Justice System Interpreter is a category recognized by the NM Judiciary.
Justice System Interpreters are included in the Registry of Justice System Interpreters maintained by the NM Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and covered by the Supreme Court's established fee schedule and continuing education and background check requirements. See JIS Registry Policy below.

This program is designed to train interpreters who work throughout the justice system. Individuals interested in pursuing court interpreting certification are ideal candidates for this program. Attorneys, and experienced certified court interpreters and translators with a variety of backgrounds have designed this interdisciplinary curriculum. The program also includes an internship.

Our Justice System Interpreting Certificate Program includes:

• Interpreting skills (consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, and sight translation)
• English legal terminology
• Language-specific legal terms and expressions
• Ethics & roles of the interpreter throughout the justice system
• Cultural competency
• Experience through an internship
• Preparation to work as interpreters in any setting within the justice system

This program is available for the following languages:
Spanish + Vietnamese + Chinese + Arabic + Navajo

Courses

Introduction to NMCLA & Online Learning 4 weeks
Fundamentals of Translation & Interpreting 8 weeks	Ethics & Best Practices 4 weeks
	Criminal & Procedure Law Terminology 4 weeks
Justice System Interpreting 8 weeks
Intership Face-to-face session at UNM School of Law (intensive practice - simultaneous practice examination - mini mock trial - interpreting for jurors/team interpreting - language specific session) (mandatory) Court observation (mandatory) Interpreter experience at UNM Law Clinics (optional but encouraged) Interpreter experience at UNM School of Law Mock Trials (optional but encouraged) Online work and test preparation (mandatory)
Final Examinations*

Final Examinations & JSI Registry Policy

The NM Center for Language Access uses the Consortium's examinations as the final exam. Students who meet the requirements indicated below are granted the JSI Certificate issued by UNM Los Alamos and are added to the JSI Registry -prior background check required by the Administrative Office of the Courts. This certificate does not certify interpreters.

Definition (As per Court Interpreter Standards of Practice & Payment Policies set forth by the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts)

A New Mexico justice system spoken language interpreter is an individual who has successfully completed the Justice System Interpreting course of study with the New Mexico Center for Language Access (NMCLA). Upon notification of their successful completion from NMCLA the individual will be placed on the AOC Registry of Justice System Interpreters.

Payment Guidelines for NM Justice System Spoken Languages Interpreters

Fee per hour: $25.00

Fee per hour for travel time: $15.00

JSI Registry Policy

Students will be added to the New Mexico's JSI Registry, if they:

1. Successfully complete their coursework (all five classes) and internship. Students must meet this requirement to be able to take their final examinations.
2. Take their examinations on the dates indicated below. (See Class Schedule.)
3. Score 80% or above in their written examination (Part 1 of the final exam) to be able to take their oral examinations.
4. Score between 55% and 69% in ALL oral examinations (the scores in all three modes of interpreting need to meet this requirement). Please keep in mind that the oral examination consists of two parts:
   • Simultaneous interpreting. (Part 2 of the final exam)
   • Sight-translation and consecutive interpreting. (Part 3 of the final exam)

If you score 70% in ALL the oral examinations, you become a certified court interpreter. You will receive the JSI certificate from UNM-Los Alamos and the certification from the State.

This certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete the program.

Duration: 20 weeks + internship
Tuition: $2,500

* previously called Bilingual Communication
† to be confirmed