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 Open for the Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE)

Registration for the Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE) remains open until June 16, 2023, for the following languages: Spanish, Eastern Armenian, Farsi (Persian), and Punjabi (India). Registration for all other certified languages is closed.  For registration details, including registration deadlines, instructions, and test center locations, please click here. 

Registration for the Written Examination and Oral Proficiency Examination (OPE) is Open Year-Round

Candidates who are interested in taking these examinations are encouraged to register. For additional information, visit our Exam Information page

Validation Period for Written Examination Scores Extended

Due to the suspension of the administration of the Written Examination as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court Interpreters Program extended the validation period for the Written Examination test scores from four (4) years to six (6) years. Candidates who have passing Written Examination scores within six years 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.

2022 Court Interpreter Renewal and Compliance Cycle Is Open

The 2022 Court Interpreter Renewal and Compliance cycle is open for all interpreters to submit their annual renewal fee and attest to completion of their professional assignments and continuing education requirements. For the first time, interpreters may pay their annual renewal fee and attest online through the interpreter portal of the Court Interpreter Data Collection System (CIDCS). 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