Melanie Page

I did it! I received the wonderful news that I passed the BEI I exam in Michigan with almost every category marked “exceeds expectations.” I’m proud of all the work I’ve put in and the results of my accomplishments — now on paper — feel great! The real goal is to improve my skills such that I build trust with my consumers and have the knowledge and ability to interpret effectively in the assignments that I accept.

For the next step, I’m wondering if I continue down the BEI path and sign up for the second test, or if I should take the NIC written and give myself a couple of years before taking the performance test. I’d rather do the BEI II, to be honest — I like how the certification has levels rather than YES/NO, PASS/FAIL — but in Indiana, where we have no legal requirements for interpreters unless we work for the government, neither the government jobs nor interpreting agencies recognize the BEI. That’s very strange! No requirements, but accepts one kind of certification? Hmmm….

Michigan thrives on the BEI, as do the other surrounding states, including Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin. In fact, when I did my internship in Missouri, I never met an interpreter who was NIC certified. Everyone had the BEI, as was the preference there.

Either way, my plan is to continue growing and learning, practicing and improving. If you look at my list of CEU certificates, you can see that I’m pretty often out there studying new topics. The most recent was a dental workshop presented by Deaf dentist Michael Korleski. SO COOL, and such an honor to learn from him.