Court Interpreter Exam

One of the most frequently asked questions from individuals preparing for the oral component of both the Consortium and the California Court Interpreter exam is, “Which course will help me pass the test?” The answer to that question is that there is no one course that will guarantee success. Becoming a certified court interpreter requires tremendous work, dedication,and patience. Although there are a handful of individuals who have been self-taught, most will tell you that it was a combination of formal training, study, observing in court, and trial and error, that helped them pass the test. I offer three audio presentations for your test prep:

1. A Comparison of Civil Criminal Law
2. Arraignment to Sentencing
3. State of Mind

For those of you who have taken the test numerous times and have not been able to pass, you may want to consider a personal coaching session. This one-hour session will focus on your particular weak areas. Drill, critique, and analysis in the consecutive mode, sight translation, and simultaneous mode will be provided. Before your session, you must submit your test scores so that we can objectively device a plan of attack for your next attempt. You will receive study materials to further assist you in preparing for the exam. This service can be done in person, or telephonically.

Cost: $100.00.



Click the tabs below for a detailed description of the above-mentioned courses.

  • A Comparison of Civil and Criminal Law
  • Arraignment to Sentencing
  • State of Mind

A Comparison of Civil and Criminal Law is designed to teach interpreters the fundamental differences between these two branches of the law.  This guide is clear and concise.  All concepts are presented in a contrasting fashion emphasizing key points and vocabulary. For example:

  • Statutory Law versus Common Law
  • The role of the plaintiff versus the prosecution
  • Torts and breach of contract versus crimes
  • The pay-off versus incarceration
  • Constitutional rights in civil versus criminal law
  • Alternative dispute resolution versus pre-trial conferences
  • The financial settlement versus the plea bargain
  • Preponderance of the evidence versus beyond a reasonable doubt
  • Jury dynamics in civil versus criminal law

Arraignment to Sentencing illustrates the process a defendant is subjected to in the Criminal Justice System. This is a very thorough review for certified court interpreters, and an excellent study guide for those who are preparing for the oral component of the court, consortium or federal court interpreter exam.  Detailed explanations of the functions and psychological dynamics of the Grand Jury, the preliminary hearing, the pre-trial conference, and the trial stages are presented. The following simultaneous interpretation exercises taken from actual cases are provided:

  • Advisement of rights
  • Medley of matters handled at Arraignment Courts
  • Plea and sentencing
  • Police report
  • Defendant held to answer
  • Change of plea

State of Mind is a powerful presentation addressing the psychological dynamics involved in interpreter-assisted matters.  It examines the state of mind of the main players:  the attorneys, the non-English speakers and the jury.  It examines the following areas:

  • Evolution of the professional interpreter
  • The Court Interpreter Act
  • Overcoming self-esteem issues that affect your work
  • Differences in the working dynamics between attorneys that work for the courts versus privately retained attorneys
  • Consequences of stepping out of the role of the interpreter
  • The interpreter should be invisible: myth or fact