Do you know what "level" your interpreter is? The next time you hire an interpreter, be sure you're getting what you pay for. All interpreters from Interpreting Solutions, LLC are Level 4 or 5. You can be sure you are getting a QUALIFIED interpreter who will accurately translate your conversation.
The five levels that an interpreter can achieve are:
Level I: Novice
Level II: Apprentice
Level III: Basic
Level IV: Advanced
Level V: Master
Level I: Novice
Level I is the entry level who is able to expressively and receptively interpret or transliterate one-to-one situations on a non-technical basis in which the interpreter has an opportunity to stop for clarification and feedback from the deaf consumer.
One-on-one situations where communication can be interrupted easily for clarification.
Limited or no voicing
Limited American Sign Langugage (ASL), stronger Pidgin Sign English (PSE) or English (Transliterating)
Should NOT be used in the following:
- Legal
- Mental Health
- Educational
- Platform
- Serious medical
- Critical situations of any nature
Level II: Apprentice
Level II is an beginner level who is able to interpret or transliterate for deaf individuals in job applications, orientation sessions, basic tutoring sessions, and simple non-technical medical examinations. These interpreting situations may or may not permit the interpreter to stop consumer(s) for clarification.
One-on-one situations where communication can be interrupted occasionally for clarification.
Limited voicing
Limited platform
Limited group session/workshops where communication can be interrupted easily for clarification
Should NOT be used in the following:
- Any legal situations (courtroom, civil hearings, police interrogations, and/or consultations with lawyer)
- Any mental health situation
- Educational
- Serious medical
- Critical situations of any nature
Level III: Basic
Level III is a Basic level who is able to interpret or transliterate most one-on-one situations. Most group sessions are easily handled if there is a minimum voicing required.
Most one-on-one situations
Most group sessions
Most workshops with limited voicing
Stronger ASL and PSE than Level I or II
Should NOT be used in the following:
- Legal
- Mental Health
- Serious Medical
- Critical situation of any nature
Level IV: Advanced
Level IV is an Advanced level who is able to interpret and transliterate well expressively and receptively in most technical situations.
Can function well as an interpreter and transliterator.
Discretion should be used based on situational factors and language level of consumer.
Level V: Master
Level V is a Master level for the candidate who is able to interpret and transliterate expressively and receptively in a majority of situations.
No restrictions are indicated
Use of professional judgement
Strongly recommended for court room, any legal situation, serious medical situations; for example, pre-op, surgery and recovery room situations, mental health, psychiatric wards, etc..
