Educational interpreters must be certified to work in Michigan public schools. The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) can be used as a qualification to help become certified. Learn more about EIPA requirements for certification.
The four-part assessment uses videos of actual classroom settings and interviews with child signers to test a variety of signed language systems and modalities.
Test Dates and Registration
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Grand Rapids conducts the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment. Registration is only open to educational interpreters working in Michigan.
To register, visit the Classroom Interpreting page and click "Find an Assessment." In the filter drop-down menu, choose "Michigan" to view available test dates.
Preparing for the EIPA
There are several ways to effectively prepare for the EIPA, including attending workshops and working with a mentor.
Workshops and Conferences
Events are offered throughout the year to support interpreters and help them prepare for the EIPA. Some events also offer CEUs. Visit the following websites for potential opportunities:
- Boys Town EIPA Workshops
- MDE-LIO Deaf/Hard of Hearing Events
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
- Michigan Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MIRID)
- MDE-LIO DHH Events
Work With a Mentor
Consider finding a mentor to work with, either through your workplace or through networking contacts. A mentor could be a fellow interpreter or someone who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing who can provide feedback. Video recording can be useful during this process, especially if you are in a remote area.
If you have already taken the EIPA and did not earn a 4.0, review your EIPA Evaluation Report, which identifies specific areas for professional development, and work on these areas with your mentor.
Getting Your Results
Each interpreter’s performance on the EIPA is assessed and processed by a panel of trained evaluators at Boys Town National Research Hospital. Boys Town cannot promise or guarantee when results will be ready, and results cannot be expedited. For more information, email [email protected] or call 531-355-5042.
Interpreter Certification Questions
For questions or issues regarding overall requirements for certification, endorsements, or CEUs, contact the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) at [email protected] or call 517-335-1980.
Each interpreter’s performance on the EIPA is assessed and processed by a panel of trained evaluators at Boys Town National Research Hospital.