As communication access becomes a critical component of equity and inclusion, the demand for professional sign language interpreters continues to grow. The Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Certification plays a vital role in ensuring that interpreters are qualified to serve individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind.
The BEI Certification is recognized in many U.S. states as a standard for evaluating and certifying sign language interpreters. Whether you’re entering the interpreting profession or advancing your qualifications, BEI Certification can unlock job opportunities in education, healthcare, legal systems, and public service. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about BEI Certification, including how to become certified, job descriptions, salaries, and exam costs.
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Key Takeaways
BEI Certification assesses proficiency in sign language interpreting for professional and public service contexts.
It is required or preferred for interpreters in many educational and government institutions across the U.S.
The certification includes multiple levels and specialized endorsements.
BEI-certified interpreters can earn competitive salaries depending on their certification level and work environment.
The exam process includes both written and performance components, with fees varying by state and exam type.
| What is the BEI exam? | The BEI exam is a test for those wishing to become certified interpreters for the deaf in the United States. Volume: 165000.0 |
| What skills are tested on the BEI exam? | The exam evaluates your skills in interpreting, language proficiency, and cultural awareness for the deaf community. Volume: 90500.0 |
| Who should take the BEI exam? | The BEI exam is designed for individuals seeking to become certified interpreters for the deaf in the U.S., especially those working in educational and legal settings. Volume: 27100.0 |
| What is the benefit of becoming a BEI certified interpreter? | Becoming BEI certified opens doors for professional opportunities in the field of sign language interpretation, enhancing credibility and job prospects. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How many questions are on the BEI exam? | The BEI exam contains multiple sections assessing different interpreting skills, with a total of 120 multiple-choice and practical questions. Volume: 27100.0 |
| What is the passing score for the BEI exam? | The passing score for the BEI exam is 70% or higher across all sections. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How long does the BEI exam take? | The BEI exam typically lasts between 3-4 hours, depending on the candidate's performance and section completion. Volume: 27100.0 |
| Can I use study materials for the BEI exam? | Yes, there are several resources available, including online courses, books, and workshops tailored to help prepare candidates for the BEI exam. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How do I register for the BEI exam? | You can register for the BEI exam through the official BEI website by creating an account and selecting your preferred test date and location. Volume: 27100.0 |
| What are the eligibility requirements for the BEI exam? | Eligibility requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, and a background in American Sign Language (ASL) or interpreting. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How much does the BEI exam cost? | The BEI exam typically costs between $200 and $300, depending on the testing location and exam version. Volume: 27100.0 |
| Can I take the BEI exam online? | No, the BEI exam is a proctored exam and must be taken at an authorized testing center. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How is the BEI exam scored? | The BEI exam is scored on a scale of 0-100, with 70% required to pass. Scores are based on both multiple-choice and practical performance. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How long does it take to get BEI exam results? | BEI exam results are typically available within 2-4 weeks after the exam. Volume: 27100.0 |
| What happens if I fail the BEI exam? | If you fail, you can retake the exam after a waiting period of 45 days. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How long is the BEI certification valid for? | The BEI certification is valid for 5 years, after which recertification is required. Volume: 27100.0 |
| How can I prepare for the BEI exam? | Review study guides, attend workshops, and practice your interpreting skills in real-world scenarios. Volume: 27100.0 |
| Are there official BEI exam preparation courses? | Yes, there are official and third-party preparation courses available to help you prepare for the BEI exam. Volume: 27100.0 |
| Can I take practice exams for the BEI exam? | Yes, there are practice exams and sample questions available online to help familiarize yourself with the test format. Volume: 27100.0 |
| Does the BEI exam require a fee for retakes? | Yes, there is a retake fee for each attempt, and you must wait 45 days between retakes. Volume: 27100.0 |
What Is the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)?
The Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) is a program designed to evaluate and certify sign language interpreters. Originally developed in Texas, the BEI Certification system has since expanded to be used in other states, offering a standardized and comprehensive evaluation of interpreting competencies.
BEI’s mission is to ensure interpreters meet established proficiency standards to provide equitable communication access. The certification is offered at different levels:
Basic – Demonstrates foundational interpreting skills.
Advanced – Recognizes a higher level of interpreting fluency and accuracy.
Master – Indicates expert-level interpreting competency.
Trilingual – Validates ability to interpret between English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL).
