If you are considering a career as a translator or interpreter, we have good news: there are many opportunities in this field. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers as a translator or interpreter are projected to grow by 18% between now and 2026, which is much faster than average.

One of the most in-demand jobs within the translation industry is court interpreting, and for good reason. Court interpreters are an important and integral part of our court system, providing non-English-proficient witnesses the opportunity to express themselves and tell their stories within the courtroom. In addition to courtroom trials, interpreters are often asked to interpret in other legal proceedings, such as legal meetings, charge comparisons, preliminary hearings, or depositions, for example. Interpreters may also be responsible for simultaneously reading and interpreting foreign language documents aloud within the courtroom. Being an interpreter in this type of environment can be a challenging and demanding career, but one that many linguists also find extremely rewarding. As you may have guessed by now, it takes some preparation to enter this field.

Generally speaking, court interpreters must be fluent in court-required foreign languages ​​and must also have a strong understanding of legal terminology and the processes that take place within the courtroom. While some of this may come familiarly in the form of on-the-job training, the courts generally require a certain level of education and experience before choosing the best qualified person. Although the exact requirements for court interpreters vary depending on the specific court and the location involved, there are certain prerequisites that are generally desirable for anyone interested in pursuing this challenging career:

degree

Most courts will not consider candidates who do not have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Graduates specializing in translation and / or court interpreting studies would be considered the most qualified, but several other fields are also appropriate, such as foreign language specializations in Spanish or French, for example.

Certification

Obtaining certification from a recognized professional court interpreter program could give you an edge over other applicants. This type of certification generally gives registrants the opportunity to take courses that are directly relevant to their future careers, such as classes in the criminal code, court proceedings, and simultaneous translation, for example.

Experience on the job

It’s the old conundrum of college graduates: How do I get the experience to get hired? Many courts look for experienced court interpreters. If you are just out of college, consider working for a translation company or doing a volunteer job or internship that gives you the experience that many courts look for in a qualified candidate.

Adapt a flexible attitude when applying for positions

You may very well have to move or make some concessions regarding your desired salary to enter this profession. When applying for your first job as a court interpreter, remember that getting your “foot in the door” is always a challenge, and you may have to move or take a salary that is lower than you would like to get your first job.

Becoming a court interpreter definitely takes time and effort on the part of the candidate. But many people who already hold these coveted positions will tell you that the challenge and responsibility that come with it make it all worth it. Think of the journey to your goal as a staggered process, and keep in mind that every step of the way, including education, certification, and the application process, will eventually lead you to an extremely rewarding career that could well last a lifetime.