The first step to becoming a qualified interpreter in Illinois is to demonstrate language proficiency in both English and a language other than English. The following exams are approved to demonstrate this proficiency. Both written and oral proficiency must be demonstrated for qualified interpreter candidates as part of their certification program. Applicants wishing to demonstrate proficiency in this manner must have official score reports showing the appropriate score for both English and the target language sent to the University of Illinois Qualified Interpreter program after registering for the program.
Please note: Qualified interpreter candidates will take an additional exam at the conclusion of the training focused on their ability to interpret into and out of English and the target language. Passing the initial language proficiency exam is not sufficient to receive the qualified interpreter certification on its own.