Licensing
for Sign Language Interpreters in Oregon
Why Licensure?
Oregon has joined dozens of other states that require a license to practice sign language interpreting.
This makes it easier for hiring entities to quickly determine whether someone is legally allowed to provide interpreting services, instead of trying to navigate the many credentials and certifications used in our field (RID, EIPA, BEI, CDI, NIC, CI, etc.).
Licensure also creates more than one pathway to demonstrate qualifications. Interpreters are not limited to national certification or one specific assessment to qualify for a license.
Most importantly, licensure gives consumers a more realistic way to address problems when interpreting services are inadequate. An ADA lawsuit is not a practical option for most people. With licensure, consumers have another avenue for situations such as:
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Agencies repeatedly sending interpreters who are unable to provide effective access.
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Clinics, employers, or other organizations claiming that someone who “signs a little” is an adequate accommodation.
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Someone who works at an organization in another role being expected to provide interpreting simply because they know some sign language.
The details of Oregon’s licensure process are still being finalized. Below, you’ll find updates and the information we know so far.
You can also explore the other pages for tips on the application process and answers to frequently asked questions.
We are interpreters just like you, not particular experts! 👍 If you find errors here or have suggestions for improving this page, please email us at: Legislative@orid.org.
Updates on Licensure
To receive email updates from HLO directly to your inbox, please subscribe to their email list -- Fill out your contact information on the first page, and on the second page, click the box for the:
Sign Language Interpreter License Board: Updates.
You also can check their updates page:
Check out all Licensure Board and RAC meeting recordings on the HLO youtube playlist:
8/7/2026 Waiver Extended and Rules Proposed
The waiver of enforcement has been extended to the end of 2026 to allow time for rules to be finalized and licenses administered.
(See HLO post here: Update on SLI Licensure
The SLI Licensure Board has voted on permanent rules. The Public Comment period is open until Noon on Friday, August 28th. Take a look over the proposed rules, and if you would like to submit public comment you can email that to: samie.patnode@oha.oregon.gov.
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9/27/25 Overview of Law Making Process &
Update on Int. Licensure Law
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Laws vs. Rules
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Licensure Board vs. Rules Advisory Committee
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How laws can be changed & updated
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Updates on Interpreter Licensure Law
For full meeting, see: Fall 2025
Passcode: ORID-Fall2025
2/1/26 Recommended Rules for Interpreter License Board to Consider
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Update on Board Vacancies
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Temporary Rules vs. Permanent Rules
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Overview of Rule-Making Process
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Recommended Rules
For full meeting, see: Winter 2026
Passcode: ORID-Winter2026
License Types & Requirements
This page seeks to share the most relevant information about Oregon licensure using plain English. To read the full licensure law, please see ORS 676.750-789.
Requirements for all SLI Licenses in Oregon:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Renew every 3 years.
- Meet requirements of OAR Chapter 331, Division 30
- Attest to complying with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct
(Reminder: The CPC Tenet 2 Guiding Principle states that interpreters accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill and consumer needs. If a licensed interpreter regularly accepts assignments for which they do not possess the professional skills and knowledge, complaints may be filed with HLO and reviewed by the Board of Sign Language Interpreter Licensing.)
Additional requirements depend on the license type:
Training, Provisional, General, or Supervisory.
See below for details.
Spring Update:
At the April 20th, 2026 Licensure Board meeting, the Board approved proposed rules. Public Comment is now open until Noon on April 28th. The Board will review all the public comments and meet on October 26th to make final changes (or none), with the expected rollout date of January 1, 2027.
For more information, see the Public Comment page.
To receive email updates from HLO directly to your inbox, please subscribe to their email list -- fill out your contact information on the first page, and on the second page, click the box for the Sign Language Interpreter License Board: Updates.
Required Credentials
- Satisfy the requirements listed above for all licenses.
- 40 hours of interpreter training/education
- Proof of English proficiency (see application for details)
- Proof of ASL proficiency
(see application for details)
Renew annually with 10 hours of Ethical training and 10 hours of Professional Interpreting Studies each year.
Restrictions
- May not provide interpreting services alone, but only under the direct, on-site supervision of a fully licensed interpreter.
- Quality of services are the responsibility of the fully licensed interpreter, and any complaints to HLO will be about the supervising professional.
Cost
- Application fee: $50
- License fee (paid annually):
$25 until July 2027, then $50
Required Credentials
- Satisfy the requirements listed above for all licenses.
Also:
ONE of the following:
- A degree from an interpreting program
- CASLI Knowledge Exam: passed
- EIPA: 3.5 or above (in 2030 this will raise to 3.9)
- TBEI: Basic
- TBEI: Level 2 or above
or
- 80 hours of interpreter training AND proof of ASL and English proficiency (see application for details)
Restrictions
- May work solo in appropriate assignments: does not need on-site, direct supervision.
- Must have a supervising interpreter-of-record to support in discretion accepting assignments, and growing toward full licensure
- Limited to two renewals
Cost
- Application fee: $75
- License fee (every 3 years):
$200 until July 2027, then $300
General
License
Required Credentials
- Satisfy the requirements listed above for all licenses.
Also:
ONE of the following:
- RID: CDI, NIC, CI, CT, MCS, IC, IT
- NAD: Level 3
- EIPA: Level 4 or above
- TBEI (see application at link below for details)
Restrictions
- None
- May provide on-site, direct supervision to holders of a Training License
- May be supervising interpreter of record for holders of Provisional Licenses until July 1, 2030.
Cost
Application Fee: $100
License Fee (every 3 years):
$500 until July 2027, then $600
Required Credentials
- Satisfy the requirements listed above for all licenses.
Also:
ONE of the following for at least three years:
- RID: CDI, NIC, CI, CT, MCS, IC, IT
- NAD: Level 3
- EIPA: Level 4 or above
- TBEI (see application at link below for details)
Restrictions
- None
Cost
Application fee: $150
License Fee (every 3 years):
$500 until July 2027, then $600