Sign Language Interpreting in Wisconsin:

A Guide to Licensure

 

Whether you're a recent graduate of an interpreter training program, relocating from another state, or exploring a career change, this guide will help you understand the steps to become a licensed sign language interpreter in Wisconsin.

​

Do I Need a License?

Yes. In Wisconsin, individuals who know sign language are not considered interpreters unless they hold a valid license.

• "Working" is defined as receiving any compensation for interpreting services.

• Volunteer interpreters must not accept any form of payment.

• Interpreting without a license can result in fines or legal consequences.

​

Licensure Through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Most interpreting work in Wisconsin requires a license issued by the DSPS, which offers a tiered system with two main levels: This applies to hearing interpreters. There are separate requirements for Certified Deaf Interpreters (coming soon.) 

​

          1. Intermediate License (Hearing)

For interpreters with entry-level qualifications.
Learn more or apply

​

Requirements:

• BEI Basic or BEI Level I certification

• OR previously grandfathered under WITA credentials

​

Restrictions:

• Cannot work in medical or legal settings

• Limited in medical and mental health settings unless teaming with or supervised by an Advanced interpreter

• May work in low-risk environments, but should avoid high-stakes situations unless mentored or supervised

​

          2. Advanced License (Hearing)

For interpreters with higher-level certification.
Learn more or apply

​

Requirements:

• BEI Advanced or Master certification

• OR RID NIC, CI/CT certification

​

Notes:

• May interpret in most settings

• Mental health Specialist Certificate Q-MHI

• Legal interpreting requires a Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L)

​

Licensure Through the Department of Public Instruction:

K-12 Educational Interpreters

​

To work in K-12 educational settings, interpreters need a separate license from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Many interpreters in Wisconsin maintain both DSPS and DPI licenses.

Apply for a DPI License

​

          DPI License Overview

• You may work in K-12 settings with only a DPI license, but there are limitations.

• DPI licenses apply only to interpreting for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) children under IDEA.

• Interpreting for adults (staff, parents, or community members) requires a DSPS license, as they are covered under ADA.

​

Exception:
If a D/HH student remains in school under an IEP until age 21, a DPI-licensed interpreter may continue working with them for school-sponsored activities until graduation.

​​

          DPI Licensure Requirements

Option 1: EIPA Route

• Earn a college degree and complete an Interpreter Training Program (ITP)

• Pass the EIPA Written Exam

• Achieve an EIPA Performance Score of:

  • 3.3 or higher for initial licensure

  • 3.5 or higher for renewal

​

Option 2: DSPS License Route

• Earn a college degree and complete an ITP

• Hold and maintain a DSPS license instead of meeting EIPA score requirements

​

Important Notes:

National Association of Educational Interpreters - NAIE Professional Guidelines

• Wisconsin DPI accepts a 2-year degree, but the national standard recommended by the NAIE is a minimum 4-year degree.

• While a score of 3.3–3.5 is accepted by DPI, the NAIE recommends an EIPA score of 4.0 or higher for educational interpreters.​​

​

​