Court Certification – Specialized for interpreting in legal and judicial settings.
These credentials help maintain consistency, quality, and ethical standards in the interpreting profession across various environments.
How to Become BEI Certified
Becoming BEI-certified involves a multi-step process that evaluates both knowledge and interpreting skill. Below are the key steps to certification:
Meet Eligibility Requirements: Candidates typically must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. Many also have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in interpretation or a related field.
Complete Required Training: Though not mandated in every state, interpreter training programs at community colleges or universities provide essential preparation for BEI exams.
Pass the BEI Test of English Proficiency (TEP): This written exam evaluates grammar, reading comprehension, and language structure in English. Passing it is a prerequisite for performance testing.
Schedule and Complete the Performance Test: Candidates demonstrate their interpreting skills across different scenarios such as medical, educational, or legal settings.
Maintain and Renew Certification: BEI-certified interpreters must complete continuing education and renew their credentials every 3–5 years, depending on the state’s requirements.
Job Description for BEI-Certified Interpreters
Professionals who hold BEI Certification work in diverse fields where interpretation services are essential. The certification allows interpreters to deliver services that ensure accessible communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Common job roles include:
Educational Interpreter: Provides interpreting services for deaf or hard of hearing students in K–12 or postsecondary settings.
Medical Interpreter: Facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers in hospitals, clinics, or emergency settings.
Legal or Court Interpreter: Interprets during court proceedings, depositions, or police interviews.
Community Interpreter: Assists in various community-based interactions such as job training, public meetings, or social services.
Video Relay Service (VRS) Interpreter: Works for companies providing remote interpreting via video technology.
These roles require a high level of professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to different linguistic and situational demands.
Salary for BEI-Certified Interpreters
Salary ranges for BEI-certified interpreters vary based on geographic region, experience, certification level, and employment setting. On average, certified interpreters enjoy strong earning potential and career stability.
Here are estimated salary ranges:
Educational Interpreters: $35,000 – $60,000 annually
Healthcare Interpreters: $45,000 – $80,000 annually
Court Interpreters: $50,000 – $90,000 annually
Freelance/Contract Interpreters: $30 – $75 per hour
VRS Interpreters: $40,000 – $75,000 annually
Holding an advanced or master-level BEI credential often leads to higher-paying opportunities, especially in legal or specialized environments.
Exam Cost for BEI Certification
The cost of becoming BEI certified includes multiple components. While fees can vary slightly depending on state regulations, the following is a general breakdown:
Test of English Proficiency (TEP): Approximately $95
Performance Test (Basic, Advanced, or Master): Ranges from $175 to $275
Specialty Exams (Court or Trilingual): May cost $250 – $300
Renewal & Continuing Education Fees: $100 – $200 every few years
It’s also important to account for costs related to training programs or preparation courses, which may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the institution.
Conclusion
The Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Certification serves as a crucial benchmark for sign language interpreters aiming to provide high-quality, ethical, and accessible communication services. With clear pathways for advancement, diverse employment opportunities, and growing societal demand, BEI Certification is an excellent investment in a meaningful and impactful career.
As public awareness of accessibility rights expands, so too will the need for qualified interpreters. Earning your BEI credential not only opens professional doors but also empowers you to be a bridge in critical communication contexts.
BEI Questions and Answers
Preparing for the BEI exam involves reviewing study materials, attending workshops, and practicing real-world interpreting scenarios.
The preparation period varies, but most candidates spend 2 to 4 months preparing for the BEI exam depending on their experience and study materials used.
No, the BEI exam must be taken in person at an authorized testing center. Online testing is not available.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the BEI exam. However, there is a 45-day waiting period between attempts.
If you fail the BEI exam, you will receive a detailed score report that highlights the areas for improvement. You can then retake the exam after the waiting period.
Yes, you can use various study guides, including Bluebeam's official materials, third-party study guides, and practice exams to prepare for the BEI exam.
You can register for the BEI exam on the official BEI website by creating an account, selecting your preferred test date and location.
Yes, BEI offers official preparation courses and workshops designed to help candidates succeed on the exam.
The BEI exam consists of multiple-choice questions and performance tasks that assess your interpreting skills in various real-life scenarios.
Your BEI certification is valid for 5 years. After that, you must recertify by completing continuing education and retaking the exam.