Announcements

Important Notice: Upcoming Test Fee Adjustments 

Posted July 29, 2024

Effective January 1, 2025, EIPA test fees will increase as follows: 

• EIPA Performance test will increase from $350 to $365 (4.3% increase) 
• EIPA Written test will increase from $250 to $260 (4% increase) 
• EIPA Pre-hire test will increase from $150 to $155 (3.3% increase) *

The last adjustment to our test fees occurred in 2017. Since then, we have diligently worked to contain costs while maintaining the quality of our services. However, inflation and operational expenses have necessitated this increase. We understand the impact of inflation on educational interpreters and school systems. Therefore, we have refrained from fee adjustments for the past seven years. Our priority remains serving interpreters, school districts and students. We appreciate your understanding and continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out at EIPA@boystown.org.  

*Please note, correction on Pre-hire test prices July 30, 2024

An Open Letter to EIPA Stakeholders Concerning the Wait Time for Test Results

Posted July 9, 2024

Dear Interpreters, School Systems, and Students,

We understand the impact of long turnaround times on employment, state mandated compliance, and classroom access. To address this, we are implementing several measures to improve the evaluation process and reduce waiting times.

1. Transparency and Queue Updates

• Beginning immediately, we will post the receipt date of tests currently being evaluated. This information will be updated every Monday on the top of our announcement tab. This will give interpreters insight into their position in the queue.
• Updates will typically occur on Mondays, ensuring timely information for all stakeholders. Updates can be found at the top of our Announcements tab.

2. Our Commitment to Improvement

• We acknowledge the impact of extended turnaround time on interpreters, students, and schools. Your patience and dedication are appreciated.
• Our current priority is to reduce the turnaround time.
• We are taking the following actions:
  1. Hiring a new group of evaluators: This will increase our capacity to process tests efficiently and will increase the number of training hours mandated per week to expedite the completion of training.
  2. Using scientific data to optimize efficiency: We're leveraging data-driven insights to streamline the process.
  3. Intra test-retest data has indicated that measurable improvements in scores occur when there has been a combination of a12 month wait time and an investment in mentorship. Implementing a 12-month wait time between retests ensures a better value for the test taker and allows us to focus on new evaluations.

3. Weekly Communication

• We apologize for any inconvenience. Rest assured; we are committed to improvement.
• We will continue to communicate weekly about turnaround times, providing weekly updates.

New Policy Regarding Retesting Implementation - (original release date 4/25/2024)

Posted April 25, 2024

As of April 29, 2024, test candidates retaking the EIPA performance assessment must wait 1 calendar year (365 days) from the date of their most recent exam. This only applies to the performance test. There is no waiting period for the written test.

This policy aims to manage demand, allow interpreters adequate time to make improvements in their skill set for a different score, and ensure fair access to testing opportunities for all candidates.

When registering for a test, interpreters must make sure the new date is at least 365 days after the date of their most recent test. If a new registration is less than 365 days from a previous test date, the new registration will be cancelled. The cancellation policy and associated fees will apply.

We understand the importance of timely access to EIPA test results. Our team is committed to minimizing delays and optimizing our processes to provide the best possible service to interpreters, educational agencies, and Deaf and hard of hearing students.

EIPA recognizes that some interpreters may face job insecurity due to this new policy. Interpreters who are currently employed and working on a provisional license that will expire in the next 6 months may apply to take the test 6 months after the date of their last test. Please reach out to our team at eipa@boystown.org for further assistance if you meet this criterion.

Thank you for your ongoing understanding and cooperation as we navigate through this period of transition. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this announcement, the new policy, or exception approval process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.