State of Texas Requirements

Licensure: No

Registration: No

Regulation: No

Registration required.

Licensure Information

There are no current licensing nor certification requirements on the law books in Texas as of now (however there are statutes regarding interpreters in court proceedings). There is a Texas Education Agency Rule that requires “interpreters” in educational settings to be certified. The Health and Human Services Offices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services administer the BEI Certification Exam. Interpreters in Texas (and other states) can sit for the Test of English Proficiency Prerequisite, and upon passing can sit for the Performance Exam.

An interpreter who holds the BEI Certification Credential will be listed on the BEI Registry maintained by DHHS and can opt-out of posting their contact information.

BEI Certification is renewed every year, and CEUs are due at the 5-year ReCertification Cycle.
Annual maintenance fee: $50

Additional Information

The Health and Human Services Offices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services administer the BEI Certification Exam. Interpreters in Texas (and other states) can sit for the Test of English Proficiency Prerequisite, and upon passing can sit for the Performance Exam.

Number of Commission Members: 9

Term limits: Staggered, six-year terms Members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate:

• Three (3) members of the commission must be persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Two (2) must be parents of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Two (2) must be professionals serving persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Two (2) must be persons from the general public.

A majority of the members shall be deaf.

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