Educational Interpreters (K-12 Setting)

The Illinois State Board for Education (ISBE) regulates educational sign language interpreters providing services to children in a K-12 setting. The Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) maintains a registry of licensed educators and individuals including educational sign language interpreters. Visit Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) https://www.isbe.net/elis:

1. Select Perform a search of public license information. An inquiry page will open in a new tab.           
2. Enter the individual’s First and Last name select Search Educators.
3. If the individual in question has an Illinois license or approval, it will be indicated in the result.

For questions in regard to educational interpreting in a K-12 setting, please contact 217-782-5589.

Individuals who serve as educational sign language interpreters in preK-12 public school settings in Illinois are required to have an ISBE approval pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Section 25.550. Individuals who have a license issued by the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) but do NOT have an ISBE approval are not appropriately credentialed to interpret in public school settings.

See the Educational Interpreter Frequently Asked Questions on the bottom and the Illinois Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 for more information.

See ISBE Approval Requirements. Please direct questions about gaining an ISBE approval to the appropriate Regional Office of Education.

ISBE may become involved with a specific situation if a state complaint or complaint of educator misconduct is filed. Questions regarding the state complaints process, other dispute resolution options, or special education matters can be directed to isbespeced@isbe.net. Questions regarding the educator misconduct process can be directed to the ISBE Legal Department at 217-782-8535.

• ISBE Educational Interpreter Approval: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Section 25.550: Approval of Educational Interpreters
• Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) - Interpreters wanting to apply for ISBE Educational Interpreter Approval must apply using the ELIS system. 

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission does not administer the EIPA Test

EIPA Test Options & Registration

• 1) Visit EIPA Classroom Interpreting
  2) Click on Assessments
  3) Scroll down to Find an Assessment
  4) Select Illinois from the drop down states listing
  5) Testing slots will be shown if it is available to register or to join waiting list.
  
• Carrie Speakman, Local Test Administrator
  Contact Information: cspeakman@column.edu
  
• If there are no tests available, candidates are advised to contact a Local Test Administrator.
  
• If schools (Illinois Interpreter Training Programs or K-12 Settings) in need of educational interpreters that are interested in hosting a testing site (either one time or on an ongoing basis), please contact a Local Test Administrator.