Educational Sign Language Interpreter Temporary License Information
As of June 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., all sign language interpreter temporary licenses become invalid. There is no extension or reapplication for the HLO temporary license.
Educational Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License Information
Effective June 8, 2024, the HLO will begin issuing permanent licenses. Anyone who does not want to work under the limited waiver on enforcement and who chooses to obtain a board permanent license must complete a new application and pay the required application and license fees. Applications for permanent licensure are available under the "Forms" header below.
An individual who qualifies for a permanent license and pays the required application and licensing fees may provide sign language interpreting services as soon as HLO grants the person the permanent license. The permanent license is valid for one year. An individual meeting the renewal requirements can renew the permanent license.
Please note:
- There is only one primary staff member who will be processing the initial influx of hundreds of SLI applications. This staff member needs to ensure the applicant is qualified, proper identification has been received, proper supporting documentation has been received, the application is accurately entered and processed in our licensing database, and fees are transacted correctly. This means it may take several weeks for HLO to process your application and mail your license to you. Whereas the following online database, which can be found on HLO's website, shows license status in real time: https://elite.hlo.state.or.us/OHLOPublicR/LPRBrowser.aspx. You can check this link on a regular basis to see if your license has been processed, but again, please allow several weeks for the HLO to process all applications.
- The HLO has extended the limited waiver on enforcement through December 31, 2024. This means that the HLO will not take action against a person on the narrow basis that the person provides sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license prior to January 1, 2025. The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes.
- Holding a temporary license does not guarantee that an individual will be granted a permanent license.
- The state legislature limited the number of times certain licenses can be renewed.
Educational Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License Description
OAR 816-025-0040
Sign Language Interpreter Educational License
(1) A SLI educational license holder may only provide services in an educational setting.
(2) A SLI educational license is current for one year and becomes inactive on the last day of the month one year from the date of issuance.
(3) A SLI educational license may be renewed five times.
(4) The issuance or the licensee's holding of an educational sign language interpreter license does not supersede, replace, or negate the need for the license to comply with other laws requiring licensure or registration or competent SLI services.
How to Apply - Application Requirements for the Educational Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License
- Meet the requirements of Oregon Administrative Rule,
Chapter 331, Division 30.
- Submit a completed application (see applications under the "Forms" header below). Applications for permanent licensure are available under the "Forms" header below.
- Submit
two forms of original identification issued by a government agency. Acceptable identification options can be found under Oregon Administrative Rule,
Chapter 331, Division 30.
- Submit proof of being at least 18 years of age.
- Attest to being in compliance with the 2005 NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.
- Submit proof of meeting minimum standard requirements established by the Oregon Department of Education in Oregon Administrative Rule 581-015-2035. If OAR 581-015-2035 establishes an educatioinal sign language interpreter license as the minimum standard, than this requirement is met if the HLO finds that the applicant qualifies for licensure under this rule.
- Submit proof of meeting the following minimum standards:
- Achieving a passing score of 3.5 or above on the Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment (EIPA) performance test;
or
- Holding RID National Interpreting Certification, RID Certificate of Interpretation or RID Certificate of Transliteration; and
- Submit proof of:
- Holding a bachelor's or associate degree from an Interpreter Education Program or in a related educational field;
or
- Achieving a passing score on the EIPA written test.
Please note:
- There is only one primary staff member who will be processing the initial influx of hundreds of SLI applications. This staff member needs to ensure the applicant is qualified, proper identification has been received, proper supporting documentation has been received, the application is accurately entered and processed in our licensing database, and fees are transacted correctly. This means it may take several weeks for HLO to process your application and mail your license to you. Whereas the following online database, which can be found on HLO's website, shows license status in real time: https://elite.hlo.state.or.us/OHLOPublicR/LPRBrowser.aspx. You can check this link on a regular basis to see if your license has been processed, but again, please allow several weeks for the HLO to process all applications.
- The HLO has extended the limited waiver on enforcement through December 31, 2024. This means that the HLO will not take action against a person on the narrow basis that the person provides sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license prior to January 1, 2025. The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes.
- Holding a temporary license does not guarantee that an individual will be granted a permanent license.
- The state legislature limited the number of times certain licenses can be renewed.
Fees
The individual applications will show the amount due for both the application fee and the license fee.
Forms