Court Interpreters Program - court

Court Interpreters Program; banner with image of people saying 'hello' to each other in different languages

The Court Interpreters Program strives to ensure access to the courts for persons with limited English proficiency or those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, by developing programs and practices that enhance the quality of interpretation and increase the availability of qualified interpreters in the courts.

Of Current Interest

Registration Now Closed for the Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE)

Registration is now closed for the 2022 administration of the BIE. The administration of the BIE is anticipated to continue in 2023. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our Exam Information page.

Registration Open for the Written Examination and the Oral Proficiency Examination (OPE)

Registration is open for the Written Examination and the Oral Proficiency Examination (OPE). Candidates who are interested in taking these examinations are encouraged to register. Exam Information page.

Validation Period for Written Examination Scores Temporarily Extended

Due to the 2020 suspension of the administration of the Written Examination as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court Interpreters Program temporarily extended the validation period for Written Examination test scores from four (4) years to six (6) years effective 2021. Candidates who have passing Written Examination scores within six (6) years of 2021 are now eligible to take the BIE in their target language when it is available.

Candidates who took the BIE four (4) times and did not pass are still required to retake the Written Examination.

2021 Court Interpreter Renewal and Compliance Period Now Open

The 2021 Court Interpreter Renewal and Compliance Period is now open for all interpreters to submit their annual renewal fee and compliance attestation. For additional information, please visit our Annual Renewal and Compliance page.

Revised Payment Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters

The revised Payment Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters will become effective July 1, 2021. Updates to the policies include an increase to the daily compensation rates, standardized travel reimbursement rates in accordance with the Judicial Council Financial Policies and Procedures Manual, and other changes. An optional Independent Contractor Interpreter - Payment Rate Authorization Form is also available to assist courts in documenting efforts to locate available independent contractor interpreters.

Guidance for LEP Court Users During COVID-19

A handout, “You and Your Court Interpreter: Staying Safe During COVID-19,” offers suggestions to ensure the safety of interpreters and LEP court users.
Translations: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese

Stay Updated

If you would like to receive Court Interpreters Program updates, exam news, and resources, please e-mail us at courtinterpreters@jud.ca.gov.