There is a strong need for qualified interpreters with credentials as we are currently experiencing a period in the interpreting field where supply is not keeping up with demand. The greatest demand for interpreters is in medium-to-large cities. The more mobile you are, the more likely you are to find an interpreting job.

Interpreters typically fall in one of three categories

Agency interpreter, meaning that you are employed by an agency that provides you job assignments.
Free-lance interpreter, meaning that you are responsible for finding and maintaining your own client base.

Contracted interpreter, meaning that you take on aspects of both the agency interpreter and the freelance interpreter. You provide services to an interpreter services agency or to other agencies in accordance with the terms and conditions of a particular contract or contracts. You are not an employee of the interpreter services agency or any other agencies for which they provide services. [1]

Interpreters in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has statutory requirements for legal, and educational interpreting. Otherwise, we do not have licensure or certification requirements.

Legal interpreters have to have one of the following:
*Certified by the State Board of Examiners of Certified Courtroom Interpreters
*Requires a national certification, a 2 day orientation, and the National Center for State Courts Written Exam
*Hold an SC:L
*CI/CT, CSC or NAD V

Educational Interpreters also have statutory requirements. An educational must have one of the following, and register with the State Department of Education:
*Bachelors degree
*Competed an Interpreter Training Program
*3 years experience experience working in Deaf Education
AND must also have:
*National Certification
*QAST level III (3) or higher
*EIPA 3.5 or higher
*ESSE 3.5 or higher
If an interpreter has a QAST I or II, and one of the education/experience requirements, they may work in public schools for up to 3 years to receive one of the qualified levels.

Reference:
1. About Interpreting Education Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.rid.org/about-rid/about-interpreting/become-an-interpreter/