Effective July 1, 2026, the De La Mora Institute of Interpreting (DLM) serves as the official examination administrator for California’s designated certified spoken languages.
California Court Interpreter Testing and Credentialing
Language Access in the California Courts
The Judicial Council of California's Language Access Services Program strives to ensure equal access to the courts for persons with limited English proficiency or those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing by providing statewide resources for courts, justice partners, and court interpreters.
Credentialed court interpreters play an integral role by working directly with court users of limited English proficiency in one of the largest and most diverse judicial branch court systems in the nation. We welcome your interest in this rewarding profession and encourage you to explore the career path and pass the examinations.
Registrations for the 2006 Fall Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE) and the Written Examination are now open!
2026 Summer/Fall Exam Registrations
New and Returning Candidates
The 12 spoken certified spoken languages in California
If your preferred language is not listed, you can test to become a Registered Language Court Interpreter by passing the Written Exam and the Oral Proficiency Exams (OPE).
Steps for Becoming a Certified Court Interpreter in California
Ready to Enroll?
To become a California certified court interpreter, candidates must first pass the Written Examination before taking the Bilingual Interpreting Examination (BIE).
About Reciprocity
The Court Interpreters Program offers reciprocity to interpreters who have passed Consortium-developed oral interpreting examinations (equivalent to California’s BIE) administered in other member states. Only examinations that meet or exceed California’s standards and scoring requirements are accepted.
For reciprocity-related questions, please contact the Court Interpreters Program at:
CourtInterpreters@jud.ca.gov
Questions?
Get In Touch
Ph: 407-287-5313
Email: exams@delamorainstitute.com
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM PT - 3:00 PM PT
During active registration periods:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM PT - 5:00 PM PT