Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreters

All Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Visual Language) shall be fully licensed pursuant to KRS 309.301

If you are interested in becoming a Freelance Visual Language Court Interpreter, you should begin the process by completing the Freelance Interpreter Information Packet.

To complete the packet, you must submit the following forms:

• Acceptance of the Kentucky Certification Policy (AOC-INT-3) (201KB-PDF). You must read and adhere to the guidelines of the Kentucky Certification Policy.  This form must be notarized.
• Criminal Background Check (AOC-INT-4) (968KB-PDF). You must pass a criminal background check through the CourtNet Disposition System.
• Information Form (AOC-INT-5) (108KB-PDF). You must annually provide a copy of your personal information, including hours willing to work.
• Acceptance of Interpreter Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility (AOC-INT-6) (88KB-PDF). You must read and adhere to the Interpreter Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
• Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form)(201KB-PDF). All employees must complete this form and provide a photocopy of the acceptable document(s) noted on page 3 of the I-9 Form.
• Additionally, the KCOJ offers an online directory of interpreters that is accessible by the public.  Inclusion in this directory is optional. If you wish to be included in this directory, you must sign the Release Form (AOC-INT-7) (155KB-PDF).

Additionally, if you are interested in becoming a Freelance Visual Language Court Interpreter, you must:

• Attend the Orientation Workshop.
• Meet the continuing education and court observation requirements as stated in the Certification Policy
• Be certified with National Association of the Deaf ("NAD") Levels IV or V, or Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf ("RID") levels Certificate of Interpretation ("CI"), Certificate of Transliteration ("CT"), Interpretation Certificate ("IC"), Transliteration Certificate ("TC"), Interpretation/Transliteration Certificate ("IC/TC"), Comprehensive Skills Certificate ("CSC"), Oral Interpreting Certificate("OIC"), or Technology, Education and Training Unit (cued speech) TSCA (Expert), or Specialist Certificate: Legal ("SC:L").

For more information on becoming an interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, review the Visual Language Certification Policy.

All forms must be mailed to:

Administative Office of the Courts
Pretrial Services Court Interpreting Program
100 Millcreek Park, Building 11
Frankfort, KY 40601