation (Phase three) materials 
• The interpreted samples are reviewed by two feedback specialists (one for American Sign Language and one message equivalency) 
• The interpreted sample is returned to candidates during the workshop and candidates can use the tapes along with written feedback received on evaluation forms to concentrate energy on those areas that have been identified to them.
• Facilitator also takes time and offers suggestions on where to access resources
• Test Taking Skills workbook provided 
• List of helpful hints for passing the Test of Interpretation available to registrants

Three: Test of Interpretation (TOI)

• Offered annually in March
• Candidates are evaluated on their ability to provide message-equivalent interpretations between American Sign Language and English
• Focuses on interpretation samples from ASL to English, English to ASL and two interactive interpretations
• Under the guidance of a facilitator, samples are rated by three deaf raters then three certified interpreters

• Successful completion of this phase awards the Certificate of Interpretation (COI)

Four: Certification Maintenance

• Currently under development 

Individuals must maintain continuous membership in order to keep their CES status valid. A list of current members can be viewed here.

To become a member of AVLIC please click here.