Training Qualified Interpreters for IEP Meetings
Program Information General Law Policies Language Proficiency Testing Demonstration of Language Proficiency SPED Module Exemption Training Modules

Demonstration of Language Proficiency

Please email the proper documentation to tqii@education.illinois.edu once you have registered for the program. You may not begin the program before documentation has been submitted and verified. 

1) A qualified interpreter must:

B) Demonstrate that they are competent to interpret into and out of the second language. An interpreter may demonstrate this competence by either:

i) Submitting documentation showing that they are certified or qualified through an interpreter certification program, such as the Illinois state courts' certification program, the federal courts' certification program, the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters, or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Alternatively, an interpreter may submit documentation showing that the interpreter has completed a certification or qualification program that meets or exceeds the minimum standards set forth in subsection (k) (1)(ii); or

ii) Completing a certification program that includes:

  • A written and oral proficiency test and fluency in both English and the second language, except that individuals who have a Professional Educator License with a Bilingual Endorsement are exempt from this requirement for the endorsed language;
  • At least nine hours of training on interpreting in and out of English, interpretation standards of practice, sight translation, ethics, confidentiality, the role of the interpreter and role boundaries, respect, impartiality, professionalism, fundamentals of the effects of cultural differences on effective interpretation, and advocacy for communication. This training must include videos demonstrating proper and improper interpretation techniques; and
  • A successful demonstration of knowledge of interpretation standards and techniques, and a successful completion of an oral examination to demonstrate proficiency to interpret in and out of English and consecutive or simultaneous interpreting.

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. ​​

Training Qualified Interpreters for IEP Meetings
Email: tqii@education.illinois.edu