Deaf Interpreter Preparation
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Deaf Interpreter Preparation is designed to emphasize skills in American Sign Language (ASL), English, Deaf culture, intercultural communication, and professional behavior for interpreters who are Deaf. Additionally, theoretical and practical training in interpreting prepares students to meet Arizona* licensure requirements and/or sit for the following exams: the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI), and the written portion of the National Interpreter Certification (NIC Knowledge exam) of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), the other two portions of which can be completed upon attainment of a bachelors degree. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is also available.
*May apply to other states' requirements.
This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).
Details
Field of Interest
Culture and Society
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Deaf Interpreter Preparation (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5400
Total credits required
32-44
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Effective Term
Fall 2026
Admission criteria
Students must have a high school diploma, or GED, or equivalent.
Acceptance into the program requires demonstration of fluency in both English and American Sign Language.
Program Application fee (nonrefundable) supports actual cost for the Sign Language Proficiency Interview. A receipt from the Phoenix College Student Business Services Office is required.
The exit criteria of successful completion of capstone skills courses (IPP221, and IPP230AA) with a B or better will be required and documented for graduation.
Notes
Admission into the Interpreter Preparation Program is available to a limited number of applicants. Applicants are required to meet with the Deaf Studies program director for screening
Students must earn a grade of B or better in ASL203, ASL204, ASL212, IPP205, IPP207, IPP211, IPP215, IPP218, IPP220, IPP221, and IPP230AA to graduate. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all remaining courses within the program.
Students intending to transfer are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic and faculty advisor once they have selected their transfer institution to ensure all requirements for achieving junior standing are satisfied.
This program is specifically for individuals who are deaf and pursing career and workforce opportunities in the field of Interpreting. Certification and licensure are also available to those seeking this specialized type of interpretation.
What You'll Learn
- Apply the rich cultural and historical knowledge of the deaf community to the practice of interpreting.
- Demonstrate competency in both English and American Sign Language (ASL) essential to effective interpretation.
- Apply ethical decision making following professional standards, practices, regulations and laws.
- Practice interpersonal competencies that foster effective communication and productive collaboration with colleagues, consumers and employers.
- Apply world knowledge, interpreting theory, and language skills to create ASL to English and English to ASL interpretation for a variety of situations including authentic, supervised work experience.
- Employ self and peer assessment to improve the effectiveness of interpretation.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 32 | |
| ASL200 | Issues and Resources | 3 |
| ASL203 | American Sign Language V | 4 |
| ASL204 | Comparative Linguistics: English/ASL | 3 |
| ASL212 | Deaf Culture | 3 |
| IPP198 | Careers in Deaf Studies: Observation | 1 |
| IPP205 | Introduction to Interpreting | 3 |
| IPP207 | Ethics and Decision Making for ASL/English Interpreters | 2 |
| IPP211 | Preparation for Interpreting | 1 |
| IPP215 | ASL to English Consecutive Interpreting | 2 |
| IPP218 | English to ASL Consecutive Interpreting | 2 |
| IPP220 | Interactive Interpreting I | 3 |
| IPP221 | Interactive Interpreting II | 3 |
| IPP229 | Interpreter Preparation Internship Seminar | 1 |
| IPP230AA | Interpreter Preparation Program Internship | 1 |
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Read the official description