Welcome to the Web site of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s Interpreter Certification Program. Through this site you will have access to information about how to become a certified court interpreter in Pennsylvania. You will also be able to obtain information about program requirements, orientation and training workshops, testing dates and sites, practice and training materials, policies, registration forms, and other relevant news about the program. We trust that you will find it useful and informative and that it becomes a reliable means of learning and obtaining information about becoming a qualified professional interpreter.
Policy Statement
"Due process is a core value of the American judicial system, ensuring that every litigant and criminal defendant receives a fair hearing that is based on the merits of his or her case and presided over by an impartial judge. No one should be put at a disadvantage in court by reason of race, ethnicity, or gender. The basic fairness of the Pennsylvania court system is jeopardized if litigants with limited English proficiency (LEP) are unable to have access to competent interpreters and other language assistance."
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-Final Report of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System (March 2003) |
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is committed to providing equal access to justice to all citizens, regardless of the language they speak. In order for all citizens to have equal access to justice and the services and programs provided by the courts, the existing communication barriers must be removed. Court interpreters are a vital and indispensable tool in fulfilling the Court's obligation. Over the past year interpreters in over 60 languages have been engaged throughout the Unified Judicial System. To insure the rights of persons with limited English proficiency as well as those persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, the Court, through the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), established the Interpreter Certification Program to provide for trained and qualified interpreters for the courts of Pennsylvania.
Program Details
Workshops and Examinations
Additional Information