Certificate in International Sign Interpreting

Welcome to the non-credit Certificate in International Sign Interpreting (CISI) program. Instruction is delivered completely online. The first session runs from February to May, followed by the second session from September to December. Participants also are encouraged to observe International Sign interpreting in practice during the summer break. This may occur at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA or the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland.

The CISI program is open to both Deaf and hearing interpreters from any country. It is intended for practicing interpreters who want to pursue World Federation of the Deaf and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters International Sign interpreter accreditation or enhance their current skills. 

Join us on what is sure to be a transformative journey and unlock your potential as an International Sign interpreter!

The goal of the CISI program is to prepare interpreters to facilitate communication between International Sign and English or International Sign and another national signed language. Emphasizing cultural sensitivity, ethical practice, and adherence to international accreditation standards, the program equips interpreters with the skills to collaborate effectively in diverse settings. Participants will learn to navigate complex linguistic and cultural challenges and engage in reflective practice to continuously enhance their skills. After completing this program, participants will be able to:

1. Attain proficiency in International Sign Interpreting:  (Click here for International Sign)
   Develop the necessary skills to proficiently interpret between International Sign and English, or between International Sign and a national signed language, ensuring accurate and effective communication across languages.
2. Prepare for accreditation:   (Click here for International Sign)
   Meet the interpretation accreditation standards set by the World Federation of the Deaf and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters, demonstrating competency in International Sign interpreting.
3. Enhance cultural competence:   (Click here for International Sign)
   Heighten cultural awareness and sensitivity to enhance interpretation between diverse cultures.
4. Uphold ethical practice:   (Click here for International Sign)
   Maintain ethical standards and adhere to professional guidelines in interpreting practice, ensuring integrity, confidentiality, and respect for all parties involved.
5. Foster collaborative learning:   (Click here for International Sign)
   Engage actively in collaborative activities with peers and mentors to create a supportive learning environment conducive to skill development in International Sign interpreting, fostering continuous growth and improvement.
6. Apply learning in practical scenarios:   (Click here for International Sign)
   Apply acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings through simulated international interpreting scenarios and observational opportunities, with the goal of gaining practical experience and refining interpretation techniques in International Sign contexts.

The following criteria will be used to select applicants to participate in the CISI program:

Essential

1. Fluency in a national sign language
2. Fluency in English (spoken and/or written)
3. National sign language interpreting certification or recognized equivalent (for the latter, two (2) letters, one each from the interpreting and Deaf community in the applicant’s country)
4. Five (5) years of experience in interpreting at national level/abroad in the national sign language of the country where the applicant resides/is traveling
5. Proficiency in International Sign

Desirable

1. Proficiency in another national sign language/s
2. Proficiency in another spoken/written language/s

The full cost for the Certificate in International Sign Interpreting Program is $1,600 (USD).

The full cost for Interpreters from the Global South is $1,200 (USD). Here is a list of countries eligible for this discount.

If accepted into the program, you may pay your tuition online by credit card.

You may pay in full or pay in two installments (January & July).

More information will be provided to accepted applicants.

Module 1: Introduction to the CISI Program  (Click here for International Sign)

Participants will begin with an overview of objectives and global significance of the "Introduction to CISI Program." They will then access detailed course information and engage in interactive learning through the "Syllabus" and "myCourses" modules.

Module 2: Foundations of International Sign  (Click here for International Sign)

Participants will delve into the essentials of International Sign, exploring topics such as the landscape of International Sign and multilingual interpreting, along with the personal attributes vital for International Sign interpreters.

Module 3: Understanding the International Organizational Landscape  (Click here for International Sign)

This module will involve identifying and contrasting deaf and interpreting-related organizations, alongside relevant international institutions including UN agencies.

Summer Module (Option / at student's own cost):  (Click here for International Sign)

During the summer break, participants in the program have the option, at their own expense, to observe International Sign Interpreting in action. This unique opportunity, spanning 3-5 days, may occur at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA or the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland.

Module 4: Advanced Interpreting Strategies  (Click here for International Sign)

Participants will study a range of advanced techniques. This includes developing critical reflective practice, mastering effective teamwork techniques, navigating sensitive topics, adapting to different linguistic registers, employing unilateral and bilateral interpreting techniques, exploring co-interpreting strategies across different team compositions, and interpreting from a teleprompter/captions.

Module 5: Diverse Interpretation Settings  (Click here for International Sign)

Participants will explore various interpretation settings, spanning government and political settings, international organizations and NGOs, diplomatic events and conferences, media and broadcasting, academic conferences, as well as crisis and emergency situations.

Module 6: Interpreting Considerations in International Settings  (Click here for International Sign)

This module encompasses ethical challenges in multilingual settings, cross-cultural communication in interpretation, negotiating linguistic and cultural differences, as well as practical and logistical considerations.

Curriculum Development Team  (Click here for International Sign)

The members of the Curriculum Development Team are Dr. Debra Russell, Mr. Nigel Howard, Ms. Rebecca Ladd, and Mr. Colin Allen. The curriculum will be reviewed by the CISI Advisory Group prior to the launch of the CISI Program.

Please use the online application form to apply for acceptance into the RIT/NTID Certificate in International Sign Interpreting (CISI) program.

Deadline for application is November 30.

Following the closing of the application period, a panel review will be conducted, with notifications of acceptance expected to be sent out by December 30.

Applications for the 2026 cohort will be accepted starting September 2025. The deadline for the 2026 cohort applications will be 30 November 2025.

Colin Allen, AM
cjadls@rit.edu

Colin Allen, originally from Sydney, Australia, has dedicated over 40 years to championing the rights of deaf individuals and those with disabilities. He served as President of the World Federation of the Deaf from 2011 to 2019 and as Chair of the International Disability Alliance. Colin collaborated with the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters to establish the accreditation system for International Sign Interpreters, implemented in 2015. He has also contributed to interpreting training programs in Australia, Albania, Cambodia, Kosovo, and Serbia.

Currently, he is a Director for International Organizational Leadership and Management Training Projects at the NTID Center for International Educational Outreach. Additionally, he serves as the Program Coordinator for the Certificate in International Sign Interpreting Program and as the Program Coordinator for the RIT Global Study Abroad Program: European Deaf Culture. In his previous role, he served as a lecturer and program coordinator for the NTID Department of Liberal Studies, focusing on Community Development and Inclusive Leadership (LEAD).

Please direct questions to cisi@rit.edu.