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
ASL Interpreters, please go to the ASL Justice System Interpreting page.

Courses

Introduction to NMCLA & Online Learning

MODULE I : Introduces students to the Moodle platform and the online environment.
MODULE II : Introduces students to the program. Explores the profession and career paths.

Fundamentals of Translation & Interpreting

MODULE I : Provides the students with fundamental translation and interpreting concepts and theory. Introduces students to the three modes of interpreting.
MODULE II : Continues with the three modes of interpreting and further practice.

Ethics & Best Practices

MODULE I : Introduces students to fundamental ethical considerations.
MODULE II : Provides students with additional field-specific ethical considerations.

Justice System Interpreting

MODULE I : Introduces students to fundamental legal concepts and terminology, and the NM and federal legal systems. Continues with further practice of the three modes of interpreting.
MODULE II : Continues with intensive practice of the three modes of interpreting with a higher degree of specialization.

Internship

Court Interpreter Certification Candidates will join with NMCLA Justice System Interpreters for a weekend of guided practice in all three modes of court interpreting. During the weekend each student will take the practice oral examination delivered by trained proctors. The weekend is followed by sixty hours of in-court observation, online discussions, and related assignments all led by Certified Court Interpreter, Yuliya Cloud.

Final Examination

NMCLA uses the Consortium for the State Courts Interpreter Certification Examination. Students who pass their written examination and score between 55% and 69% in their oral examination become Justice System Interpreters and are added to our registry of Justice System Interpreters, which is available to potential employers. Students who score 70% and above become NM certified interpreters.

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

Duration: 16 weeks + internship
Tuition: $2,500
Our next session is scheduled to start in the Fall.
Please check again for more information.

* previously called Bilingual Communication