IPP Program Application

If you are interested in the Interpreter Preparation Program contact the ASL office at 602.285.7190 or Advising at 602.285.7777.

First, it is important to define the application process.

If you are interested in taking classes at Phoenix College, no application is necessary. You simply need to register for classes, either on-line or in person, which is unlike 4-year institutions. This is because we are a community college, therefore it is NOT necessary to apply and receive acceptance in order to begin taking our American Sign Language (course prefix SLG) classes.

This application process is only for Phoenix College SLG students who have completed the pre-requisite Sign Language Communication Pre-Employment Certificate (major CCL 5333) or the Sign Language Communication Deaf Studies Certificate (CL 5333) and are interested in entering the Interpreter Preparation Program. Pick up an application from the ASL-IPP Office.

How to Apply to the IPP

Do you meet the pre-requisites? Apply to receive your CCL5333 by the Spring semester deadline (usually in early March) in Admissions and Records (AR building).

You must apply for the Certificate of Completion in Sign Language Communication Pre-Employment or Deaf Studies (CCL5333), or you are NOT eligible to apply to the IPP level coursework.

IPP applications are available starting February 1st and are due the Friday before spring break.

Important Things to Remember When Applying

Follow the instructions on the application!
Make sure your writing is legible (e.g. address, phone number, email, etc.)
Apply for day OR evening program OR "either" if you can do either program.
The Day Program is one year.
The Evening Program is two years.**NOTE** the Final semester of the evening program includes internships students MUST have some day time available.
- If you mark “either” OR fail to make a selection, you will be committed to the sections we place you in. (Remember this applies to both fall and spring semesters.)
Check with your Advisor to make sure you have all of the prerequisite courses and grade requirements

How to Build Your Skills Prior to Applying

Take classes that are not required, for example, depending on your catalog year, the following may not be requirements:
- SLG203 – ASL 5
- SLG204 – Comparative Linguistics: ASL/English
- IPP208 - Advanced American Sign Language Discourse
- CWE – Career Work Experience (there is NO LIMIT to the number of times you can take this class) COMM_ED100 - 97003
Register for NC 500 section 9001 – ASL Lab (take advantage of this state-of-the-art facility) the lab technician is Deaf and can assist you with any language or cultural questions.
Hire a mentor
Sign up for tutoring in the PC Learning Center
Get involved with the Deaf community:
- Attend Deaf events
- to get information regarding deaf events join groups.yahoo.com/group/CAzAD/
- ACDHH email list
- Find Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Program on Facebook
- Volunteer on committees or help coordinate Deaf events
Observe Interpreters
- By attending live situations
- By watching videotapes
Do continuing education (CE) outside of the classroom
- Attend workshops (local, regional, national)
- Signs of Development CD-ROM Workshops
- Take advantage of Loan Libraries (videotapes & books):
  - Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH)
  - Phoenix Public Library

What to Do If Your Application Was Not Accepted

Take SLG242 – Educational Interpreting
Classes such as IPP208 which may not be required for you.
Take other classes toward the AAS degree
Diagnostic assessments – Provides a detailed analysis of your interpreting skill. This assessment provides information that can be used to show strengths and skill development needs
- Signs of Development Performance Assessment for Career Enhancement (PACE)
Form a study group with other students.