Learn How to Become a California Court Interpreter

Becoming a court interpreter in California involves meeting specific requirements based on the language you wish to interpret. Here’s a snapshot of the process:

1. Understand the Two Categories of Court Interpreters

  • Certified Court Interpreters: Required for the following 12 languages:
    • Arabic
    • Armenian (Eastern)
    • Cantonese
    • Farsi (Persian)
    • Filipino (Tagalog)
    • Korean
    • Mandarin
    • Portuguese
    • Punjabi (India)
    • Russian
    • Spanish
    • Vietnamese
  • Registered Court Interpreters: For languages not on the certified list, candidates follow a different process that includes passing oral proficiency exams. Go here for more info on this process 

2. Pass the Written Examination

  • Content: Tests English proficiency, legal terminology, and ethics.
  • Passing Score: 80% or higher.
  • Fee: Approximately $145.
  • Availability: Year-round, by appointment.
  • Registration: Go to Prometric Testing Center
  • Test Preparation: Our free training is available here. 

3. Pass the Bilingual Interpreting Exam (For Certified Languages)

  • Content: Assesses skills in three interpreting modes: sight translation, consecutive, and simultaneous.
  • Structure: Four-part oral exam.
  • Passing Score: 70% or higher in each section.
  • Fee: Approximately $376.
  • Availability: Registration varies; check Prometric for updates
  • Registration: Go to  Prometric Testing Center
  • Test Preparation: Our premium training is available here.

4. Complete Enrollment with the Judicial Council

  • After passing the required exams, apply to become a certified or registered court interpreter.
  • Benefits: You will be added to the Master List of Certified and Registered Court Interpreters and receive an official ID badge.

Court interpreters play a vital role in ensuring language access in California’s judicial system. For more information, go their info page here. 

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