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About NTS

RID’s National Testing System (NTS) is a crucial element in our strategic objectives to provide our membership with the foundation and means to launch and sustain successful careers in the interpreting profession while at the same time elevating the level of service they provide.

The NTS strives to maintain adherence to nationally recognized testing industry standards of validity, reliability and equity. As a result, an independent psychometrician (test development expert) is retained by RID and oversees the test development and revision processes. RID maintains affiliation with the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), the entity that sets national criteria for validity, reliability and fairness in testing and credentialing.

Components of the NTS

Certification Department – This department of the national office processes all applications, ratings, test tapes and payments; manages test sites, LTAs and raters; works in collaboration with the Certification Council; and handles the overall testing process. Meet the certification department>>

NAD-RID Certification Council – This committee monitors the implementation and development of the NTS, reviews appeals that deal with certification, recommends policies and procedures, and oversees test development. Learn more about the Certification Council>>

Test Sites – Test sites facilities that partner with RID to administer tests are administered and are located around the country. Learn more about becoming a test site>>

Local Test Administrators (LTAs) – LTAs proctor tests at test sites. Being an LTA is a great way to give back to the profession. Learn more about becoming an LTA>>

Raters – Raters view and score the taped material from performance tests. Different types of raters score different parts of tests. Learn more about raters>>

History of the NTS

NTS has been an important part of RID since 1970, when RID began preliminary testing of sign language interpreters. Full implementation of the national certification system began in 1972.

The current RID National Testing System (NTS) involving two components to each test offered: a written test and a performance test, was implemented in 1987.

In 1992, RID and NAD began working on a joint testing instrument – the NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification (NIC), which is currently being administered.