The Ohio Supreme Court has announced new amendments to the Rules of Superintendence today to require American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and foreign language interpreters to undergo legal training. Although the foreign language requirements were programmatic prerequisites, they were codified to provide clarity and transparency for the benefit of candidates and courts. The amendments are effective Jan. 1, 2021.

The new amendments require foreign language interpreters to:

• Attend orientation training before the written exam
• Pass a written examination with a score of 80 percent or higher
• Attend three Ohio Supreme Court courses including ethics, modes of interpretation, and legal terminology
• Complete an oral proficiency assessment and score at the top level
• Sign an oath to comply with the Code of Ethics for Interpreters

The new amendments require ASL interpreters to:

• Attend orientation training before the written exam
• Pass a written examination with a score of 80 percent or higher
• Attend Ohio Supreme Court courses, including ethics, legal terminology modes, or other specialized legal training
• Hold a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Generalist Certification, which is set forth in Sup.R. 82.01(B)(4)
• Sign an oath to comply with the Code of Ethics for Interpreters

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