Career Possibilities as Court Interpreter in USA

A qualified and skilled court interpreter can come across wide career opportunities. United States is a nation where people belonging to diverse ethnic groups and languages reside. So, there is great demand for court interpreters in this country who may translate simultaneously for speakers who are not familiar with English during a judicial proceeding.

Court translators are different from the common translators or interpreters. They are specifically skilled in their job. Court interpreters in USA are needed to be familiar with judicial laws of USA as well as the laws of country whose language they interpret.

Specific professional skills

Most dominant factor which guarantees the professional success of court interpreters is the level of fluency they have achieved. Court interpreters’ main skill revolves round their interpreting ability. Therefore, they necessarily do not require to possess specialized educational degree. However, prospective professionals should have ideally pursued courses in
judicial system and law.

Professional training

Career prospects in the profession of court interpretation may go further high if candidates are fluent in more than one foreign language. They can achieve the skill with the help of college programs which train in languages and interpretation skills. During the course of study, students develop learning, reading and writing techniques of foreign languages and end up
being an expert interpreter.

Some of the popular court interpreter programs, test, exams and certifications include:

Court Interpreters Exam

This program has been formulated by the State Court System in order to help trial court executives and judges. Main aim of this exam is to make assessment of the professional skills court interpreters possess. Oral and written language qualification exam conducted under this program includes languages such as Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, Mandarin, Korean, Laotian, Hmong, Haitian Creole, French and Cantonese.

National Judiciary Interpreter and Translator Certification [NJITCE]

Possessing this certificate determines high level of professional skills in the field of judicial interpretation. This accredited certification is awarded after an intense examination.

Job responsibilities

Most of the court interpretation jobs in USA require the professionals to be adept in Arabic, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and ASL [American Sign Language]. Job responsibilities of court interpreters mostly include translating and interpreting from foreign language into English. They generally interact with defendants, witnesses
and lawyers.