Interpreter Certification

All interpreters currently working and those who would like to work with the Pennsylvania courts and in administrative hearings held by state and local agencies must register and become qualified through the certification program.

Interpreters may obtain court interpreter certification in the following languages:

How is the oral proficiency exam administered?

Foreign Language Interpreters

Languages with full oral proficiency exam

The oral proficiency exam has three parts: simultaneous, consecutive and sight. Candidates must pass the simultaneous part first at 70 percent or higher. Once a candidate passes the simultaneous part, the consecutive and sight parts must be taken within one year from the date the candidate passed the simultaneous. Candidates must achieve a score of 70 percent or higher on all three parts of the exam to be certified. If they score 55 percent or higher on the sight and consecutive parts, they are placed on the roster as conditionally approved interpreters based on the combined score in all three parts of the test and will be allowed to work in limited types of cases while waiting to retest in order to achieve certification.

Candidates may carry the score of any passed part of the oral exam for a maximum of two years. The same version of the test can be taken a maximum of two times and the test cannot be retaken more than once in a six months period.

Languages with abbreviated oral proficiency exam

Candidates must take the simultaneous portion of the exam first. If one does not exist, candidates must take the portions that are available, either consecutive, sight or both. The scores of any passed part of the exam can be carried for a maximum of two years. The same version of the test can be taken a maximum of two times and cannot be retaken more than once in a six months period.

Languages with no oral proficiency test

When a full or abbreviated proficiency exam does not exist in the candidate’s language, candidates are required to take a Live Video Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and pass at the superior level of 10 on the ALTA grading scale. Candidates in this category must also agree to take and pass a full or abbreviated oral proficiency exam in their foreign language when available.

During the interview, expert raters evaluate the candidate’s foreign language skills during a live video interview. The test is performed using a video connection established inside a web browser, allowing both the candidate and the evaluator to see each other.  Candidates are required to provide a valid government issued photo ID and other verifying information. During the interview, the rater assesses the language skills and fluency level of the candidates in their language. Candidates must perform at the superior level.  The interview will last between 15=25 minutes depending on the candidate’s skill level. Results are reported back to the ICP and the candidate. The cost of the OPI is currently $90. Candidates who do not pass the OPI must wait 6 months before retaking.

Sign language interpreters

Sign language interpreters must comply with the below requirements for certification:

• Be certified by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID, the National Association for the Deaf (NAD) or the Texas Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)

• Be registered and in good standing with Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH)

• Completion of the Initial Registration
  - Completion of the Self-Guided Orientation
  - Pass the Written Examination
  - Completion of Foundations of ASL Court Interpreting Workshop

How are interpreters classified?

There are two broad categories: certified and otherwise qualified interpreters. For certification purposes, interpreters are divided into three groups:

• Those who interpret in a language for which a full or abbreviated oral proficiency exam exists.
• Those who interpret in a language for which there is no oral proficiency exam.
• Deaf and Sign language interpreters.

The interpreter classification table gives an overview of the different types of interpreter certifications. The classifications and certification criteria are subject to modification, revision and change based on developments, including the availability of performance tests, effectiveness of evaluation tools and reconsideration of skill level. Classifications should not be viewed as definitive or permanent.

If I fail any part of the oral proficiency exam, can I take it again?

Languages with full oral proficiency exam

Candidates who fail the simultaneous part of the exam may retake the test again but they must wait at least six months. Candidates that pass the simultaneous part but fail the consecutive or sight parts must retake whichever part they failed within one year, but must wait at least six months before retaking any part they failed. Candidates must pass all three parts of the oral proficiency exam within two years of the date they passed the simultaneous part, which is equivalent to one testing cycle. The testing cycle requirement is not triggered until the candidate passes the simultaneous part of the exam.

Languages with abbreviated oral proficiency exam

When candidates fail the simultaneous part of the exam, they must wait at least six months to retake it again. They must complete any available remaining parts within one year of the date they passed the simultaneous part. Candidates must take whatever parts are available within one testing cycle. The testing cycle requirement is not triggered until the candidate passes at least one of the available exam parts.

Languages with no oral proficiency test

Candidates that fail to pass the Live Video Oral Proficiency Test with ALTA at a Superior level of 10 must wait six months to retake the test.

Do I have to renew my certification?

Once certified, all interpreters must renew their certification every two years from the date they completed all certification requirements and were placed on the roster.

What are my renewal requirements?

To renew their certifications every two years, interpreters must:

1. Complete 16 continuing education units within the two-year compliance period. Interpreters can do this by taking approved training or skill development workshops in person or online; by taking academic courses at accredited colleges or universities in areas relevant to court interpreting; by presenting as faculty in courses, workshops or seminars on topics related to interpreting; or by teaching an academic course at an accredited college or university on court-related subjects. All certification education units must be approved in advance by the program administrator. For a detailed description of the continuing education requirements, go to the Continuing Education page.
2. Undergo a new background check. Interpreters found guilty of a major felony or crime are denied renewal of their credentials. Misdemeanor offenses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if they violate the rules of professional conduct.
3. Be in good standing with the program. Interpreters must not be in violation of the rules of conduct and professional responsibility or the disciplinary policy of Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction.
4. Pay the $30 renewal fee.

What is the timeframe to complete certification?

We encourage you to complete your certification in two years. Candidates who fail to make progress on their credentialing or participate in program events for two years from the date of their last activity are moved to inactive status and will have to restart the process if they wish to become credentialed.