Court Interpreters Program (CIP)

CIP 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.

Latest News

Sacramento radio KFBK interviews with Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Part I and Part II:



Report: Video Remote Interpreting Effective for Court Users with Limited English Skills
Council approves recommendations for video remote interpreting, and established a VRI program for the judicial branch. Learn more in the Calfornia Courts Newsroom. 
 

Exam Information

Bilingual Interpreting Exams:
Exams are administered two times per calendar year.  The next Bilingual Interpreting Exams will be offered in September 17-19, 2019 at testing locations across California. For more information regarding the upcoming exams and to register visit the Prometric website Bilingual Interpreting Exam section.

Candidates preparing for the September 17-19, 2019 Oral Bilingual Interpreting Exam should view the video collection “What to Expect on Exam Day.”  Visit the Prometric website for exam details.

For more information, visit the Exam Information page.

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Becoming an Interpreter

Interested in becoming a court interpreter? As a court interpreter, you will play a key role in our trial courts by interpreting for defendants, litigants and witnesses, thereby helping to insure access to justice for thousands of Californians with limited English proficiency. Find more information and resources on how you can become a court interpreter.

Search for an Interpreter

Looking for a certified or registered court interpreter? You can find interpreters here.

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Resources

Prospective Interpreters
Resources for exploring the court interpreting profession and preparing to enter the profession

Current Interpreters
Resources for current court interpreters

Education Providers
Resources for trainers of interpreters

Reports

Court Interpreter Program Related Studies and Reports
The Court Interpreters Program has commissioned various studies and produced reports related to testing and the use of interpreters.

Some of the reports produced or sponsored by CIP include:

  • 2015 Language Need and Interpreter Use Study: Report to the Legislature
  • Trial Court Interpreters Expenditure Report for FY 2016-2017
  • Recommended Guidelines for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for ASL-Interpreted Events
  • California's Assessment of the Consortium for Language Access in the Courts' Exams
  • Study of Court Interpreter Services in Civil Cases in California

View all CIP sponsored reports »

About

Interested in the purpose and function of the Court Interpreters Program or the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel? This section contains background information on the program and the panel. It also answers common questions.

Information related to the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel and the Court Interpreter Program

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