Educational interpreters are interpreters who work with deaf and hard of hearing students and educational staff who are also deaf or hard of hearing in K-12 school settings. They facilitate communication between the deaf or hard of hearing student(s), the instructor, staff members, and hearing students. Educational interpreters are an accommodation, determined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) committee.

Training and certification requirements to become an educational interpreter for deaf and hard of hearing students vary by state. In Texas, educational interpreters must hold either a BEI or RID certification. However, the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Diagnostic Center offers a diagnostic tool for those wanting feedback on interpreting skills.

About EIPA

The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Diagnostic Center provides training and assessments for interpreters who want to interpret for deaf and hard of hearing students in the K-12 classroom setting. The EIPA assessment measures an interpreter’s ability to translate:

• classroom content
• student discourse
• classroom discourse

The center also provides resources and training to local, state, and federal agencies and administrators to support the inclusion of educational interpreters in school programming. 

The EIPA assessment is not a certification pathway. Some states may request an EIPA score for qualifications.  The EIPA assessment is not required for interpreters working in Texas schools. 

For more information on EIPA testing, guidelines of professional conduct and screening, refer to the EIPA page on Classroom Interpreting.