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5100 Introduction
Revision Notice 26-1; Effective Oct. 5, 2026
This chapter outlines the polices and requirements and for Trilingual certification through BEI.
This certification makes sure interpreters possess the necessary proficiency to facilitate communication among English, Spanish, and sign language users in professional interpreting settings.
5200 Eligibility Requirements for Trilingual Certification
Revision Notice 26-1; Effective Oct. 5, 2026
An applicant must meet all the requirements and qualifications in TAC Section 360.405 for the Trilingual Certification.
Qualifying Certifications
Applicants must possess a BEI-approved interpreter certification demonstrating advanced proficiency in sign language interpreting.
Acceptable certifications include:
BEI Certifications
- BEI Level I
- BEI Level II
- BEI Level III
- BEI Level IV
- BEI Level V
- BEI Basic
- BEI Advanced
- BEI Master
RID Certifications
Certifications issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, including:
- Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC)
- Certificate of Interpretation (CI)
- Certificate of Transliteration (CT)
- Certificate of Interpretation/Transliteration (CI/CT)
- National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
- National Interpreter Certification (Advanced or Master)
Applicants must maintain the prerequisite certification throughout the trilingual certification process.
Trilingual Written Test
Applicants must pass the Test of Spanish Proficiency (TSP). The test makes sure applicants possess sufficient Spanish language proficiency for professional interpreting.
The TSP evaluates:
- Knowledge of formal Spanish registers
- Spanish grammar and vocabulary
- Language comprehension and usage
5300 Trilingual Performance Test
Revision Notice 26-1; Effective Oct. 5, 2026
Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements before testing.
| Certification Status | Performance Test Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Not certified | Not eligible |
| BEI Level I, Level II, Level III, Level IV, Level V, Basic, Advanced, or Master | Trilingual Advanced |
| *RID CI, CT ,or CI/CT, CSC, **NAD-RID NIC, NIC Advanced, NIC Master | Trilingual Advanced |
| BEI Level III, Level IV, Level V, Advanced, or Master, Trilingual Advanced | Trilingual Master |
| RID CSC, CI/CT, NIC Advanced, or NIC Master | Trilingual Master |
*Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
**National Association of the Deaf-Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf National Interpreter Certification
RID, NIC, or certification holders from another state who are applying for the advanced or master trilingual performance tests must submit a copy of a verification letter of their certification for verification purposes.
Applicants must pass a trilingual performance test evaluating their interpreting ability across three languages.
Performance test evaluation criteria include:
- Accuracy of interpretation between English, Spanish, and sign language
- Fluency and clarity in language delivery
- Ability to manage complex linguistic interactions
- Professional interpreting techniques and strategies
Performance tests are recorded. The recordings are assessed by trained evaluators approved by the BEI program.
5400 Trilingual Certification Issuance
Revision Notice 26-1; Effective Oct. 5, 2026
Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements and pass the trilingual performance test are issued BEI Trilingual Interpreter Certification.
Certification shows that the interpreter demonstrated the specialized skills required in interpreting among English, Spanish, and sign languages.
5500 Trilingual Certification Maintenance
Revision Notice 26-1; Effective Oct. 5, 2026
A certified trilingual interpreter must maintain all prerequisite certifications. They must satisfy the five-year recertification requirements to maintain their certification.
Within the five-year recertification period, certificate holders must get 30 hours (3.0 CEUs) about trilingual interpreting knowledge and skills. This must align with the content requirements described in 1160 Continuing Education Units for Interpreters (CEUs). This includes the continuing education requirements for the prerequisite certificate.
Refer to the BEI CEU Rubric (PDF) for guidance on the criteria for CEU submissions.
Failure to meet maintenance requirements may result in suspension or revocation of certification by BEI.