Learn How to Become an Illinois Certified Court Interpreter

Becoming a Certified Court Interpreter in Illinois involves several steps to ensure you meet the state's requirements for professional interpretation in legal settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

To become a Certified Court Interpreter in Illinois, you must meet the following basic requirements: ✔ Be at least 18 years old
✔ Have a high school diploma or equivalent
✔ Be authorized to work in the U.S.
✔ Have proficiency in English and the target language

Step 2: Register with the Illinois Court Interpreter Certification Program

Illinois follows the Consortium for Language Access in the Courts (CLAC) certification process, managed by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).

Visit the AOIC website and submit an application to participate in the certification process.
Pay any required fees.

Step 3: Complete the Mandatory Court Interpreter Orientation

All candidates must attend a Court Interpreter Orientation program.
This orientation covers:
📌 Ethics & professional conduct
📌 Legal terminology
📌 Court procedures
📌 The role of a court interpreter

Step 4: Pass the Written Exam

After completing orientation, you must take the Written English Proficiency Exam, which tests:
✅ English vocabulary & grammar
✅ Legal terminology
✅ Courtroom procedures
✅ Professional ethics

Passing Score: 80% to qualify for the next step.

Step 5: Take and Pass the Oral Proficiency Exam

Candidates for certification must take the Oral Court Interpreter Exam, which assesses:
🎤 Simultaneous Interpretation – Listen & interpret at the same time
🗣 Consecutive Interpretation – Listen, pause, then interpret
📄 Sight Translation – Read & translate legal documents aloud

Passing Score: Generally, a minimum of 70% in each section is required for certification.

For languages that do not have an oral exam, candidates may need to pass an alternative proficiency assessment.

Step 6: Complete a Background Check

Some jurisdictions require a criminal background check before final certification.

Step 7: Get Listed as a Certified Interpreter

Once you pass the exams and meet all requirements, you will be added to the Illinois Court Interpreter Registry, allowing courts to hire you for official proceedings.

Step 8: Maintain Certification & Continue Professional Development

To maintain certification, interpreters must:
✔ Complete continuing education credits
✔ Follow the Illinois Court Interpreter Code of Ethics
✔ Renew certification as required by the AOIC

Start Your Certification Journey with Interpretrain

Preparing thoroughly for the Illinois Court Interpreter Certification process is essential for success. At Interpretrain, we provide the structured training you need to excel in both the written and oral exams.

✅ Free Written Exam Preparation – Our complimentary training provides you the necessary resources to prepare for the Written English Proficiency Exam with confidence.

🎓 Comprehensive Oral Exam Training – Our premium programs are designed to help you effectively practice simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, and sight translation—key components of the Oral Court Interpreter Exam.

📩 Get Started Today – Visit I nterpretrain.com or contact us at info@interpretrain.com to learn more about our training programs.

For more details and upcoming testing dates, visit the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) website.