How to Become a Court Licensed Interpreter

Contact your state courts to find its interpreter requirements.

Court interpreters are highly-trained individuals who provide interpretation services in different legal settings. According to the National Center for State Courts, court interpreters must "preserve the tone and level of language of the speaker, and neither change nor add anything to what is said." Court interpreters pass state court or federal court certification exams. Interpreters must gain plenty of professional practice, as well as know the ins-and-outs of legal proceedings and terminology in order to succeed as a licensed court interpreter.

Instructions

1. Become fluent in the languages in which you wish to interpret. Focus on learning technical terms and legal vocabulary.

2. Complete a legal interpreter training course in the languages you wish to interpret. You will learn the techniques and ethics, and it will prepare you for certification exams. Interpreter associations, interpretation schools, colleges and even some medical organizations offer language interpretation programs.

3. Become a certified interpreter through an organization, such as the American Translators Association or the National Association for Interpretation. Each organization has its own requirements for certification, including experience and background. You will also have to take a certification exam. Certification adds credence to your resume when you apply for court interpreting positions.

4. Volunteer or intern as an interpreter in community legal groups to gain experience interpreting in a legal setting. This is not necessary, but it helps to familiarize you with legal terminology, proceedings and working with those who need interpretation services.

5. Take the court interpreting course and exam offered by your state's judiciary branch. Each state has its own requirements for interpreters. Take a federal court interpreting exam if you wish to interpret for federal courts. Exams have been approved for Navajo, Spanish, and Hatian-Creole as of August 2010. However, interpreters are hired who speak other languages as well.

References

• National Center for State Courts: Court Interpreting Qualifications
• Degree Directory: Court Interpreter: How to Become a Court Interpreter in 5 Steps
• United States Courts: Three Categories of Interpreters

Resources

• HG.org: Directory of Court Interpreters Certification Programs
• The American Association of Language Specialists
• American Translators Association: Certification
• National Association for Interpretation: Certification Program at a Glance
• National Association for Interpretation: Calendar of Training Workshops