How Do I Choose the Best Court Interpreter Program?

A court interpreter converts the spoken word from one language to another in a court setting. Choosing the best court interpreter program usually means selecting one that is accredited or certified to ensure that it meets minimum standards for the jurisdiction in which you want to work. You may also do well to research a program's reputation and financial aid opportunities before selecting. Additionally, you can benefit from learning how well the program will prepare you for a job — a good program will focus on the skills you need most.

It is typically important to look for accreditation or certification when you are trying to choose the best court interpreter program. When a program is accredited or certified, this usually means it has met the standards of an organization that is considered a respected authority in the field but is not associated or affiliated with the program. Choosing such a program may translate into greater confidence that the program will meet your needs and be considered legitimate training by potential employers.

Reputation is also important when you are trying to choose the best court interpreter program. You can learn a good deal by speaking with those who have completed this type of program and inquiring about the level of difficulty or ease with which they found jobs afterward. You can also ask them how well prepared they felt for this career after completing a particular program. Additionally, you could look for reviews online and use them when comparing your options.

The availability of financial aid may also prove important when you are trying to choose the best court interpreter program. Some programs may allow you to qualify for government-based financial aid as offered in your jurisdiction. Others might offer scholarships, grants, or loan programs of their own. At the very least, this type of program may provide installment payment plans that allow you to pay your tuition over months instead of as a lump sum.

Additionally, you can take steps to ensure that the program you choose will prepare you well for the specifics of the job you seek. You can do this by browsing court interpreter job ads and contacting courts to learn which qualifications a new interpreter needs. In fact, some courts even provide an information sheet designed to inform prospective employees about the criteria for this job. With this information at hand, you can choose the program that will prepare you best for this job. Often, these programs provide an introduction to legal terms, help with improving interpretation skills, and include preparation for passing a certification exam.