American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI)
In 1977, the Educational Testing Services (ETS) in New Jersey started to develop an ASL assessment based on their Language Proficiency Interview (LPI) used for evaluation of spoken languages. Today, the ASLPI is used in a variety of settings to verify the level of individuals entering ASL courses. Businesses will utilize the ASLPI to evaluate job candidates and their ability to communicate with deaf people as described in the job requirements.

At UWM, the ASLPI is used as a placement test for students who have a background in using ASL. Ratings are given on a scale of zero to five (0-5). These ratings correspond with UWM ASL courses.

Who should take the ASLPI?It is intended for people who are users of ASL (beginner to advanced). Individuals who could consider taking the ASLPI might be:

• Someone who took ASL courses in high school
• Someone who has been using ASL for a considerable amount of time
• Transfer student who took ASL courses at their previous college or university
• Deaf and hard of hearing students wanting to take advanced ASL courses, but do not want to start at ASL I
• Anyone who seeks to learn how proficient they are in ASL

What happens during the interview?The ASLPI assesses proficiency, comprehension and production skills. The assessment happens during an interactive "conversation." The interviewer and candidate engage in a dialogue, which is lead by the interviewer. The interviewer ask a series of questions and the candidate is provided with the opportunity to respond using ASL. The evaluation is videotaped and later evaluated by a team of trained evaluators.

The ASLPI evaluates candidates use of ASL. It does NOT evaluate signed English, other signed systems, knowledge of deaf culture, English skills or interpreting skills.
Who rates the ASLPI?Evaluators are deaf native or native-like users of ASL who have been trained in rating purposes, procedures and in the use of the ASLPI assessment tool. Deaf native or native-like ASL users means that individual uses ASL "around the clock" as their primary language. Therefore, they provide the most realistic simulated interaction between the evaluator and the candidate. These evaluators are not trainers or educators of the candidates they rate.

What is the cost?Candidates are required to pay a $100 fee for their ASLPI evaluation. This fee should be in the form of a check payable to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or UWM.
Where is it offered?The ASLPI is offered through a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD). Both educational institutions utilize the ASLPI, thus the interview site is schedule at either campus.

UW-Milwaukee (UWM)       WSD
Enderis Hall                     Kastner Hall
2400 E. Hartford Ave.       309 W. Walworth Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211       Delvan, WI

When is it offered?It is scheduled three times per academic year in the following months:
March at UWM
August at WSD
November at UWM

How do I register for the ASLPI?Candidates can register for the ASLPI by submitting the ASLPI application and the $100 fee made payable to UW-Milwaukee.

Mail or submit your application and payment to:
Heather Ford
Advisor/Sign Lanaguge Interpreter
Exceptional Education                                                                           
Enderis Hall 697
2400 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211

If you have further questions or concerns contact Heather Ford.
UWM Equivalences

Candidates score level	UWM ASL course placement
Level 0+	ASL I
Level 1	ASL II
Level 1+	ASL III
Level 2	ASL IV
Level 2+	ASL V

Retroactive CreditsIf a candidate is placed in a level of ASL other than ASL I, the candidate is eligible for retroactive credits. After a student enrolls for the ASL course he/she is placed in, the student will need to receive a "B" or better in that course to obtain credit for any prerequisite courses (up to 12 credits).

For example, a student who is placed in ASL III and receives a "B" in the course would receive retroactive credit for ASL I and ASL II.

Receiving retroactive credit is NOT an automatic process. After knowing the grade for the course, students will need to contact Heather Ford to submit the paperwork.