Court Interpreters Program (CIP)

The Court Interpreters Program (CIP) works to ensure equal access to the courts for all persons regardless of their ability to communicate effectively in the spoken English language.

Test Schedule

To find information on test dates and locations for upcoming certified and registered court interpreter exams, visit Prometric’s Web Site or call (866) 241-3118.

CIP News

Court Interpreter Annual Renewal Fees Raised to $100 (August 22, 2008)
On August 15, 2008, the council approved a recommendation by the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel to raise and equalize the annual renewal fees for both certified and registered court interpreters. Certified and registered court interpreters will both now pay an annual fee of $100 to renew their certification or registration status. Annual renewal fees are deposited into the Court Interpreter Fund, which is used to reimburse individual courts’ interpreter costs. The annual renewal fees for certified and registered California court interpreters have not increased in 14 years.

Registration Open for October 18-19th Test Preparation Workshop (July 1, 2008)
Registered interpreters of Eastern and Western Armenian, Mandarin, and Russian are required to attend a 2-day workshop in Burbank. The purpose of this workshop is to prepare interpreters for their November oral examinations. Workshop information.

Judicial Council Establishes Required Steps for Registered Interpreters of Armenian, Mandarin, and Russian (April 25, 2008)
The council approved a recommendation by the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel that the February 1, 2009, grace period for registered interpreters of Eastern and Western Armenian, Mandarin, and Russian to become certified be modified to allow a one-year exemption (to February 1, 2010) for those interpreters who meet certain conditions. These conditions include participation in test preparation training, passing the written certification examination and sitting for the oral certification exam. More details are available on the October 18th and 19th test preparation training workshop (PDF).

Judical Council Sets Path for Changes to Interpreter Testing (April 25, 2008)
The council approved a report by the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel that recommends (1) the adoption of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) (PDF) as the essential standards for court interpreter certification and registration; (2) the approval of oral bilingual proficiency screening for candidates in designated languages and in nondesignated languages whenever possible; and (3) prioritization of the development of any new exams according to language use and need in the courts. These changes are designed to ensure uniform statewide standards and excellence of service for the growing number of court users who require court interpretation.

Trial Court Interpreters Program Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year 2006-07: Report to Legislature (PDF, 132 KB) (April 2008)
The Administrative Office of the Courts has submitted to the Legislature the annual report on expenditures for court interpreters. The Budget Act of 2006 (Stats. 2006, ch. 47-48), item 0250-101-0932 mandates this report be submitted to the Legislature.

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