Interpreters convey spoken material from one language into a different language. Interpreters work in court to facilitate communication between the judge, attorneys, and parties.

I, or someone I know, needs an interpreter. What do I do?

If you speak limited or no English and are a party to a case (litigant, defendant, witness, parent, or legal custodian of a juvenile) you have a right to a court-appointed interpreter during court proceedings at no cost to you. You can request an interpreter here.

I would like to file a complaint against an interpreter. How do I do that?

You are able to file complaints against an interpreter here.

I’m an attorney in need of scheduling an interpreter for a client. How do I schedule one?

Interpreters are scheduled locally through the district. You can contact the Managing Court Interpreter for the district your event will be occurring in to schedule an interpreter. You can find a directory for Managing and Staff Interpreters here.

I am looking for an interpreter to help assist in meetings with a client. Does your office have a list of interpreters?

You can find a current roster of our independent contract interpreters here.

I’m looking into becoming an interpreter. How do I begin?

There are no prerequisites required to become a registered interpreter. Court Interpreters can obtain further certification or credentialing through the Office of Language Access Testing Program. To become certified or credentialed, the interpreter must attend an orientation, and pass a written exam, oral certification exam, and an oral proficiency interview, depending on the language. Steps to become certified and credentialed for each language can be found here.

What is the difference between being a certified interpreter and a credentialed interpreter?

Certification is available for eighteen languages: Spanish, Arabic, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Cantonese, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Ilocano, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Turkish, and Vietnamese. For all other languages, interpreters can become credentialed.

I already have extensive experience with interpreting. How do I become an interpreter for Colorado Judicial?

Court interpreters can obtain certification or credentialing through the Office of Language Access Testing Program. The requirements for becoming certified or credentialed vary depending on the language. Pay rates also vary depending on the level of credentialing. Interpreters for Spanish can earn $45.00/hour for being qualified and $55.00/hour for being certified. Interpreters in Languages Other than Spanish can earn $45.00/hour for being registered and up to $65.00/hour for being certified or credentialed. Steps to become certified and credentialed can be found here.

Do I need to be certified in order to be a Spanish interpreter in the courts?

To work in the courts, certification is required to be a Spanish interpreter.

I’m already a court interpreter in a different state. Does Colorado grant reciprocity?

We do grant reciprocity, please contact the Office of Language Access regarding the necessary steps.

Do you have any resources to help me prepare to become an interpreter?

Visit our Applicant Resource page for language and vocabulary development, training and exam preparation resources, training programs, and professional association resources.

I’m interested in becoming a certified translator. How do I begin?

We do not have any certification program relating to translation. To become a certified translator, you will need to go through the American Translator Association. Information can be found here.

I’m an attorney that needs a translation service for court documents. Can you provide translation services?

We translate JDF forms, but we do not provide case-specific translation services. However, the American Translators Association will be able to assist you in finding a translator. Information can be found here.