Most states divide their certification process into 3 steps:

• Attending the state Orientation

• Taking the Written English Proficiency Exam

• Taking the Oral Interpretation Exam

• Here are the recommended steps that will help you get prepared for taking your state court certification exams.

  • Step 1: Check what the process is with your state, then register to take the Orientation (if needed) and the Court Interpreter English Written Exam. Check with your state by clicking here.

  • Step 2: Take our State Written Exam Prep Course!

  • Step 3: Take an oral exam prep course. We provide two courses:

    • Self-Paced: 40 Hour Signature Court Interpreter Training

    • Live Online: Signature Court Interpreter Training - check out our Course Catalog for upcoming dates!

The only organizations that can certify medical interpreters are CCHI and NBCMI. Both organizations require a minimum 40-hour medical training to begin the certification process; our 40-hour Signature Medical Interpreter Program meets and exceeds that pre-requisite.

• Our Live Online 40-Hour Signature Medical Interpreter Program is language neutral and helps to prepare you for medical certification.

  • In this course you will learn about: the interpreter’s roles, codes of ethics and standards of practice, introduction to modes of interpretation methods and practice, medical terminology, body systems, and anatomy, as well as the medical certification process.

  • Content will be presented in a LIVE online, hands-on format, allowing participants to practice their interpreting skills, assess their progress, and discuss ethically challenging situations common to the field.

  • Participants must pass a final exam to receive a Certificate of Completion.

  • All study materials – including interpreting exercises, lesson content, resources, and references – are included in this course at no additional cost.tion text goes here

Court Interpreter:

A court interpreter works in adversarial settings, where two opposing sides —such as the defendant vs. the prosecution — are present. The interpreter’s role is crucial because the accuracy of their interpretation can directly impact the outcome of a trial or legal proceeding. Court interpreters handle situations where there is a high level of responsibility to ensure the defendant fully understands the legal process. Errors in court interpretation can lead to severe consequences, such as appeals or mistrials, so it requires great precision.

Medical Interpreter:

In contrast, a medical interpreter works in non-adversarial settings, where all parties involved — the patient and healthcare providers — are aligned with a shared goal: the health and well-being of the patient. Medical interpreters work in various scenarios, such as doctor appointments, hospital admissions, mental health consultations, and emergency room visits. In these settings, the interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication so that everyone involved can make informed decisions about the patient’s care.

Medical Interpreting Certification

Becoming a certified medical interpreter typically takes 6 to 10 months. Here's the process:

1. Written Exam (NBCMI or CCHI): You’ll need to dedicate about 2-4 months of studying for the written exam. Assuming you pass on your first attempt, you'll then move on to the oral exam.

2. Oral Exam: After passing the written exam, you’ll spend another 3-6 months training for the oral exam. Once you pass, you're fully certified.

Court Interpreting Certification

For court interpreting, the certification process can take 7 to 12 months, depending on the state. Here’s the breakdown:

1. State Written Exam: You'll spend around 3-5 months studying for the state’s written exam. Assuming you pass on your first try, you’ll then focus on preparing for the oral exam.

2. Oral Exam: Preparation for the oral exam generally takes 4-7 months. Keep in mind that the availability and scheduling of exams vary by state, which can affect your timeline.