Missouri Interpreters Certification System

PURPOSE: This rule describes the Missouri Interpreters Certification System (MICS) examinations and the certifications issued by the MICS. (1) Any individual who practices interpreting in the state of Missouri as defined in sections 209.285 and 209.321, RSMo, must be certified by the Missouri Interpreters Certification System (MICS), except as allowed by statute. (2) The Board for Certification of Interpreters (BCI) may purchase or develop materials to be used as the most appropriate testing materials for certifying interpreters in the state of Missouri. The BCI may contract with other certifying agencies to proctor their certification tests and evaluations and is authorized to charge a fee for its proctoring services as established in 5 CSR 100-200.150, in addition to collecting and forwarding the fee charged by the other certifying entity. (3) The MICS has two (2) basic components: a written test of English proficiency and a performance test. A person is required to obtain a passing score on the written test taken before being allowed to take the performance test. (4) The performance test is the measurement tool used to analyze the performance skills and determine the applicant’s ability to facilitate communication between deaf or hard of hearing people and persons who are hearing. The MICS performance evaluation standards shall be based upon the testing materials used by Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI). (5) The types and levels of interpreter certification granted by the MICS are Basic, Advanced, Master, Restricted Certification in Education (K–6), Restricted Certification in Education (7–12), Provisional Certificate in Education, Provisional Certification (aka Learner’s Permit), and the Intern/Practicum Certification. (A) The Provisional Certificate in Education is issued for a term determined by statute. (B) The Intern/Practicum Certification is issued for a term specified pursuant to 5 CSR 100-200.085. (C) The Provisional Certification (aka Learner’s Permit) is issued for a term determined by section 209.309, RSMo. (D) All other certifications are permanent, subject to annual renewal. (6) To obtain a MICS Basic Certification, an applicant must meet the eligibility and application requirements of 20 CSR 100-200.050, pass the written test of English proficiency, and pass the Basic Performance Test. (7) To obtain a MICS Advanced Certification, an applicant must meet the eligibility and application requirements of 20 CSR 100200.050, pass the written test of English proficiency, and pass the Advanced Performance Test. (8) To obtain a MICS Master Certification, an applicant must meet the eligibility and application requirements of 20 CSR 100200.050, pass the written test of English proficiency, and pass the Master Performance Test. (9) All MICS certifications except for the Intern/Practicum Certification, the Provisional Certificate in Education, and the Provisional Certification (aka Learner’s Permit) are subject to renewal annually pursuant to 5 CSR 100-200.125, provided that the holder commits no violation of any provision of the Revised Statutes of Missouri or the Missouri Code of State Regulations pertaining to interpreter certification or licensure. (10) Transitional Provisions. (A) The following MICS certifications issued based on performance tests taken prior to September 30, 2014 have been converted to the certifications established in this rule: 1. Comprehensive to Master; 2. Advanced to Advanced; and 3. Intermediate to Basic. (B) The conversion of prior MICS certifications pursuant to 5 CSR 100-200.035(10)(A) to the new certification levels does not certify that the holder passed the written test of English proficiency or the corresponding level’s performance test. It does not entitle the holder to reciprocity with another BEI certifying entity. (C) All other certifications issued prior to the effective date of this rule shall remain in full force and with the same rights, restrictions, and limitations as existed previously. Any person, who takes the written test and the performance evaluation under 5 CSR 100200.030 prior to the effective date of the rule and earns a Comprehensive, Advanced, or Intermediate certification, shall be issued a Master, Advanced, or Basic, respectively, as set forth in subsection (A) of this section. AUTHORITY: sections 209.292 and 209.295, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Jan. 28, 2014, effective Sept. 30, 2014. Amended: Filed April 29, 2016, effective Nov. 30, 2016. Amended: Filed June 26, 2019, effective Dec. 30, 2019. *Original authority: 209.292, RSMo 1994, amended 2002 and 209.295, RSMo 1994.