Court Interpreter Written Exam

Overview

The court interpreter written exam is the first step in becoming a certified or registered court interpreter. The exam tests for English language proficiency, court-related terms and usage, and ethics and professional conduct. For more details:

• Review the Written Exam Overview to better understand what is on the exam and see if you are prepared for it
• Review our Becoming a Court Interpreter webpage to understand the process of becoming credentialed.

Registration

The registration for the written exam has two parts:

• Part 1: Fill Out the Candidate Information Form
• Part 2: Schedule your Exam

After filling out the Candidate Information Form, you will be emailed a link to schedule your exam. We recommend completing both parts in the same sitting. To begin your registration follow this link: Written Exam Registration Part 1

Before registering, please review the Written Exam Overview.

Changes to the Written Exam

The written is now available as a computer-based exam offered year-round at testing centers across the state. This replaces the paper-based exam that was given only once per year at just two locations.

Eligibility

There are no prerequisites to take the Written Exam. Test candidates must wait at least 6 months to re-take the exam. The results from candidates who pass the exam are valid for 6 years.

Preparation

• You can find a number of links and references that will help you prepare for the exam on the Written Exam Overview.
• Review this short Mock Exam.
• Oregon's Court Language Access Service's Written Exam Prep Video. This video gives thorough overview of what to expect on the exam
• Review the Washington State Code Of Professional Responsibility For Judiciary Interpreters
• Online courses: You can find online courses available through independent educational providers. One that we recommend is through De La Mora Training: English Written Exam Prep and Intro To Court Interpretation

General Information about Court Interpreting

Fundamentals of Language Access Module from New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts
Training modules giving an overview of interpreting in state courts and language access services.

National Center for State Courts
The National Center for State Courts created and maintains the oral and written exams.

National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
A national organization of interpreters and translators working in the legal field. They provide a number of resources that are useful for court interpreters.

Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society (NOTIS)
A national organizations of interpreters and translators working in the legal, medical and other fields. They provide and link to a number resources, including classes.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Court Interpreting
This video of a Holly Mikkelson presentation covering many topics in court interpreting.