Interpreter Certification Pathway: Achieving personal, professional, and financial success
Interpreter Certification Pathway: Achieving personal, professional, and financial success
Court interpreting is a fast growing, varied, and fulfilling field that has the potential to help individuals realize their personal, professional, and financial goals. The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that the need for court interpreters and translators will grow at a faster than average rate. As such, Nebraska Judicial Branch interpreters have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including hearings, trials, and probation services and to get a front row seat to the American judicial system in action. Interpreters improve their skills while working with the Nebraska Judicial Branch and receive increased compensation as they travel along the Interpreter Certification Pathway.
Interpreter
Classification
|
Attended
Interpreter
Orientation
|
Passed
Written
Exam
|
Passed
Oral Exam
|
Compensation
*2-hour minimum applies
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Non-certified |
√
|
√
|
NA | $50/hr |
Registered |
√
|
√
|
50% | $60/hr |
Certified |
√
|
√
|
70% | $75/hr |
Provisionally Certified |
√
|
√
|
Education & work history |
$75/hr |
The Nebraska Judicial Branch believes that being bilingual is not enough and strives to uphold the highest standards of language proficiency and professionalism – and wants to partner with interpreters who believe the same. Interpreters who become Certified or Provisionally Certified demonstrate that they too share in this belief through their:
- Substantial language skills in both English and the target language,
- Broad knowledge of court-related vocabulary, and
- Verified ability to accurately interpret in a wide range of modes, registers, and subject matters.
Ensuring that Nebraska Judicial Branch interpreters meet the highest standards of professionalism and skill upholds the principles of the U.S. Constitution, including the right to due process and a fair trial. Furthermore, it reaffirms that justice should not be limited by one’s proficiency in the English language.
Nebraska recognizes four interpreter classifications and encourages all interpreters it partners with to follow the pathway until they achieve either certification or provisional certification. The Language Access Program has developed a comprehensive Interpreter Certification Pathway for current and aspiring interpreters that clearly outlines the steps needed to achieve each of the four interpreter classifications. The pathway is a three-pronged process which includes:
- Attending the Nebraska Judicial Branch Interpreter Orientation,
- Successfully passing the written exam, and
- Successfully passing a National Center for State Courts (NCSC) oral exam or by demonstrating proficiency through education and work history.
Becoming a Certified or Provisionally Certified interpreter requires focus and dedication, but it can be done, and the Language Access Program is here to partner with interpreters along the way. The pathway is difficult – and it should be - as court proceedings and probation services can have a lifelong impact on the parties involved. However, it is the Nebraska Judicial Branch’s aim is to create a supportive environment where interpreters feel empowered to excel, knowing they have a strong team behind them cheering them on.