(Q) How can I become a Court interpreter?
(A) Prospective court interpreters must complete the certification process to become a licensed court interpreter in Georgia. Each candidate must complete a 16-hour orientation workshop and satisfactorily complete an English written and an oral exam for which you seek licensure. The training/testing calendar is posted on the main page of our website.
(Q) When is the next training or test for interpreters?
(A) You can now take the orientation workshop online. The written exam is available on a rolling basis and by appointment only. You can schedule your appointment for the written exam by logging into your GCR account.
(Q) Must I take the English Written Exam on the day after the orientation? May I take the orientation now and take my written exam at a location closer to home?
(A) You do not need to take the written exam the same day the orientation ends. You may schedule the written exam at your leisure by using your GCR account. Please note that since we are scheduling appointments for the written exam one-on-one, staff would suggest that you schedule the written exam appointment at your earliest convenience. The written exam only takes place in Atlanta, at the offices of the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts.
(Q) I signed up to take the English Written Exam. Is there any material I can study to help me prepare, and what is on the exam? Are there legal terms I should know? How can I study?
(A) An Overview of CLAC’s English written exam is posted on our website under the ‘Interpreter Resources’ tab. The exam consists of four parts: general vocabulary (sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, idioms), court-related terms, ethics, and professional conduct. The SAT, GRE, or TOEFL practice books may help you prepare for the exam. These resources may be available at your local library, or you may purchase them at any bookstore, online, or your local college bookstore.
(Q) Can I fax, e-mail, or mail an application to register for the Orientation Workshop and the Written Exam? May I pay for these events over the phone with a credit card?
(A) No to both questions. To register for an event, you must create a profile through our secure interface, the Georgia Courts Registrar. Once you create your profile, you can register for events, upload documents, and pay for your registration online.
(Q) Can I update my address, telephone number, or e-mail address over the telephone?
(A) No. You can update your contact information directly on your Georgia Courts Registrar account. You will need to know your username and password to update your profile.
(Q) With whom do I speak to schedule my OPI?
(A) The Commission on Interpreters does not schedule the OPI on behalf of the candidate. The OPI is administered by an external source rather than by the Commission. Please click HERE to visit the provider’s website for more information.
(Q) How long do I have to complete the licensing and certification process?
(A) An applicant has two (2) years to complete the licensing and certification process after completing the 16-hr orientation workshop. Suppose the applicant does not complete the program requirements within two (2) years, then the applicant must re-start the certification process by retaking and passing the written exam and completing all requirements after that.
(Q) How will the courts contact me for an assignment?
(A) Once you become a licensed interpreter, your name and contact information (phone number, e-mail, etc.) will appear on our public registry on the Commission’s website. The registry is accessible to the courts, attorneys, and anyone requiring the services of an interpreter. You can specify what information you want the Commission to publish in its registry; please make sure to review your privacy settings on the privacy tab on your GCR profile. Interpreters, in most cases, work as independent contractors. You may wish to introduce yourself to court administrators, judges, court reporters, and lawyers to get your name established and be known in the field.
(Q) I would like to become an Interpreter, but I would like to know how much they earn and how often they work?
(A) The Commission on Interpreters only handles Interpreters’ licensing and the discipline process for the same. As an independent contractor, you can set your fees. However, the average rate for Registered Interpreters is anywhere from $20-45 per hour and Certified $30-60 per hour. You may need to adjust your fees according to the Court or county for which you provide your services.