Court Interpreters Program

Court Interpreters Program

Court Interpreters Program

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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 2021 limited administration of the BIE. For interpreting testing information, including updates, please 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) after being suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Candidates who have been waiting to take these examinations, are encouraged to register now. For additional information, please visit our Exam Information page. 

Validation Period for Written Examination Scores Temporarily Extended 

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

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