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BEI Testing
The purpose of the Illinois BEI Interpreter Testing and Certification process is to provide certification options to Illinois interpreters.
You may apply to take either a BEI Written Test of English Proficiency (TEP) or a BEI Performance Test (Basic, Advanced, Master) by completing the online application below.
You MUST first pass the BEI Written Test of English Proficiency (TEP) before applying to take a BEI Performance test.
BEI Test Costs
| Certification Test | Applicable Fee |
|---|---|
| Test of English Proficiency (TEP) | $ 80.00 |
| Basic Performance Test | $ 250.00 |
| Advanced Performance Test | $ 275.00 |
| Master Performance Test | $ 300.00 |
| Out-of-State Applicant Fee (per application) | +$ 35.00 |
| Advance Notice Rescheduling Fee | +$ 20.00 |
BEI Test Process
| Step 1: APPLY | Click here to submit an online application. |
All applications require verifification. Please allow up to 10 business days. IDHHC staff will email payment instructions once verificaiton is complete. You may then move to Step 2. |
|
| Step 2: PAY | Follow payment instructions in email. |
Do not pay until instructed to do so. IDHHC staff will email booking instructions once payment is received. You may then move to Step 3. |
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| Step 3: BOOK-IT | Follow appointment booking instructions in email. |
Confirmation of your booked appointment will be emailed to you. Prepare by reading the IL BEI Manual. Show up for your booked appointment with ID. |
BEI Test Schedule
- All testing occurs at the IDHHC offices in Springfield, IL.
- Testing schedule runs January 1 - October 31 each year.
- November 1 - December 31 no tests are proctored (you may still apply and select testing dates in the next year).
- Available appointments within a 4-month (120 days) rolling period will be shown when booking.
BEI Test of English Proficiency (TEP)
Tuesdays (twice monthly) 2:00 PM.
BEI Performance Tests (Basic | Advanced | Master)
Wednesdays (weekly)
8:45 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:15 AM | 12:45 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:15 PM
BEI Test Accommodations
IDHHC is committed to providing equal access to interpreter certification applicants and candidates.
When requesting a reasonable accommodation, IDHHC requires documentation be from a certified diagnosing professional (that is a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist) and dated less than two years before form application submission date.
This documentation must:
- specify how your disability substantially limits your ability to take this examination under current testing standards;
- provide guidance about modifications recommended to enable you to test; and
- be submitted on the certified diagnosing professional’s letterhead.
Once a determination is made, IDHHC will notify the approval/denial status of your accommodation request via email.
Questions
All testing questions should be directed to DHH.Interpreter@Illinois.gov