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

2023 Court Interpreter Renewal and Compliance Cycle Is Open

The 2023 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. 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.

Registration Is Now Closed for the Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE)

Registration is closed for the 2023 administration of the BIE. Registration for the BIE will not reopen until 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to frequently visit this page for the latest interpreter exam updates.

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.

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