Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI): Performance Tests
Upon passing the Test of English Proficiency (TEP), you are eligible to take a BEI interpreter performance test. Each level of certification has its own interpreter performance test. After you pass one of these performance tests, you become certified at that level.
Performance tests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one test per time slot per day. Testing times fill up quickly, so candidates should submit performance test applications well in advance.
The basic, advanced, and master level performance tests are offered quarterly. Upcoming test dates will be listed below as they are determined. Please note that even though dates are listed on the webpage, registration for them may be full. If individuals choose test dates that are already full at the time of their application, they will be contacted via email to select a new test date.
| Test type | Test date | Time slot(s) | Application due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEI Basic BEI Advanced BEI Masters |
(Tentative) February 14 and 15, 2024 | 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. | January 17, 2024 |
| BEI Basic BEI Advanced BEI Masters |
May 8 and 9, 2024 | 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. | April 10, 2024 |
| BEI Basic BEI Advanced BEI Masters |
August 14 and 15, 2024 | 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. | July 17, 2024 |
| BEI Basic BEI Advanced BEI Masters |
November 13 and 14, 2024 | 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. | October 16, 2024 |
Pick two preferred test dates. Please note that we make every effort to honor preferred test dates; however, there are times when we will be unable to do so. If that is the case, we will communicate that with the applicant(s).
The basic, advanced, and master performance tests are criterion-referenced tests of the three interpretation modes most commonly used by interpreters. These are:
- Expressive—rendering spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) or signed English.
- Receptive—rendering ASL or signed English into spoken English.
- Sight translation—reading and rendering a written English document into ASL.
In order to sit for BEI advanced and BEI master level performance tests, you must meet the prerequisites that have been determined by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (see section F).
The BEI performance tests will be proctored by the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) BEI staff and will be administered at the Department of Health Services, which is located at 1 W. Wilson Street, Madison WI 53703.
When applying for the BEI basic performance test, you will need to mail, via USPS, the following information:
- Completed and signed test application, F-02530.
- Money order or cashier's check made payable to ODHH.
*Please note that personal checks and cash will not be accepted. - Proof of passing the TEP.
Once all of the above information has been received and your eligibility to take the BEI basic performance test has been verified, you will receive an email confirming your test date and time. If you are ineligible to take the BEI basic performance test, you will be notified of that in an email as well.
When applying for the BEI advanced performance test, you will need to send the following information:
- Completed and signed test application, F-02530.
- Money order or cashier's check made payable to ODHH.
*Please note that personal checks and cash will not be accepted, AND one of the following:- Proof of passing the BEI basic
- Proof of satisfying a prerequisite established by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services BEI program (see section F) AND proof of passing the TEP.
Once all of the above information has been received and your eligibility to take the BEI advanced performance test has been verified, you will receive and email confirming your test date and time. If you are ineligible to take the BEI advanced performance test, you will be notified of that in an email as well.
When applying for the BEI master performance test, you will need to send in the following information:
- Completed and signed test application, F-02530.
- Money order or cashier's check made payable to ODHH.
*Please note that personal checks and cash will not be accepted, AND one of the following:- Proof of passing the BEI advanced
- Proof of satisfying a prerequisite established by the Texas Department pf Health and Human Services BEI program (see section F) AND proof of passing the TEP.
Once all of the above information has been received and your eligibility to take the BEI master performance test has been verified, you will receive an email confirming your test date and time. If you are ineligible to take the BEI master performance test, you will be notified of that in an email as well.
The BEI performance assessments will be administered at the Department of Health Services, which is located at 1 W. Wilson Street, Madison WI 53703. They will be conducted in a soundproof booth.
| Test Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| BEI Basic |
Wisconsin resident: $275 |
| BEI Advanced | Wisconsin resident: $300 Out-of-state: $335 |
| BEI Master | Wisconsin resident: $300 Out-of-state: $335 |
Payment for the BEI basic and BEI advanced performance tests
Payment needs to be in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Personal checks and cash will not be accepted. Payment should be mailed to:
Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
C/O BEI
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 558
Madison WI 53703
Checks should be made payable to ODHH. Please allow 30 days for processing.
All test fees are nonrefundable.
Your performance on the basic, advanced, or master performance test is scored in two ways: objectively and subjectively. This two-part assessment system provides a reliable, fair, and valid device for certification of interpreters. Your performance is evaluated by a team of BEI-approved raters.
Performance tests taken in Wisconsin will be rated by Texas rating teams while we work on establishing our own pool of raters. Candidates can expect their results within 90 days of their test date. Any changes in the results timeline will be communicated directly with test candidates.
For more information about test expectations, formats, sample scripts and scoring criterion, please see the BEI Study Guide. This guide also includes a list of resources you can use to prepare for the performance test, including books and websites that we have found helpful.
Note: Specific details regarding application and testing procedures listed in this guide pertain only to those taking the test in Texas. Procedures for applying and taking the TEP or BEI performance test in Wisconsin are outlined above.