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 Open Only for the Spanish Language Bilingual Interpreting Examination

Registration for a limited administration of the Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE) is now open for all interested Spanish language candidates. The BIE will be administered through October 19, 2021 on numerous days at various test locations in northern and southern California. Registration for a limited number of test seats is open to Spanish language candidates only on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for the BIE in other certified languages is not available in 2021. For additional information, please visit our Exam Information page.

Gradual Resumption of the Written Examination and Oral Proficiency Examination (OPE)

The Written Examination and OPE administrations will gradually resume in the summer of 2021.

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. For additional information, please visit our Exam Information 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