Washington State Court Interpreter Program
New!
Court Interpreter Certification Process
click here to read details on changes to the testing requirements
The right to interpreters in criminal proceedings and for indigent persons is fundamental. To meet constitutional and statutory mandates, Washington courts provide interpreters and carry out a program to enhance the availability of quality interpreter services. The trial courts hire and schedule interpreters for trials and other hearings.
The Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) supports the trial courts and strives to ensure high quality interpreter services. The Court Interpreter Program oversees the testing and credentialing of certified and registered interpreters, channels state funding to trial courts for the provision of interpreter services, and provides staffing and support to the Interpreter Commission.
The strategic direction for the Interpreter Program is found in state statute and court rule:
- RCW Chapter 2.42 secures the rights of deaf and hearing impaired persons to interpreters.
- RCW Chapter 2.43 secures the rights of non-English speaking and limited English speaking persons.
- GR (General Rule) 11 establishes the Interpreter Commission and a Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters.