A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems. We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

IMPORTANT: There are no testing slots available for the BEI TEP Written Tests and BEI Performance Tests for the rest of the year. Applications for both tests are not accepted at this time. Please come back when the new testing schedule is open for accepting applications for the 2025 year.

Sign Language Interpreters

Interpreter Directory

Under the Interpreter for the Deaf Act of 2007, interpreters are required to have a license to provide interpreting services after January 1, 2009, unless an exemption applies. Interpreter licenses are based on proficiency levels. The proficiency levels determine which interpreting assignments an interpreter can accept.

Illinois BEI Interpreter Testing

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission administers the BEI Certification Testing. The purpose of the IL BEI interpreter testing and certification process is to provide certification options to Illinois interpreters. The certification tests are both proficiency-based and criterion-referenced evaluations.

For testing application and information, click on BEI Certification & Testing.

Professional Interpreter Development Opportunities

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission offer professional interpreter development opportunities. For the past three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission sponsored a wide range of virtual professional interpreter development opportunities. The Commission plans to offer the professional opportunities again in Summer 2023. If you are interested, please sign up to receive news and updates from IDHHC Communications.

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Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act

Interpreter Licensure Board & Meeting Information

BEI Certification & Testing

Interpreter Complaints

Interpreting in the K-12 Setting

Interpreter Training Programs

If you have questions regarding the Interpreters for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 or its rules, please contact
dhh.interpreter@illinois.gov.

OFFICE

Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission
528 South Fifth Street, Suite 209
Springfield, Illinois 62701
Office Hours M-F: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Contact Us

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