UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In courthouses across the United States, court interpreters play a critical role in fulfilling the judicial obligation to ensure the rights of people with limited English proficiency and those who are hard of hearing.
In Pennsylvania, the Interpreter Certification Program through the Pennsylvania Administrative Office of Courts (AOPC) has been established to provide trained and qualified oral and sign language interpreters to Pennsylvania courts.
To help expand our roster of interpreters, AOPC is inviting Penn State students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in becoming court interpreters to attend a free, noon session on Tuesday, October 22nd. An informational webinar will be held. If you are interested in becoming a court interpreter, you can register for the webinar here.
“Center County courts need the services of highly qualified interpreters in all languages throughout the state and even nationally,” said Natalia Petrova, AOPC Interpreter Program Manager. . “Court interpreting is an underrated but great career that combines a love of language, culture and public service with high income and employment prospects.”
Court interpreters assist interpreters by removing language barriers and ensuring that everyone enjoys equal access to justice. All 60 judicial districts in Pennsylvania require interpreters every day. Certifications earned in Pennsylvania are recognized nationally, allowing certified interpreters to assist individuals in courtrooms across the country.
The program is open to legal candidates over the age of 18 who meet a set of criteria, demonstrate proficiency in English and the language of their choice, complete a series of workshops to demonstrate interpreting skills, and pass an exam. Open to US residents. The cost of obtaining a certification varies depending on the level of certification obtained. Interpreters who successfully complete the certification process are compensated between $35 and $80 per hour, depending on their qualifications.
Certifications can be renewed every two years at a minimal cost, provided the interpreter engages in continuing education to keep their skills current. Certification is available in all languages, but the top three most requested languages are Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, and American Sign Language.
“Penn State University’s diverse and multilingual students, faculty, staff, and entire community have been valuable to our services, including our current Spanish-speaking students,” Petrova said. spoke. “We hope that Penn Staters will help us develop our roster so that we can better represent more people in our courts.”