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 is Now Open for the Written and Oral Proficiency Examinations

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

Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE) – Registration Remains Closed

The Court Interpreters Program anticipates resuming administration of the BIE in the summer of 2023. Candidates interested in taking the BIE are encouraged to frequently visit our Exam Information page for future updates concerning registration, test dates, and other information.

Validation Period for Written Examination Scores Temporarily Extended 

Due to the 2020 suspension of the administration of the Written Examination as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court Interpreters Program temporarily extended the validation period for Written Examination test scores from four (4) years to six (6) years effective 2021. Candidates who have passing Written Examination scores within six (6) years of 2021 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