Contracting as a Court Interpreter

Working as a contract interpreter in federal courts requires a thorough understanding of the federal court system and of the administrative and statutory policies that apply to court interpreters. The Court Interpreters Act, 28 U.S.C. §1827, is the basis for court interpretation in federal courts, including regulations on how interpreters are assigned and paid in federal courts. This page contains practical information for interpreters interested in serving as a contract court interpreter at the federal court level, including supplementary policy and administrative guidance, the three categories of federal court interpreters, and information regarding the difference between state and federal courts’ credentials.

The federal courts’ greatest need is for Spanish-language interpreters, and current federal certification is only available for Spanish-language interpreters. However, there is also a need for interpreters in many other languages, including some of very limited diffusion in the United States. 

The need for specific language interpreters is determined by the U.S. District Courts. However, in accordance with the Court Interpreters Act, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) establishes the standards and guidelines for selecting and using interpreters of all languages in federal court proceedings.

Interpreters interested in serving in the federal court system should consider the following suggestions when exploring opportunities in district courts and to be better prepared for the examination and certification process, if a Spanish language interpreter.

In this section you will find:

• How to Provide Contract Interpreter Services to the Federal Judiciary
• Ethics, Professional Conduct, Courtroom Protocol, and Interpreting Skills  

Categories of Federal Court Interpreters

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) classifies three categories of court interpreters. The category assigned to interpreters depends on their credentials, including whether they have successfully completed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE) for Spanish interpreters, having passed specific oral interpreting examinations if for other languages, or membership in good standing in certain national or international interpreter associations. Review the following to learn more about each category:

• Federally Certified interpreters
• Professionally Qualified interpreters
• Language Skilled interpreters

These categories have specific meanings when used for federal courts’ purposes and are not necessarily reciprocal with other credentials outside of the federal court system.

Statutes & Policies

The following laws and policies address court interpretation in the federal courts:

• The Court Interpreters Act 28 U.S.C. §1827
• Guide to Judiciary Policy, Vol 5: Court Interpreting

Reference Materials

Review the resources and information below to help understand federal court operations and the role of interpreters in the judiciary.

• Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary (PDF)
• Glossary of Legal Terms

The Federal Judicial Process: Overview for Court Interpreters

• About Federal Courts
  • Court Role and Structure
  • Types of Cases
  • Types of Federal Judges
  • Probation and Pretrial Services
  • Defender Services
• Court Programs
  • Bankruptcy
  • Jury Service
• Federal Court Reporting Program
• “We the People: The Honor of Jury Service” Video
• “Court Shorts: Trial by Jury” Audio
• "Inside the Federal Courts" Learning Program - FJC.gov
• Courts: A Brief Overview - FJC.gov
• Court Officers and Staff in the Federal Judicial Branch - FJC.gov
• Comparing Federal and State Courts
  • “State and Federal Jurisdiction" Video - FJC.gov