For Interpreters

State Court Interpreter Training

Gain the necessary skills to take and pass the court interpreter certification exam in any state.

For Interpreters

State Court Interpreting Certification Pathway: Fully Online On-Demand Courses

Your step-by-step training to become a Certified State Court Interpreter!

This 9-month*, fully online program gives you the legal terminology, interpreting skills, and exam readiness needed to work as a State Court Interpreter in any state. Courses are on-demand and self-paced, include live online assessments, and offer 24/7 access to our Online Interpreting Laboratory. *Each course is designed to be completed in 90 days, but students may finish courses earlier or get extensions for more time.

To earn your Certificate of Completion in the Court Interpreter Program, complete Interpreting in Criminal Proceedings I, Interpreting in Criminal Proceedings II, and Sight Translation for Court Interpreters with a 70% or higher.

Recommended Course Sequence

To Build Skills in the Right Pathway, Follow This Order:

Interpreting Criminal Proceedings I

Interpreting Criminal Proceedings II

Sight Translation for Court Interpreters

State Court Interpreter Exam Preparation

Each course builds on the previous one, increasing your accuracy, speed, terminology mastery, and exam performance.

Course Descriptions

01

Interpreting Criminal Proceedings I

Cost: $595.00

Pre-requisite: High-school–level writing skills in English and Spanish.

Duration: 27 instructional hours + 1 live assessment.

Lab Access: Unlimited 24/7 access included.

What you'll learn: This foundational course introduces essential criminal court terminology and key proceedings including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, preliminary hearings, and trials.

You will study:

  • Criminal Court Terminology
  • Legal and Non-Legal False Cognates
  • Colloquialisms and Slang
  • Register and Transfer of Meaning
  • Consecutive Interpreting Up to 40 Terms Per Segment
  • Simultaneous Interpreting Up to 140 Words Per Minute


Assessments & Practice

  • One Live Assessment Via Zoom With a Certified Evaluator
  • Detailed Written Performance Report
  • Tips and Daily Practice Recommendations (1–1.5 Hours/Day)


Outcome: Students completing this course will be close to state-required levels in consecutive interpreting and above state-required levels in simultaneous interpreting.

Interpreting Criminal Proceedings II

Cost: $595.00

02

Pre-requisite: Passing Criminal Proceedings I (70% or higher).

Duration: 27 instructional hours + 1 live assessment.

Lab Access: Unlimited 24/7 access included.

What you'll learn:
A continuation of Criminal I, this course expands your knowledge to include:

  • All major criminal court proceedings
  • Spanish translations of commonly used forms, including:
  • ○
    Misdemeanor plea forms
  • ○
    Misdemeanor sentencing forms
  • ○
    Probation/sentencing memoranda
  • ○
    Felony plea forms
  • Proceedings such as:
  • ○
    Change of plea
  • ○
    Probation violations
  • ○
    Progress reports
  • ○
    Readiness conferences
  • ○
    Time waivers
  • Juvenile and family law terminology
  • Specialized vocabulary in: drugs, fingerprints, gang terminology, weapons, and jury instructions
  • Consecutive interpreting up to 90 terms per segment
  • Simultaneous interpreting up to 200 words per minute


Assessments & Practice

  • One live assessment via Zoom
  • Detailed evaluator report
  • Unlimited lab access
  • A.I. powered evaluations and immediate feedback

Outcome: Students who complete this course exceed state-required levels in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.

03

Sight Translation for Court Interpreters

Cost: $595.00

Pre-requisite: Passing Criminal Proceedings II (70% or higher)

Duration: 27 instructional hours + 1 live assessment

Lab Access: Unlimited 24/7 access included

What you'll learn:
Develop essential sight translation skills in both English into Spanish and Spanish into English. This course covers:

  • Translation principles: localization, re-structuring, stability, interference reduction
  • Sight translation of documents such as:
  • ○
    Police reports
  • ○
    Probation reports
  • ○
    Custody and family law documents
  • ○
    Birth and death certificates
  • ○
    Court orders
  • ○
    Sworn statements
  • ○
    Original documents from Mexico and Central America


Assessments & Practice

  • One live assessment via Zoom
  • Detailed written report
  • Unlimited lab access
  • A.I. powered evaluations and immediate feedback


Outcome: Builds essential skills for the State Court Interpreter Exam and prepares you for advanced interpreting scenarios.

Once all courses are completed with a 70% or higher, students can proceed to the State Court Interpreter Preparation Course.

Want to learn more? Sign up for an upcoming orientation session.

You can also start with the Principles of Interpreting course and get an overview of the profession, core skills, and legal/medical certification options.

State Court Interpreter Oral Exam Preparation Course

Cost: $698.00

04

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of the State Court Interpreting Core Program, with a 70% or higher in each course. This course is not open to students from other programs.

This 27-hour online course focuses on mock examinations that mirror the format, pace, and difficulty of the State Court Interpreter Oral Exam. Each lecture includes targeted practice in all exam components, ensuring you build the precision and confidence needed for high-stakes interpreting.

You will train in the three modes tested on the state exam:

Consecutive Interpreting
Practice segments ranging from 1 to 90 terms, designed to improve memory, delivery, and accuracy.

Simultaneous Interpreting
Simulated proceedings delivered at 120 to 200 words per minute, preparing you for real exam conditions.

Sight Translation
Exam-aligned practice in English and Spanish sight translation of legal and court documents.

Throughout the course, you will also learn exam-taking strategies, performance pacing techniques, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Learn More

Sign up for our next Orientation and Live Q&A

Get more information and ask questions before deciding your next career path.
Orientation

Ready to Start Your New Future?

Take the first step toward a rewarding and respected career as a certified interpreter. With over 30 years of proven excellence, the Southern California School of Interpretation has helped thousands turn their bilingual talent into professional success. Our online programs bring expert instruction, real-world practice, and cutting-edge technology straight to you. No matter where you are, your path to certification starts here.

Begin your journey today!

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