Title: State Court Interpreter -Spoken Language Certification
Alternate Title: Hold
Description: This program of the Minnesota Judicial Branch coordinates court interpreter testing and training, as well as assists in developing and implementing interpreter policy and best practices. It also performs various administrative duties, such as maintaining and publishing an online roster of court interpreters who have completed the minimum requirements to become eligible to work in the state court system.
Subject: Legal Professionals
Creation Date: 4/6/2010 12:59:50 PM
Modification Date: 8/16/2024 9:19:07 AM
Agency Name: Judicial Branch, Minnesota
Agency URL: https://www.mncourts.gov
Agency Description:
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is made up of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and the District (Trial) Courts. The Supreme Court is responsible for the regulation of the practice of law and for judicial and lawyer discipline. As the highest court in Minnesota it promulgates rules of practice and procedure for the legal system in the state.
Agency Phone: 651-297-7650
Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.mncourts.gov
Agency Address:
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Unit Name: Court Interpreter Program
Unit URL:
Unit Description:
Unit Phone: 651-297-5300
Unit Fax: Contact person(s): Unit URL:
Unit Address:
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite #105
St. Paul, MN 55155
Audience: Hold
Application URL:
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:
Review:
Interpreter Resources
Overview
Become a Court Interpreter
Spoken Language Certification
Interpreter Resource Management Application (IRMA)
FAQs
How to become a court interpreter in Minnesota
According to the Minnesota Supreme Court's rules on interpreting, individuals, whether qualified as a court interpreter in another state or not, who wish to interpret in the state court system and be included on the statewide roster of interpreters must first complete the following:
-Pass the English proficiency portion of the National Center for State Courts Court Interpreter Written Exam. This is a written test made up of 75 multiple-choice questions in English. The test measures candidates' comprehension of written English vocabulary and idioms. Individuals who register for the test will receive a copy of the Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview for study. There is no charge to take this test.
-After passing the English proficiency test, attend the required orientation program. Orientation programs are usually held on weekends and are conducted in English. The program provides an introduction to the Minnesota Judicial System, introduction to common legal terms, practicing interpreting techniques, and analyzing the role of interpreters in the court system. The program cost is $100.
-After completing the orientation program, pass the second section of the National Center for State Courts Court Interpreter Written Exam. This is a written test made up of 60 multiple-choice questions in English. The test measures candidates' knowledge of court-related terms and knowledge, and understanding of the Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters. Candidates are allowed 1 hour to complete the test. Tests are typically given at the beginning of day 2 of the orientation program.
-File an affidavit with the State Court Administrator's Office that explains that you agree to be bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility. The affidavit form is given to interpreters after they pass both sections of the written exam and is to be completed, notarized, and returned to the Court Interpreter Program. Upon receipt of their affidavit, interpreters will receive a letter confirming they are eligible to work in the state court system and their name will been placed on the statewide roster of court interpreters.
Sign language interpreters: The Minnesota state court system does have a certification testing program for sign language interpreters. The Minnesota Supreme Court has mandated in the General Rules of Practice, Rule 8, that sign language interpreters must meet the minimum requirements to interpret in the courts including passing both parts of the NCSC written test, attend orientation, and submit the required application and affidavit. In addition, they must maintain certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the National Association for the Deaf. (See below for certification requirements.)
Rules:
Statutes:
Forms:
Fees:
Written Test: no charge
Orientation program: $100
Oral Certification Exam: $400
(These fees may vary depending on program costs.)
Minnesota Certification Requirements: Examination fee is $300 for Spanish and $400
Period of Issuance:
Length of Determination:
Other Info:
Activity: Interpreter
License Detail URL:
Interpreter Resources
Court Interpreter Program
Search the Court Interpreter Roster
