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Sign Language Interpreter — CI/CT/NIC
Total cost: $150
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
No
RID Required
Yes
BEI Accepted
Required
State Exam
20 hrs
CE Hours
$150
Total Initial Fees
Interpreter Training Program & Degree
VerifiedDegree Required
Degree Required
Minimum Degree Level
High school diploma or equivalent required for BEI testing
ITP Program
Not required by state
Accreditation
N/A
Sign language interpreters typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with completion of an Interpreter Training Program (ITP). Programs include coursework in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, interpreting theory, ethics, and practicum experience. CCIE (Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education) accreditation indicates a program meets national standards for interpreter education.
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Certification Requirements
VerifiedRID Certification Not Required
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
RID Certifications
RID certification accepted; Illinois BEI certification also accepted
State Certification
Illinois BEI certification (Basic, Advanced, Master levels) administered by IDHHC
BEI Certification Accepted
Board for Evaluation of Interpreters
EIPA Accepted (Educational)
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment
The RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) offers the NIC (National Interpreter Certification) as the current national certification. Previously issued CI (Certificate of Interpretation) and CT (Certificate of Transliteration) are no longer offered but still recognized. BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters) testing is used in Texas and accepted in several other states. EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) is used for K-12 educational interpreter qualifications.
Examination Requirements
VerifiedNational Exam Not Required
RID NIC or Equivalent
Performance Exam
Illinois BEI performance exam at Basic, Advanced, or Master level
Knowledge Exam
Illinois BEI written knowledge exam
State Exam Required
State-Specific Exam
Sign language interpreter examinations typically include both a written knowledge component covering ASL linguistics, Deaf culture, interpreting ethics, and professional standards, and a performance component assessing ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL interpreting skills in various settings. The RID NIC exam is the most widely accepted national certification. Some states administer their own exams or accept BEI testing.
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Sign Language Interpreter Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study materials for the NIC interpreter certification exam.
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State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
Illinois Licensed Sign Language Interpreter (required under 2007 Licensure Act)
Additional Notes
Illinois Interpreters for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 requires licensure.
Approximately 30 states require licensure or registration for sign language interpreters. States that do not require licensure include Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Even in non-licensing states, RID certification may be required by employers, courts, or agencies under ADA.
Practice Scope & Services
Mostly verifiedCommunity Interpreting
Authorized
Legal Interpreting
Available
Medical Interpreting
Available
Educational Interpreting
K-12 interpreting available
VRI Services
Governed by ADA requirements
Sign language interpreters provide communication access services across multiple settings including community, legal, medical, and educational environments. Legal interpreting involves court proceedings, depositions, and law enforcement interactions. Medical interpreting covers healthcare appointments and informed consent. Educational interpreting serves K-12 students under IDEA. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) provides real-time ASL interpretation through technology platforms.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $150 |
License Fee | $150 (annual) |
Renewal Fee | $150.00 (timely, Nov 1 – Dec 31) |
Total Initial Fees Annual renewal fee; late renewal $210 ($150 + $60 late fee) | $150 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (expires December 31 annually); renewal window is November 1 – February 15
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
$150.00 (timely, Nov 1 – Dec 31)
Renewal Fee
CE Details
20 CE hours per year; not required for first renewal of initial license
Regulatory Board
Sign language interpreter licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing authority. RID requires 8.0 CEUs (80 hours) per 4-year certification cycle. State CE requirements typically range from 10-40 hours per renewal cycle and must include courses in interpreting skills development, ASL linguistics, Deaf culture, professional ethics, specialized interpreting, or related professional topics.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
Comity Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states that license sign language interpreters offer reciprocity or endorsement for licensed interpreters from other states. Requirements typically include verification of current RID NIC certification (or equivalent), meeting education requirements, completing a background check, and submitting a reciprocity application. Some states may require a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Illinois with other states →
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Illinois is one of few states with its own BEI certification system (separate from Texas BEI). The IDHHC serves as both the certification and licensing body. Proficiency levels determine which interpreting assignments an interpreter can accept.
Illinois Interpreters for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 requires licensure.
IDHHC administers both licensure and BEI certification.
BEI has three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master.
Annual license fee is $150; late renewal is $210.
20 CE hours required per year (waived for first renewal).
Licenses expire December 31 annually.
Annual renewal fee is $150 (timely); late renewal is $210 ($150 + $60 late fee)
Sign Language Interpreter requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Sign Language Interpreter License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Sign Language Interpreter Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Sign Language Interpreter license to Illinois →
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Illinois requires licensure for sign language interpreters. BEI certification is also accepted. All licensing is managed through the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.