Sign Language Interpreter Knowledge Exam
Facilitated Study Group Sessions
Get Prepared and Join a Study Group
Do you need to take the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam?
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf is excited to announce that we are now offering an opportunity to join facilitated study group sessions with peers who are on the same journey. These structured sessions will support Louisiana sign language interpreters who plan to take the EIPA Written Exam or the CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam within three months of the study sessions by:
- Building content knowledge
- Strengthening test-taking strategies
- Boosting confidence in preparation for the EIPA Written Exam and CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam
There are two types of study groups available. The EIPA Written Exam Study Group is for sign language interpreters working or preparing to work in PreK–12 educational settings. The CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam Study Group is for sign language interpreters working or preparing to work in general community settings.
We currently have three study group cycles scheduled:
- October 1 – December 31, 2025
- January 1 – March 31, 2026
- April 1 – June 30, 2026
Apply today to join a study group! For questions, please contact LCDMentoring@la.gov.
Participant Eligibility Requirements:
- Participants must be current Louisiana residents; and
- Participants must submit proof of work experience in the interpreting profession; or
- Participants must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited higher education institution pursuing an interpreter education/training program; and
- Participants registering for the CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam must submit valid proof of an exam date scheduled to be taken no later than three months after the close of the study group cycle; or
- Participants registering for the EIPA Written Exam must submit valid proof of an exam date scheduled to be taken no later than three months after the close of the study group, once the next quarter testing cycle is available to register.
What to Expect:
- Priority consideration will be given to applicants who applied, but were not selected, for the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Interpreter Mentoring Program
- Small group format (with a maximum of 7 participants per group)
- Weekly, facilitated virtual sessions (60 minutes each)
- Collaborative, supportive learning environment with guided review and exam readiness strategies
- Commitment to a three-month virtual study cycle is required
- Participants seeking additional time or a continuation in the next study cycle may submit a request for consideration to LCDMentoring@la.gov
- Upon completion of the study group cycle, and upon completion of the scheduled certification/assessment exam, participants in good standing as defined by the Commission may submit for reimbursement the cost of the certification/assessment exam. Proof of payment and test completion will be required for reimbursement. The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf will reimburse the cost of one exam per participant. Exams include:
- Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Written Exam
- The Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam
Study Group Facilitator
Are you a professional interpreter passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals? Have you already taken and passed a sign language interpreter knowledge proficiency exam, and want to help others achieve the same?
We are currently seeking facilitators to lead structured study group sessions for sign language interpreters preparing for the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam or the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam. These study groups offer a collaborative, peer-driven learning environment where interpreters build content knowledge, enhance test-taking skills, and gain confidence.
Facilitators commit to lead a three-month study group, which equates to a minimum of six hours per month. They prepare and facilitate weekly one-hour sessions and submit a monthly report to the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf detailing topics discussed. Facilitators 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), and/or the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE)
- Ability to create and maintain a positive, supportive, and trusting study group environment
We currently have three study group cycles scheduled:
- October 1 – December 31, 2025
- January 1 – March 31, 2026
- April 1 – June 30, 2026
Facilitator Commitment:
- Prepare and facilitate weekly one-hour sessions
- Submit monthly reports to the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf on topics discussed
- Three-month commitment is required based on study group cycles:
- October 1 – December 31, 2025
- January 1 – March 31, 2026
- April 1 – June 30, 2026
- Minimum six hours per month includes:
- Weekly 60-minute facilitated sessions
Facilitator Qualifications:
- CASLI Facilitator: Valid Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification
- EIPA Facilitator: Minimum score of 4.0 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and a passing score on the EIPA Written Knowledge Exam
- At least five years of interpreting experience after certification or credentialing
- Preferred: Experience in formal facilitation of educational content, including lesson preparation