18 September 2018

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Qualified individuals interested in becoming certified court interpreters are invited to register for the first step in the certification process – an orientation program scheduled for October 20 and 21 at Webster University in Webster Groves.

The court interpreter certification program is provided by the Supreme Court of Missouri’s state courts administrator’s office for persons with a native-like mastery of English and a second language who are interested in interpreting in the courts. Other skills necessary to be successful are the ability to display a wide general knowledge, typical of what a minimum of two years of a college or university would provide, and proficiency in the three major types of court interpreting: sight, consecutive and simultaneous.

The first step in reaching certification involves a 16-hour orientation open to any person at least 18 years of age with a native-like mastery of English and a second language. The orientation includes instruction about the interpreter’s role and professional ethics, the modes of interpreting used in court, legal terminology, and court protocol.

After completing orientation, candidates may register to take the written examination, which tests the candidate’s knowledge of English proficiency, legal terms, court protocol, and ethical situations, and includes translation from English to a second language.

Candidates who pass the written examination – which requires a score of 80 percent or greater – may register to take the oral examination, which tests their skill in sight translation as well as consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. A candidate must pass each portion of this three-part exam with a score of 70 percent or greater to receive certification. Once an interpreter is certified, he or she becomes an independent contractor. Contractors’ contact information is provided to the courts for use on an as-needed basis.

The Missouri Courts website offers additional information about the court interpreter program.

To register for the October orientation program, candidates must submit a completed application, signed authorization for a background check, and payment of the $260 program fee no later than Thursday, September 27. For more information or to obtain the registration materials, please contact Access to Justice Program Analyst Lynette Ricks by e-mail at lynette.ricks@courts.mo.gov or by calling (573) 526-8356.