TX HHS Form 3909. Interpreter Performance Test Application

Form 3909 is an application used by individuals seeking to take performance tests for interpreter certification through the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) program, administered by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS). It allows applicants to apply for various levels of interpreter certification tests focused on skills for deaf and hard of hearing communication.

Purpose of the Form

The primary purpose of Form 3909 is to facilitate the application process for BEI interpreter performance tests. These tests evaluate an individual's interpreting skills in American Sign Language (ASL), Signing Exact English (SEE), Morphemic Sign System (MSS), oral interpreting, and intermediary levels for deaf interpreters. The form collects personal information, educational background, certification history, and criminal background details to determine eligibility and process the application. DHHS uses the provided information to obtain criminal records checks, ensuring applicants meet ethical and professional standards. Processing typically takes 30 days, after which applicants are contacted via email for scheduling.

Who Uses the Form and When It Is Needed

This form is used by aspiring or current interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing, including noncertified individuals, those with existing BEI certifications seeking higher levels, deaf interpreters, oral deaf applicants, and participants in interpreter training programs (ITPs). It is required when applying for any BEI performance test, such as after passing the prerequisite Test of English Proficiency (TEP) or for advanced certifications. Situations where the form is needed include initial certification attempts, upgrading existing certifications, or specialized tests like intermediary or oral certificates. Former military members may also use it to access additional benefits through the Texas Veterans Portal. Applicants must submit it before taking tests, especially if they lack prior certification or need to meet educational requirements.

Sections and Data Requested

The form is divided into several sections to gather comprehensive applicant details and ensure compliance with certification prerequisites.

• Applicant Information: Requires full name, date of birth, previous names, full address (including city, state, ZIP code, and county), home/work phone number, email address, optional cell phone number, and video phone number. This section establishes basic contact and identification details for processing and communication.
• Qualifying Questions: A series of yes/no questions with follow-up details:
  • Whether the applicant has taken another BEI test in another state, including state, test level, date, and results.
  • Whether they have passed the Test of English Proficiency (TEP), with the date if yes; if no, they must first complete Form 3908.
  • Any convictions, with the conviction date if yes.
  • Any prior disciplinary actions, suspensions, revocations, or denials of interpreter certification or license, with the date if yes.
  • Enrollment in an interpreter training program (ITP), including college name and dates of enrollment.
  • Graduation from an ITP, including college name, dates of enrollment, and graduation date.
  • Earning an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours, requiring an attached official college transcript if yes; if no, the applicant is ineligible unless certified.
  • Current BEI interpreter certification, exempting the applicant from education requirements and requiring a copy of the valid certificate card.
• Performance Tests: Applicants select from various test levels, each with eligibility criteria and fees:
  • Basic ($145): For noncertified applicants starting out or those certified at BEI Levels I–II, SEE, or MSS.
  • Advanced ($170): For those certified at BEI Levels I–III or Basic.
  • Master ($195): For those certified at BEI Levels III–V or Advanced.
  • Level III Intermediary ($50): For noncertified deaf applicants.
  • Level V Intermediary ($50): For those certified at BEI Level III Intermediary.
  • Signing Exact English (SEE) ($85): For noncertified or any certified BEI interpreters.
  • Oral Certificate—Basic ($85): For noncertified or any certified BEI interpreters.
  • Oral Certificate—Comprehensive ($105): For those certified as OC:B.
  • Oral Certificate—Visible ($50): For noncertified oral deaf applicants.
  • Morphemic Sign System (MSS) ($85): For noncertified or any certified BEI interpreters.

  Applicants must enclose the appropriate non-refundable fee.

• Preferred Testing Dates: Applicants provide first and second date preferences from the online schedule at https://bei.hhsc.state.tx.us/PublicTestSchedule/Index. Slots are first-come, first-served, with rollover to the next session if full.
• Fee and Submittal Instructions: Outlines steps: complete and sign the form, enclose payment (check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to HHS DHHS), mail with a copy of valid photo ID, official sealed college transcript (if applicable and not on file), and certificate copy (if certified). Mail to HHS, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, P.O. Box 12306, Austin, Texas 78711. Allow 30 days for processing; contact via primary email.
• Important Information for Former Military Services Members: Notes eligibility for additional benefits via the Texas Veterans Portal at https://veterans.portal.texas.gov.
• Code of Professional Conduct: Lists seven tenets applicants must agree to abide by, covering confidentiality, skills, conduct, respect, ethical practices, and professional development. Refers to the full version from HHS DHHS or Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) website.
• Accommodation Request: Asks if the applicant has a disability requiring accommodation (yes/no). If yes, requires submitting a Reasonable Modification Request form with documentation, referencing Chapter 1 of BEI policies.
• Signature: Applicant attests to accuracy, agrees to the Code of Professional Conduct, and understands potential certificate actions. Includes date and signature; the form is incomplete without it.

Requirements and Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific prerequisites, such as passing the TEP for most tests, providing educational proof (associate degree or 60 credit hours, unless certified), and disclosing criminal or disciplinary history. Noncertified applicants often start at basic levels, while certified ones can apply for advanced tiers. Deaf applicants qualify for intermediary tests, and oral deaf for visible oral certificates. Fees are non-refundable, and payments must be in specified forms. Transcripts must be official and sealed if required. The form emphasizes ethical standards via the Code of Professional Conduct. Accommodations for disabilities are available with proper requests. Incomplete applications or missing documents delay processing.

Key Form Details

• Form Name: Interpreter Performance Test Application
• Form Number: 3909
• Organization: Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS)
• Edition Date: May 2017-E