Grant-funded training and exam support for Maryland sign language interpreters.
Advance your career with the Community College of Baltimore County.
As Maryland's ASL interpreter profession continues to evolve, CCBC is helping interpreters take the next steps through its Interpreter Advancement Initiative. This innovative program provides grant-funded training, mentoring and certification support to help working interpreters earn nationally recognized credentials and meet Maryland's new licensure requirements.
“The Sign Language Interpreter Advancement Initiative came at an important point in my career. The financial support...allowed me to continue investing in my professional development.
CCBC’s Sign Language Interpreters’ Professional Advancement Initiative helps working interpreters strengthen their skills and prepare for CASLI and EIPA credential exams. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, eligible participants will receive a voucher covering the cost of their approved certification exam.
This project is funded by the State of Maryland's EARN Maryland Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor.
The Maryland Sign Language Interpreters Act is a new state law that establishes a mandatory licensing and regulatory system for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters that states interpreters must hold a state license in Maryland. Overseen by the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters, the law sets minimum qualifications, continuing education standards, and ethical rules to protect the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. CCBC is helping Maryland interpreters fulfill this requirement and ensure proper certification standards are met for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Grant funding covers the CCBC preparation course. It will also cover the corresponding CASLI or EIPA exam fee after the participant successfully completes the course, all required assignments and mock exams, and the established minimum score requirements. Funding is subject to grant rules and availability.
Applicants must be current working interpreters and must meet at least one of these Maryland connections: they live in Maryland, work in Maryland, or work for a Maryland-based interpreting agency. Previous participants may apply again.
The initiative offers four exam-preparation training options, each with a mock exam at the end:
Each training is a four-week, fully online asynchronous course. There are no required weekly meeting times, but participants must complete weekly assignments and benchmarks by the established deadlines.
Participants commit to taking their exam(s) within 60 days of finishing training, and will report exam results to CCBC.
Enrollment is based on course availability and grant funding. Depending on the number of applicants and the selected training, eligible participants may experience a waiting period before being enrolled.
Ready to advance your interpreting career? Fill out our form to request information. After submitting the form, you will receive next steps and information via email. If you are not already a CCBC student, you will also be prompted to apply to CCBC and create a student account.
Once these steps are completed, we will work with you to determine eligibility, identify the training option that best fits your needs, and register you for an upcoming training. Please keep an eye on your email for important information and next steps from CCBC.
interpreters participated in 2024-26
Through the EARN Grant, these interpreters who live and work in Maryland received training and testing opportunities.
credentials earned
As of the end of this grant cycle, 114 industry-recognized credentials have been earned by this cohort.
Average hourly rate after completing training
Participants reported an average wage of $53.34 per hour following training and testing.
Supported by the Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) grant, CCBC is able to offer financial assistance for certification testing, helping interpreters prepare for certification exams and Maryland's new licensure requirements.
With assistance from community partners and agencies, CCBC is helping with job placement and additional resources for interpreters looking to advance.
Our strategic industry partners are committed to interpreter professional development. They help CCBC expand access to training, reduce financial barriers to credentialing, and strengthen Maryland’s interpreting workforce.
We are grateful for their continued partnership as we begin the second grant cycle of this important initiative.