Licensing
for Sign Language Interpreters in Oregon
Why Licensure?
Oregon has joined dozens of other states that require a license to provide sign language interpreting in the state.
This makes it easier for hiring entities to quickly determine who is legally allowed to provide interpreting services, instead of trying to navigate the many credentials and certifications used in our field to determine who meets ADA requirements (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. Licensure gives consumers a realistic 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:
9/14/2026 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, and the public comment period ran until September 4th.
The Board will review all the public comments and finalize the rules (meeting date TBA), with the expected rollout date of January 1, 2027.
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.
Update:
At the April 20th, 2026 Licensure Board meeting, the Board approved proposed rules. The Public Comment period closed on September 4th. The Board will review all the public comments. The board meeting on October 26th was postponed, and we are waiting for the new date to be announced. At this meeting, the board will make final changes (or none), with the expected rollout date of January 1, 2027. The details below are based on the rules as currently proposed and will be updated when the Board finalizes them.
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.
License
Type
Required Credentials
Restrictions
& Renewal
Restrictions
& Cost
Training License
Requirements
- Satisfy the requirements listed above for all licenses.
- 40 hours of interpreter training/education
- Proof of English proficiency
(see below for details)
- Proof of ASL proficiency
(see below for details)
- Secure at least one Supervisor-of-Record (interpreter with a General or Supervisory License)
- Supervisor must provide direct, in-person supervision to the SLI-in-Training
- Supervisor must meet with SLI-in-Training once per month for at least one hour to review and discuss progress
Restrictions
- May not provide interpreting services alone -- can work 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.
Renewal
- Renew annually
- 10 hours of Ethical training each year
- 10 hours of Professional Interpreting Studies each year
Fees
- Application fee: $50
- License fee (paid annually):
$25 until July 2027, then $50 annually
Provisional License
Requirements
- 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 below for details)
- Secure at least one Supervisor-of-Record (interpreter with a Supervisory License, or before June 30, 2030, a General License)
- Supervisor must meet with Provisional License holder once per month for at least one hour to review and discuss progress
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
Renewal
- Renew every three years
- This license may be renewed only two times
Fees
- Application fee: $75
- License fee (every 3 years):
$200 until July 2027, then $300
General License
Requirements
- Satisfy the requirements
- Also ONE of the following:
- RID Certification
- CASLI Knowledge and Performance
- NAD: Level 3 or above
- EIPA: Written and Performance 4.0 or above
- BEI: English Proficiency and Performance (Basic, Adv, or Master)
- SLI Generalist License
- Evidence of Experience and Examination (see application 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.
Renewal
- Renew every three years
- Unlimited renewals
Fees
- Application Fee: $100
- License Fee (every 3 years):
$500 until July 2027, then $600
Proof of language proficiency:
- To demonstrate proof of English proficiency, submit ONE of the following:
- Completion of a degree from any USA institution of higher education.
- Graduation from a high school where English is the primary language of instruction, or GED obtained from the English version of the test
- TOEFL score of 570+ on paper or 230+ on computer version; 90 on iBT.
- CAE Level 4: B
- CPE Level 5: B
- IELTS Score 7.0+
- ILR Score 2+
- CEFR: B2
- ACTFL Advanced Mid-Level
- To demonstrate proof of ASL proficiency, submit ONE of the following:
- 2 years college level ASL courses grade C or above
- 4 years of high school level ASL grade C or above
- SLIP Intermediate or above
- ASLPI 2.5 or above
- Acceptance letter to an interpreter education program
Supervisory License
Requirements
- Satisfy the requirements listed above for all licenses.
- ONE of the following for at least 3 years:
- RID Certification
- CASLI Knowledge and Performance
- NAD: Level 3 or above
- EIPA: Written and Performance 4.0 or above
- BEI: English Proficiency and Performance (Basic, Adv, or Master)
- SLI Generalist License
- Evidence of Experience and Examination (see application for details)
- 40 hours of training in mentoring, coaching, teaching, or supervising SLI
If serving as Supervising Interpreter-of-Record for holders of Training or Provisional License:
- Meet with each license holder monthly for at least an hour
- Maintain records of each meeting
Restrictions
- None
Renewal
- Renew every three years
- Unlimited renewals
Fees
- Application Fee: $150
- License Fee (every 3 years):
$500 until July 2027, then $600