How to Prepare for the NIC, BEI, and EIPA Exams: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Interpreters

Preparing for professional interpreting exams such as the NIC (National Interpreter Certification), BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters), and EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) is an important step in becoming a skilled and qualified interpreter. These exams evaluate language proficiency, ethical decision-making, and interpreting skills across a variety of settings.

Whether you are a student, a new interpreter, or a working professional preparing for the next step in your certification journey, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

Understanding the NIC, BEI, and EIPA Exams

NIC (National Interpreter Certification)

Administered by CASLI, the NIC exam is a nationally recognized test that evaluates professional interpreters working in community and general interpreting settings. It includes both a knowledge component and a performance exam.

BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters)

The BEI certification is offered in several states and is accepted by many agencies and institutions. It assesses ASL and English proficiency as well as interpreting performance in a variety of scenarios.

EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment)

Designed for interpreters working in K–12 educational environments, the EIPA evaluates interpreting skills with children and educational content. Many states require a minimum EIPA score to work in schools.

Each exam has unique expectations, but all of them require strong ASL and English proficiency, ethical understanding, and polished interpreting skills.

Key Strategies for Preparing Successfully

Build Strong ASL and English Foundations

Interpreting exams require a high level of bilingual fluency. To strengthen your language skills:

• Engage in daily ASL practice

• Watch Deaf content and storytelling

• Practice English summarization and paraphrasing

• Expand vocabulary in both languages

• Observe native signers in a variety of contexts

• Language growth is an ongoing process and essential for exam preparation.

• Study the Code of Professional Conduct

All exams require a deep understanding of interpreting ethics. Review:

• Confidentiality

• Professional boundaries

• Accuracy of interpretation

• Conflicts of interest

• Impartiality

  
  

Ethical scenarios are often integrated into exam prompts, especially for NIC and BEI performance exams.

Practice Interpreting in Realistic Settings

The best preparation for performance exams is consistent, structured interpreting practice. Include:

• Shadowing Deaf and hearing signers

• Interpreting recorded lectures, interviews, and conversations

• Switching between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting

• Working with a mentor or CDI for feedback

• Recording your work and self-evaluating

The more exposure you have to real-world interpreting, the more confident you will be during the exam.

Build Technical Vocabulary

Certification exams include scenarios from:

• Healthcare

• Legal settings

• Education

• Mental health

• Business

• Government

Knowing relevant vocabulary helps reduce lag time and increases interpreting accuracy.

Join Study Groups or Mentorship Programs

Working with peers or mentors provides accountability and constructive feedback. Many interpreters benefit from:

• Study groups focused on exam preparation

• Mentorship through ITP programs or professional organizations

• Workshops designed for NIC, BEI, or EIPA readiness

• Observing other interpreters in real-world settings

Learning within a community accelerates skill development and deepens understanding.

Take Practice Tests

Practice tests help you become familiar with:

• Test structure

• Time constraints

• Types of prompts

• Performance expectations

If available, complete sample exams or mock interpreting scenarios to reduce test anxiety and improve readiness.

Understand the Specific Requirements of Your Exam

NIC, BEI, and EIPA exams have different scoring structures, content expectations, and passing thresholds. Before your exam, review:

• Eligibility requirements

• Exam format

• Scoring guidelines

• Required documentation

• State or agency guidelines (for BEI or EIPA)

Understanding the structure eliminates surprises on test day.

Develop a Pre-Exam Routine

Preparing mentally and physically can improve performance. Consider:

• Practicing light interpreting the day before

• Getting adequate rest

• Staying hydrated

• Warming up your hands and body

• Centering yourself before beginning the exam

A calm and focused mindset allows you to interpret more naturally and confidently.

The Importance of Certification

Becoming certified is more than an achievement; it elevates professionalism and opens doors to advanced interpreting roles. Certification:

• Demonstrates your competency to employers

• Increases job opportunities

• Supports ethical and accurate communication access

• Strengthens the interpreting profession

• Encourages continued education and growth

Whether you pursue NIC, BEI, or EIPA certification, your journey strengthens the field and enhances access for the Deaf community.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for interpreting certification takes dedication, practice, and patience. By focusing on language development, ethical understanding, consistent practice, and knowledge of exam expectations, you can approach the NIC, BEI, or EIPA with confidence.

With disciplined preparation and support from mentors, peers, and the Deaf community, you can successfully advance your interpreting career and contribute to the essential work of providing equitable communication access.