Testing and certification process

The certification process for the Wisconsin courts includes the following requirements:

• Attend an orientation training offered by the court
• Pass a written examination covering English proficiency, ethics, legal terminology and procedure, and translation
• Pass the oral certification exam designed by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification
• Sign an oath to abide by the code of ethics for court interpreters and be subject to discipline from the Director of State Courts office (see Wisconsin Court Interpreter Program - Disciplinary Policy and Complaint Procedure)
• Meet character and fitness requirements (including a criminal background check)
• Keep a current address on file

The written exam is in English and consists of a two-part multiple-choice test with a written translation exercise. The multiple-choice portion is comprised of 135 questions covering General Language proficiency (Part I) and Court related Terms and Usage and Ethics/Professional Conduct (Part II). It is available to interpreters who have attended the orientation program.

The oral exam is a performance test that measures on-the-job interpreting skills in a legal setting. This test is also known as the certification exam. Wisconsin offers the oral test three times a year.  The oral exam is open to interpreters who have passed either the multiple-choice test or the written translation exercise or both.

Interpreters may also become certified through reciprocity for exams given by other recognized certifying bodies. Wisconsin grants reciprocity to four other certifications:

• Certifications from other state courts based on NCSC consortium exams
• The federal court certification exam
• The RID legal specialist certificate
• NAJIT examination

Please contact the program manager if you think you may qualify for reciprocity.

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