Wisconsin Court System - Court services - For interpreters

How to get certified: Orientation

1
Orientation
2
Written examination
3
Oral examination
4
Other requirements

To begin the certification process all interpreter candidates must first complete orientation training. This training is an 18-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. Orientation is offered either in-person or online. In 2022, both orientation trainings will be held online over the course of two weekends. Attendance is mandatory on all 4 days.

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.

Individuals should contact our office to determine eligibility and availability.

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

2021 Online orientations (Fee: $150)

Due to the public health emergency for the State of Wisconsin in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, orientations will be held online using a combination of Zoom webinars and meetings over two (2) consecutive weekends. 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.

Spring

Location	Date/Time	Application & Fee Deadline	Requirements
Online	Apr 10 & 11; 8:30AM-1:00PM	Mar 27	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.
Online	Apr 17 & 18; 8:30AM-12:45PM

Fall

Location	Date/Time	Application & Fee Deadline	Requirements
Online	Sep 18 & 19; 8:30AM-1:00PM	Sep 2	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.
Online	Sep 25 & 26; 8:30AM-1:00PM

2022 Online orientations (Fee: $150)

Spring

Location	Date/Time	Application & Fee Deadline	Requirements
Online	Mar 5, 6, 12, & 13; 8:30AM-1:00PM	Feb 17	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. *Attendance is mandatory on all four days.

Fall

Location	Date/Time	Application & Fee Deadline	Requirements
Online	Sep 10, 11, 17, & 18; 8:30AM-1:00PM	Sep 1	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. *Attendance is mandatory on all four days.