Interpreters and translators may enroll to bill the Illinois Early Intervention system through Provider Connections upon completion of the training requirement AND passing the oral and/or written proficiency exam(s) using Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) approved testing procedures. For more information about becoming an Interpreter or Translator in Illinois Early Intervention, please view our Becoming an Illinois EI Interpreter/Translator Flyer (pdf). Please note that the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) DOES NOT accept applications and DOES NOT employ interpreters/translators.
Training Requirement
Interpreters/translators must complete the training, "3-Day Systems Overview for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators in the Illinois Early Intervention System".
- The training is free.
- Attendance and active participation are required for all 3 days to earn a certificate of completion.
- This training is the basic requirement to be an Interpreter and/or Translator in the Illinois EI system ONLY and is NOT A CERTIFICATION!
- Training certificates are valid for up to 3 years after completing the training.
- You have 3 years to enroll in the Illinois EI system (through Provider Connections) before having to repeat the training and testing requirements.
To register for the training, please visit the EITP Training Events page and search for "3-Day Systems Overview for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators in the Illinois Early Intervention System" to see available upcoming trainings.
Proficiency Testing
Interperters/translators must complete "Bilingual Interpreter/Translator Proficiency Testing" through EITP.
- Oral proficiency testing is $85 per person, per language. Written proficiency testing is $85 per person, per language. For providers seeking to take both, the total cost will be $170 dollars. Payment is required at registration for the exam.
- Prerequisite: You must receive a certificate of completion from the "3-Day Systems Overview for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators in the Illinois Early Intervention System" training to be eligible to sign up for testing.
To register for exams, please visit the EITP Training Events page and search for "Bilingual Interpreter/Translator Proficiency Testing" for dates and locations.
Enrollment in Illinois EI System
After completing the training requirement and proficiency exam(s), you can enroll in the Illinois EI system through Provider Connections.
Once enrolled in the system, the following applies:
- Your enrollment is valid as long as you are actively working within the IL EI system.
- If you have no billing activity for 12 consecutive months, you will become "inactive" within the IL EI system.
You can verify enrollment and active/inactive status at Provider Connections Interpreter Search. Select "Languages" from the top drop-down menu to view interpreters. Then, search by language and/or county.
Questions?
For more information, please visit our Interpreter/Tanslators Resources page or Interpreter/Translator Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also contact EITP with any questions!
