The Illinois Early Intervention Training Program DOES NOT accept interpreter/translator applications and DOES NOT employ interpreters/translators. You will be enrolled in, but not an employee of the Illinois Early Intervention System. This is not a certification program. We do not accept certifications in lieu of the outlined requirements.
Training FAQs
How do I register for the training?
Registration is available through the EITP Training Events page of our website. The training event you are looking for: “3-Day System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators in IL Early Intervention”.
Interpreters/Translators will be required to complete the three consecutive day training in its entirety, in order to receive a certificate of completion. Click here for detailed instructions.
What can I expect out of the training "3-Day System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators in IL Early Intervention"?
The training provides a general knowledge base on the Illinois EI System as a whole. It includes an overview of what it means to be an Interpreter/Translator within Early Intervention. The role of an interpreter/translator, as well as the practice and ethics of being an EI Interpreter/Translator, are covered. The training also provides important instructions for billing and documentation. There is a fee of $60 for the 3-Day System Overview for Bilingual Interpreter/Translator in IL Early Intervention.
How long is my Training Certificate valid for?
Training certificates are valid up to 3 years after successful completion. You have 3 years to enroll in the IL EI System before having to repeat the complete enrollment process.
Testing/Exam FAQs
Do I need to take the required training for Interpreters/Translators before I take the proficiency exam?
Yes, it is important that each candidate meets the training requirements prior to completing the proficiency exam.
How do I register for the exam?
All exams are by appointment only on designated testing dates which are scheduled minimally every other month. Testing dates that have been opened for appointments are posted to the EITP Training Events page. Search for "Bilingual Interpreter/Translator Proficiency Testing" for dates and locations. Once you see the posting, please click on the link and it will provide you with the number to call to make your personal appointment. Appointments cannot be made until the testing date is posted on the website.
What is the cost of the exams?
The oral interpretation exam is $85 and the written translation exam is $85 which totals $170 for those planning to take both tests. There is a payment of $30 required to participate in the System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators in the IL Early Intervention System training.
What will the exam test or assess?
Proficiency testing will measure interpreter candidates' interpretation ability, or the ability to render a speaker's dictation from a source language into a target language, and vice versa. Candidates completing the oral exam will be graded on accuracy & completion, terminology, pronunciation/intelligibility, and grammar. With regards to written translation, candidates will be graded on areas such as spelling, grammar, and word usage (including accents, sentence structure, verb, tenses, etc.). Candidates must test at least a twelve-grade level of proficiency in both English and the target language for each exam.
How much time will I have for the exam?
2 hours is the maximum time allowed to complete the written exam. 30 minutes is the maximum time allowed for the oral exam.
What will the oral exam include?
The oral exam will be recorded and is broken down into three sections. There are two sections on sight translation, one section of sight translation from the family's native language into English and another section from English into the family's native language. The third section of the oral exam is an audio recording of a dialogue and the candidate will be required to interpret the dialogue. You MAY NOT use a dictionary for the oral portion of the exam. Note taking is NOT allowed for any part of this exam.
What can I expect from the written exam?
You will be allowed up to 2 hours to complete this exam. Once you begin the exam you may not leave the room until you are finished. If you leave the room during the exam you will be considered finished with the exam. You will be required to turn your cell phone off. Applicants are allowed to use one dictionary, and no additional books, notes, notebooks, or reference aids will be allowed. Electronic dictionaries are not acceptable. There are four sections of this exam which include translation from English to the target language and from the target language to English. There are two sections on word translation and two sections on paragraph translation. You will be graded on areas such as spelling, grammar, and word usage (including accents, sentence structure, verb, tenses, etc.).
What do I need to bring the day I take the proficiency exam?
You are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to your testing time to sign in, pay the testing fee, and complete applicant paperwork. You will be required to show a photo ID. The payment of $85 per exam is accepted in cash or check/money order payable to the University of Illinois. Those taking the written translation exam will need a black or blue ink pen (preferably black). Those taking the written exam are allowed to bring ONE dictionary of choice-in both English and the target language. Electronic dictionaries are NOT acceptable. No other resources are allowed.
Is there anything else I need to know about the day of the exam?
It is important to remember that you will not be permitted to leave the testing room during the test. If you need to leave the testing room, the exam will be considered completed. Please plan accordingly. The proctor will not be able to provide you with any assistance other than giving basic instructions. You will not be allowed to leave with the exam or any notes you have made under any circumstances. Furthermore, there are multiple versions of the exam. Your testing experience may be different from another interpreter's depending on what version of the exam you complete.
Can I do both the oral and written exams on the same day?
Yes, as long as you pre-register and provide pre-payment for each exam prior to the day of the exam. Those who are completing both exams in one day will need to allow at least 2.5 hours to complete their exams.
How will the scores be reported?
Results are reported in a pass/fail format and you will be notified by mail or email if you have demonstrated proficiency. It will take approximately 30 business days (45 calendar days) or more to have the exam graded.
What if I don't pass the exam? Can I take it again?
Applicants may take the test up to 2 times in a 6 month period and must pay each time they take the test ($85 for the oral exam and $85 for the written exam). If you do not demonstrate proficiency you may choose to visit the Interpreter/Translator Resource list which can be viewed and/or downloaded on the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program website.
What do I do after I get my results?
If you have demonstrated proficiency you will receive a certificate of completion by mail or email. It is the Interpreter/Translators responsibility to send Provider Connections their certificates of completion for the written and/or oral exam, as well as the training certificate documenting completion of System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Interpreters/Translators should send both their certificates to Provider Connections together. Interpreters/Translators should also inform the Child and Family Connections office(s) that they plan to work with of their services after they become enrolled with Provider Connections. All interpreters/translators are required to enroll with Provider Connections in order to provide services in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Interpreters/Translators may download the enrollment application by visiting the Provider Connections website.
Interpreters/Translators should send the aforementioned certificates along with their enrollment application to the following address:
Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Interpreters/Translators should contact Provider Connections at (800) 701-0995 if they have additional questions with regards to their enrollment in the Illinois EI System.
How long is my enrollment in the IL EI system valid/active?
Once enrolled in the system your enrollment remains valid as long as you are actively working within the IL EI system. However, if you have no billing activity for 12 consecutive months, you will become inactive within the IL EI system.
EITP DOES NOT accept interpreter/translator applications and DOES NOT employ interpreters/translators. You will be enrolled in, but not an employee of the Illinois Early Intervention System. This is not a certification program. We do not accept certifications in lieu of the outlined requirements.
