How do I become a Court Interpreter?
Where do I start?
Anyone interested in becoming a court interpreter should first consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition to get an understanding of what the occupation entails. A link to the website is provided below:
Once you have clicked on the links provided at that website and you decide that you want to know about the opportunities and need for certified interpreters in state courts, you should then take a look at all of the information on court interpreting provided at the National Center for State Courts' website. The link is provided below:
South Carolina is a member of the Consortium for Language Access in the Courts. For more information about the South Carolina Court Interpreter Certification Program, click here:
South Carolina Court Administration is required to maintain a list of certified or otherwise qualified interpreters for use by the clerks of court when deaf or non-English speaking individuals are parties to legal proceedings, witnesses, or jurors. The names and contact information of the certified or otherwise qualified interpreters are compiled into a directory and provided to the courts. The court personnel are then able to schedule interpreters as the need arises. The courts in South Carolina do not employ any staff interpreters at this time. Only interpreters who are in our directory may be utilized in our courts. Therefore, if you would like to be in our directory of court interpreters, please join the process. Provide your email address and contact information to us so that you will be notified as the Phases of the S.C. Interpreter Certification Program are scheduled. Simply register and attend. At each Phase information will be provided about how you may be listed in our Interpreter Directory.
If you still have questions about becoming an interpreter in South Carolina courts, you may contact Desiree Allen, dallen@sccourts.org, or Tracy Garrett @ tgarrett@sccourts.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!