Academic Coursework

Definition of Academic Coursework

CEUs may only be awarded for Academic Coursework taken from an accredited institution during the participant’s current cycle. This accreditation must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the U.S. or the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education in the European Union. Any other institution must be reviewed by the Professional Development Committee. 

Successful completion is defined as receiving at minimum a letter grade of “C” (2.0) or pass for pass/fail courses.

If the participant is auditing the course or taking it through the continuing education office of the institution, they should contact a Sponsor to complete a PINRA. (RID Standards and Criteria, p.15)

ITP/IEP Courses

Certified RID members might want to take courses that are part of undergraduate interpreter training/education programs and earn academic coursework CEUs. In these situations, a clear justification from the RID member shall be required. The RID member should explain how taking the courses - typically designed for students prior to certification - will benefit their work as a certified interpreter. While some certified RID members did not attend ITPs/IEPs, a justification shall be required regardless of whether or not the RID member attended an ITP/IEP.  (RID Standards and Criteria, p.27)

CEU Calculations

Academic credit is converted on the basis of 1-quarter credit hour equaling 10 contact hours (1 CEU) and 1 semester credit hour equaling 15 contact hours (1.5 CEUs). (RID Standards and Criteria, p.27)

Academic coursework requests may be submitted after the completion of the course. However,  the activity request must be approved and submitted before the end of the CEU cycle in which the coursework was taken.