The EIPA is a tool that evaluates the voice-to-sign and sign-to voice skills of interpreters who work in the elementary through secondary classroom.

EIPA Performance Test

EIPA Retest Policy

The EIPA team recommends that individuals wait at least six months before retesting, unless they are significant extenuating circumstances. It may be best to wait at least nine months to one year until re-testing.

Individuals should understand that simply retaking the test rarely results in a significantly higher score. Interpreters are encouraged to understand their areas of need and to develop a plan to improve skills in that domain. It also is true that if you do not understand a specific skill area that is assessed on the EIPA, it is doubtful that that your score will improve. A lack of understanding of basic terminology on the EIPA assessment form may reflect a lack of understanding of these skills in interpreting. If you don’t understand what a skill is, do your homework before retaking the test.

It is best practice for an interpreter to retest using different testing materials than their initial testing experience (Tape A or Tape B), however it is not essential for them to do so.

Candidates may somewhat remember the content of the previous testing material, but EIPA stimuli tapes are designed so that raters will see multiple examples of each skill being assessed. Therefore, it would be virtually impossible for a candidate to “practice to the test” and consistently and accurately perform at or above acceptable levels across every skill area.