Do you speak another 
language fluently?

Make a difference!

What are the costs?
	 State residents:  between $240-$450 
	 Non-residents:   between $290-$525 

Costs vary depending on the language, which tests 
must be taken and whether tests have to be retaken

For more information 
	 web: https://www.pacourts.us/judicial-

administration/court-programs/interpreter-
program

	 phone: 215-560-6300
	 email: InterpreterProgram@pacourts.us
	 To stay up-to-date on court interpreter news and 
activities, follow PA Courts on social media. 

Twitter @PACourts
Facebook @PACourts
YouTube @PA Courts
Instagram @pennsylvaniacourts

Become a certified  
court interpreter.

03/2020

ourt interpreters make a difference 

in the lives of those they interpret for 

by removing language barriers and 

ensuring that justice is accessible to 

everyone. Qualified candidates with 

advanced language skills are needed 

to ensure that persons with limited 

English proficiency and those who are 

deaf or hard of hearing have effective 

access to our courts. 

  C

What do court 
interpreters do?

Can I make a career  
of interpreting?

Pennsylvania is the tenth most 

linguistically diverse state in the 

country. According to the US Labor 

Department interpreting is among 

the 10 fastest growing employment 

fields. Interpreters can do full or part-

time freelance work for the courts, 

government or any other agencies. 

Compensation rates are $30 to $75 

per hour, depending on qualifications. 

Why become an 
interpreter? 

Court interpreters find their work 
satisfying for many reasons: 

•  Commitment to justice 

•  Love of languages 

• 

Intellectual challenge 

•  Making a difference 

•  Public service contribution

•  Career or supplemental income

What are certification 
requirements? 

1.  Program registration

2.  Orientation workshop

3.  Written examination

4.  Oral-proficiency examination

5.  Pass a background check 

6.  Abide by the Rules of Conduct for 

Judiciary Interpreters 

7.  Renew qualifications every two years 

8.  Be at least 18 years old and a legal 

U.S. resident

What languages are 
needed?

The most frequently requested 
languages are: 

Am I qualified to interpret?

Interpreters must have the following: 

•  A native-like ability to speak and 

understand both English and another 
language. You must also know how to 
read and write in both. 

•  An ability to interpret everything in 
court without adding, deleting or 
changing anything. 

•  An ability to do three modes of 
interpretation: simultaneous, 
consecutive and sight. 

•  Ample vocabulary and world 

knowledge in a variety of fields and 
subjects – especially legal vocabulary. 

•  Knowledge of courtroom protocol and 

a basic understanding of the judicial 
system.

1. Spanish

2. Chinese- 
Mandarin 

3. American 
Sign Language 

4. Russian

5. Arabic

6. Vietnamese

7. Nepali

8. Portuguese

9. Korean

10. French

There is an increasing need for a variety 
of languages including Bengali, Farsi, 
Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Karen, 
Khmer, Krio, Lao, Punjabi and others.

Interpreters of every language are needed 
on a daily basis by the 60 judicial districts.