Sign Language Interpreters

Become a Qualified or Certified Sign Language Health Care Interpreter

Step 1

Meet all of the Requirements

Oregon Qualification and Certification for Sign Language Interpreters

English Version: Sign Language HCI Requirements

Spanish Version: Sign Language HCI Requirements

Qualified Sign Language: Checklist

Certified Sign Language: Checklist

Step 2

Complete Your Initial Application for Health Care Interpreter in the Portal

Renew Sign Language HCI credentials:

Step 1

Meet all the requirements

Oregon Qualification and Certification for Sign Language Interpreters

For first time renewing qualified Sign Language HCIs, you must complete a 60-hour OHA approved health care interpreter training program, along with 24 hours of CEUs. In the health care interpreter portal, create a new application and select certified Sign Language interpreter, not qualified interpreter. You will be listed in the registry as a certified Sign Language interpreter.

For renewing certified Sign Language HCIs, you must have completed 24 hours of CEUs. Select renewal and proceed as usual.

Renewing Qualified Sign Language: Checklist
Renewing Certified Sign Language: Checklist
CEUs spreadsheet

Step 2

Complete your renewal application in the Health Care Interpreter Portal

If you are experiencing difficulties accesing your portal account, please email us at: HCI.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Hard copy applications:

Sign Language Health Care Interpreter Application

,* (Historical Changes to HCI Application)

Health Care Interpreter Program

Equity and Inclusion Division
421 SW Oak St. Suite 750
Portland, Oregon 97204

HCI Phone Number: (971) 673-3378
Fax number is 971-673-1128.

HB 2696 Sign Language License

Limited Waiver on Enforcement Extended through June 30, 2026

The Health Licensing Office (HLO) is extending the limited waiver on enforcement through midnight June 30, 2026. This extension allows the Oregon Board of Sign Language Interpreters (Board) and Rules Advisory Committee to continue to work through the rulemaking process and draft additional rules required by SB 950 (2025). Extending the waiver also allows stakeholders time to implement rules into their business model.

Under this limited waiver, the HLO will not take disciplinary action against individuals providing sign language interpretation services without a permanent board license. The waiver applies only to the act of providing sign language interpretation without a license. The HLO can still discipline for any other rule or statute violations. Starting July 1, 2026, anyone providing sign language interpreting services in Oregon must have a permanent board license to avoid enforcement.

NOTE: The HLO issues licenses to individuals who submit a completed application, provide all required documentation, and meet the established eligibility criteria. Once an application for licensure has been submitted and a license has been issued, all fees are non-refundable. The issuance of a license constitutes completion of the application process and fulfillment of the associated service.

For more information and to stay up to date, please go to the Health Licensing Office, Board of Sign Language Interpreters link.

For the latest HLO news, you may also go to the HLO news page.

A synopsis of the framework of the bill and the developmental process for licensure requirements can be found in this informational video: November 2023 Licensure Update. For more information about the framework and process of passing the bill, as well as an ASL version of the bill visit: https://www.orid.org/oregon-licensure.