How to get certified: Orientation

All interpreter candidates must first complete the orientation training to begin the certification process. This training is an 18-hour introductory workshop covering the fundamentals of court interpretation. The orientation comprises lectures on ethical conduct, legal terminology, court procedure, the modes of interpreting, and small group practice exercises designed to develop interpreter skills (see sample agenda below). Our faculty consists of judges, attorneys, and certified court interpreter-trainers. The orientation is online, and it takes place for two weekends. Attendance is mandatory on all four days.

To register, please send an e-mail to interpreter.info@wicourts.gov, and you will receive a link to our registration form.

To pay for the registration fee, please go to https://www.wicourts.gov/services/payment/paymentcip.htm.

For questions regarding eligibility and availability contact our office.

Alexandra Wirth
Court Interpreter Program Manager
Office of Court Operations
110 East Main Street Suite 410
Madison, WI 53703
Ph: (608) 266-8635
Email: Interpreter.info@wicourts.gov

2025 Online Orientations (Fee: $175) —

To register send an e-mail to: interpreter.info@wicourts.gov and a link to our registration form will be sent to you.

The Wisconsin Court Interpreter Program offers two online orientation workshops per year. The workshops are offered via Zoom over two (2) consecutive weekends. To participate in the online orientation, attendees MUST have a computer with a webcam, smartphone, iPad, or tablet; Internet access; and the free Zoom app downloaded onto their device. In addition, it is recommended but not required to have headphones/earbuds with a microphone.

Spring

Location Date/Time Application & Fee Deadline Requirements
Online Mar 1, 2, 8 & 9, 2025
*Attendance is mandatory on all four days.		 Feb 20, 2025
 Sign language interpreters must hold at least a CI/CT, NIC, or CDI from RID or BEI Advanced or Master, in addition to being licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services to attend.

Fall

Location Date/Time Application & Fee Deadline Requirements
Online Sep 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2025
*Attendance is mandatory on all four days.		 Aug 28, 2025
 Sign language interpreters must hold at least a CI/CT, NIC, or CDI from RID or BEI Advanced or Master, in addition to being licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services to attend.

Note: Orientation participants with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the training must submit their request in writing to the court interpreter program at least 30 days before the start of orientation. The Court Interpreter Program will consider timely requests and advise the applicant of the accommodation that can be provided. Accommodation requests should be send to: interpreter.info@wicourts.gov.

Orientation agenda

Map of judicial administrative districts

Back to certification