Frequently Asked Questions*

• Q. What knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) are needed to become a certified court interpreter?
  A. The following are some of the KSA’s needed: Mastery of both English and the foreign language in general and legal terminology; public speaking ; consecutive and simultaneous interpretation; sight translation.
• Q. My friend/family member needs an interpreter for their next court hearing, what should I do?
  A. Well in advance, please contact your local courthouse or Elected Clerk of the district Court to make your request.
• Q. After I take the written or oral exam, how long before I receive the results?
  A. Oral or written exam results are sent to the candidate by mail, 4-6 weeks after the exam date.
• Q. How long does it take to become a certified court interpreter?
  A. The Idaho training for certification cycle is 9 months in length. An interpreter is considered certified only when they have passed the written and oral exams.
• Q. How much does it cost to become a certified court interpreter?
  A. The current state sponsored training and exam costs are found on the registration forms and at isc.idaho.gov/court-interpreter/certification-training [1].
• Q. I need a legal document translated. Who do I contact?
  A. Using the Idaho Supreme Court rosters, you can contact certified court interpreters for the language in question or search for a translator using a reputable source e.g. ATA or NAJIT
• Q. Is there an interpreter certification process for American Sign Language?
  A. Since January 2016, the SC: L legal interpreter certification for American Sign Language interpreters has been under moratorium.
• Q. Is certification by reciprocity available in Idaho?
  A. Yes. Follow the normal application process and include:
  > Proof of attendance for a court interpreter orientation & ethics training/workshop.
  > Proof of passing the written screening examination. (Minimum passing score: 80%)
  > Proof of court interpreter certification (passing all three sections of the exam with a minimum of 70 percent).
  > Proof of actively interpreting during the last 12 months.

*As of July 1, 2020, all information was accurate.

Reference Material Links

• ACEBO Recommended Reference List [2]
• NCSC Oral Exam Practice Materials [3]
   

Helpful Links

• ACEBO [4]
• American Translators Association [5]
• NCSC Interpreter Resources [6]
• Federal Court Interpreting Certification Program [7]
• Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [8]
• National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators [9]
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf [10]