How to Apply for the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program

California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program - Detailed Information

Applications are now being accepted until April 21st. Apply here.

The California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program is an initiative by the Judicial Council of California designed to address interpreter shortages in state courts by reimbursing participants for training costs, examination fees, and providing a pathway to employment as a court interpreter. Below is a detailed breakdown of the program. For more details, please visit the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program Homepage

1. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the program, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

✅ Language Proficiency:

Must be bilingual in one of the certified or registered languages needed by the California courts.
Certified languages include: Arabic, Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
Registered languages include other languages not listed under certification but still required by courts.

✅ Residency and Work Authorization:

Must be a California resident.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

✅ Age Requirement:

Must be at least 18 years old.

✅ Background Check:

Must pass a background check before final acceptance into the program.

✅ Commitment Agreement:

Must sign a contract agreeing to work for a designated court for at least three years after successfully passing the certification exams and meeting employment requirements.

2. Ideal/Most Qualified Applicants

While all eligible candidates can apply, priority may be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:

✔ High Proficiency in a Court-Certified Language

Fluency in high-demand languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Russian may increase chances of acceptance.

✔ Prior Language or Legal Experience

Experience in legal translation, interpretation, or linguistics.
Work in immigration, legal aid, or social services is beneficial.

✔ Strong English Skills

Court interpretation requires a high level of English fluency along with proficiency in the non-English language.

✔ Ability to Work in California Courts

Willingness to relocate or work in courts with high demand (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or Central Valley regions).

✔ Commitment to a Court Interpreter Career

Candidates who intend to become long-term court interpreters will be prioritized.

3. Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

1️⃣ Prepare Before Applying

Verify eligibility and review program requirements.
Familiarize yourself with court interpreter roles and expectations.
If necessary, improve bilingual proficiency through self-study or courses.

2️⃣ Submit the Application (Once Available)

The application link will be posted on the Judicial Council's Language Access website:
California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program
Fill out the online application completely and accurately.
Submit any required documents (e.g., proof of residency, work authorization).

3️⃣ Application Review and Acceptance Notification

Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted.
If selected, applicants will undergo a background check.

4️⃣ Begin Training and Certification Process

Once admitted, participants will receive training reimbursement for:
- Recommend court interpretation training programs
- Exam preparation courses. (
- Certification and registration exam fees.

Check out Interpretrain, a recommend court interpreter training company for free and paid resources to help you prepare for your exams

5️⃣ Pass the Certification/Registration Exams

Participants must successfully pass the oral and written interpreter certification exams.
Upon passing, they will be enrolled with the Judicial Council as official court interpreters.

6️⃣ Employment in a California Court

Participants must work in a designated court for at least three years.

4. Benefits of the Program

✔ Training Cost Reimbursement – Covers interpreter training, exam prep, and testing fees.
✔ Guaranteed Employment – Provides a direct pathway to a stable, well-paying job.
✔ Job Security – Court interpreters are in high demand, offering long-term career stability.
✔ Competitive Salaries & Benefits – Court interpreters in California earn $70,000 - $110,000+ annually, with full benefits and pension options.
✔ Impactful Career – Help non-English speakers access justice in California courts.

5. Next Steps & Where to Apply

1️⃣ Visit the Program Page:
🔗 California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program

2️⃣ Sign Up for Updates:
📧 Email LAS-Pilot@jud.ca.gov for notifications about application openings.

3️⃣ Prepare for the Next Cohort:
📅 Application anticipated to open March 17, 2025 (date subject to change).

Training Opportunities:

To enhance your interpreting skills, consider enrolling in Interpretrain (www.interpretrain.com). This online school provides specialized training for court interpreters, covering free written exam training, note-taking techniques, ethics, legal terminology, and interpreting practices in 3 different modes. Their courses and practice materials help candidates prepare for certification exams and improve real-world interpreting proficiency. They offer free interpreter training resources, as well.