How to get certified: Two-day orientation

  • 1
    Two-day orientation
  • 2
    Written examination
  • 3
    Oral examination
  • 4
    Other requirements

To begin the certification process all interpreter candidates must first complete orientation training. This two-day training is a 14-hour introductory workshop covering the fundamentals of court interpretation. It is designed to give participants an overview of the needs and expectations of the court with lectures on ethical conduct, legal terminology, court procedure, and modes of interpreting, along with small group practice exercises designed to develop interpreter skills (see sample agenda below). Our faculty consists of judges, attorneys, and certified court interpreter-trainers.

Interested candidates should submit a completed application form along with the fee to the Court Interpreter Program (CIP) by the corresponding deadline. Upon receipt of the application and payment, the CIP will send a confirmation notice to the applicant. Limited scholarships for speakers of certain non-Spanish languages are available in 2020. Individuals should contact our office to determine eligibility and availability.

Office of Court Operations
110 East Main Street Suite 410
Madison, WI 53703
Ph: (608) 266-8635

2020 online orientation (Reduced fee: $140)

Due to the public health emergency for the State of Wisconsin in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the orientation that was scheduled to be conducted in-person will now be held online using a combination of Zoom webinars and meetings over two (2) consecutive weekends. For this online orientation only the fee has been reduced to $140. To participate in the online orientation, attendees MUST have a computer with a webcam, smart phone, iPad, or tablet; Internet access; and the free Zoom app downloaded onto their device. It is recommended but not required to have headphones/earbuds with a microphone as well.
Location Date Application & Fee Deadline Requirements
Pewaukee* Apr 4 & 5 (canceled) Mar 23 Sign language interpreters must hold at least a CI/CT or NIC from RID or BEI Advanced or Master, in addition to being licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services to attend.
Wisconsin Rapids Jun 6 & 7 (canceled) May 26
Madison Sep 19 & Sep 20 AND Sep 26 & Sep 27 in the mornings Sep 14

2020 fall orientation (virtual) application Adobe PDF

Sample orientation agenda Adobe PDF

Map of judicial administrative districts

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