Educational Interpreter

This page explains how to apply for an Educational Interpreter certificate in Washington state. It
covers the Initial and Professional Educational Interpreter certificates and the requirements for
each. The Educational Interpreter certificate authorizes service in the role of educational
interpreter for the deaf.

Washington Offers Two Types of Educational Interpreter Certificates

  • Initial Certificate is the first-tier full credential for individuals who are new to Educational Interpreter certification in Washington.
  • Professional Certificate is the second-tier full credential for Educational Interpreters who hold or previously held an Initial Educational Interpreter certificate and have completed the required education and work experience to advance their credential.

Initial Educational Interpreter

This application is for educators seeking their first Washington Educational Interpreter
certificate.

Requirements

  • Complete one of the following assessment options:
    • Exam Option 1:
      • Pass the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a minimum score of 4.0 AND
      • Receive a passing score on the EIPA Written Test
    • Exam Option 2:
      • Hold a valid National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or an equivalent national certificate previously offered by RID AND
      • Receive a passing score on the EIPA Written Test
  • Complete one of the following qualifying options below:
    • Option 1: Hold an associate degree or higher in any area (must submit official transcripts showing degree conferral)
    • Option 2: Employment as an educational interpreter in Washington state prior to September 1, 2026 (Verification of Experience Form 4150-F)
    • Option 3: Hold a valid National Interpreter Certification from RID or an equivalent national certificate previously offered by RID
  • Complete A Professional Transitions to the Public Schools course approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) before or within one year of application.
  • Submit fingerprints for a background check if you don't already have a valid Washington certificate on record

Temporary Permit Available

A one-year temporary permit may be issued if you meet all other requirements (such as exam, fingerprinting, degree, and license, if required) but have not yet verified:

  • Completion of an approved Professional Transitions to the Public Schools course.

You must submit verification of the missing course requirement to the OSPI Professional Certification Department within the one-year period.

Professional Educational Interpreter

This application is for Educational Interpreters who hold or held an Initial Educational Interpreter
certificate and have completed the requirements below to upgrade their certificate.

Requirements

  • Complete all requirements for the Initial Educational Interpreter certificate
  • Complete 150 continuing education credit hours related to the Educational Interpreter role or education since the first issuance of the Initial certificate
  • Complete two years full-time equivalency (FTE) experience in the role in Washington with a school district, state-approved private school, state-tribal compact school, state authorized charter school, or state agency that provides educational services for students
  • Attest that you have completed a course or coursework on issues of abuse and emotional or behavioral distress in students
  • Submit fingerprints for a background check if you do not already have a valid Washington certificate on record