Facilitated Study Group Sessions
for Sign Language Interpreter Exams
Join a Study Group
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf offers facilitated study group sessions for sign language interpreters preparing to take the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam.
These structured study groups bring sign language interpreters together with peers who are on the same journey. Sign language interpreters who plan to take either exam within three months after participating in a study session, by:
- Building their content knowledge
- Strengthening their test-taking strategies
- Boosting their confidence in preparing for the EIPA Written Exam and CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam
Study Groups for two types are available:
- The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam Study Group is for sign language interpreters working or preparing to work in PreK–12 educational settings
- The Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam Study Group is for sign language interpreters working or preparing to work in general community settings
Participant Eligibility Requirements
- Participants must be current Louisiana residents.
- All participants must submit proof of work experience in the interpreting profession or provide proof of enrollment in an accredited higher education institution pursuing an interpreter education/training program.
Study Group Schedule
All study group sessions will be conducted virtually, one time a week for three months.
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Friday, January 1, 2027 – Wednesday, March 31, 2027
- Wednesday, April 1, 2027 – Wednesday, June 30, 2027
Study Group Expectations
- Attend a minimum of 10 virtual sessions for the entire 3-month study group cycle
- Participate in study groups with small groups (maximum of 7 participants per group)
- Fully participate in a collaborative, supportive learning environment with guided review and exam readiness strategies
- After completing the session, be eligible and ready to take the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam.
- Eligibility is based on attendance
*The Commission may pay the registration fee (or whatever fee) to take the exam, if you:
- Complete the full study group cycle, and
- Maintain good standing throughout the study cycle (as defined by the Commission)
- Good Standing is defined as the attendance requirement
Apply today to join a study group! For questions, contact LCDMentoring@la.gov.
Note: Priority consideration will be given to applicants who applied but were not selected for the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Interpreter Mentoring Program.
Participants seeking additional time to take their knowledge exam or a continuation in the next study cycle may submit a request for consideration to LCDMentoring@la.gov.
Apply to be a Study Group Facilitator
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf is recruiting sign language interpreters to lead structured study group sessions for people preparing for the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam or the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam. Sign language interpreters who are passionate about supporting the next generation of sign language interpreters and have already passed a sign language interpreter knowledge proficiency exam are encouraged to apply to serve as study group facilitators.
These study groups offer a collaborative, peer-driven learning environment where interpreters build their content knowledge, enhance test-taking skills, and gain confidence. Facilitators will also receive a flat stipend of $300 per month.
Facilitators must demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and effective communication skills in both sign language and English
- Commitment to professional ethics as outlined by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE)
- Ability to create and maintain a positive, supportive, and trusting study group environment
Study Group Schedule
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Friday, January 1, 2027 – Wednesday, March 31, 2027
- Wednesday, April 1, 2027 – Wednesday, June 30, 2027
Facilitator Commitment
Study group facilitators must:
- Have experience in formal facilitation of educational content, including lesson preparation (preferred)
- Have at least five years of interpreting experience after certification or credentialing, and:
- A minimum score of 4.0 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and a passing score on the EIPA Written Knowledge Exam (to qualify to lead the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment EIPA Written Exam Study Group)
- Valid Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification (to qualify to lead the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam Study Group)
- Commit to lead a three-week monthly study group, which equates to a minimum of six hours per month
- Prepare and facilitate weekly, 60-minute virtual sessions
- Submit monthly reports to the Commission on topics discussed during study group sessions