Frequently Asked Questions About Certification

What does "voluntary" certification mean?
In Virginia, all courts are encouraged to request certified interpreters, as they have proven their competence and skill. However, there is no statutory requirement that only certified interpreters provide language interpretation and translation services.
What languages can an interpreter be certified in?
Virginia certifies all 18 languages certifiable by the National Center for State Courts:
- Amharic
- Arabic (Egyptian)
- Arabic (Levantine)
- Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian
- Cantonese
- Filipino (Tagalog)
- French
- Haitian Creole
- Hmong
- Khmer
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Somali
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
What about languages that are not certifiable in Virginia?
For languages that are not certifiable through the National Center for State Courts, Virginia offers a “qualified” status. A qualified interpreter has completed the orientation and passed the written exam.
After the orientation, how do I register for the written exam?
Candidates are not required to sit for the oral exam if, after completing the training and passing the written test, they decide not to continue the certification process. They can also decide to wait until they feel well prepared before they take the oral exam. The orientation and written scores are good for 3-years.
Candidates who wish to take the orientation but do not want to take the written exam at the same time can register for the exam at a later date.
Keep in mind that you must pass both the written and oral exams within three years of taking the orientation. Otherwise, you will have to restart the process.
How do I schedule my oral exam?
Candidates who have completed orientation and passed the written exam may sign up online for the oral exam. The oral exam is given twice a year. Candidates may not take the oral exam more than once in a 6-month period. Registration is open at announced times for a short period. You can find the schedule here.
What if I have completed the orientation but not passed the written exam?
Candidates must pass the written exam before registering to take the oral exam. You can take the written exam every six months. You have three years to finish all three steps.
I previously completed the orientation, passed the written exam, and failed the oral exam. Am I required to attend the orientation again?
It depends. All three components (orientation, written exam, and oral exam) must be completed within a 3-year period. If you fail the oral exam, you can try again in six months. If you do not complete all three components within a 3-year period, you will have to begin the process again.
What if I complete the orientation and pass the written exam but decide not to take the oral exam?
Candidates are not required to sit for the oral exam. Candidates who choose not to complete the certification process but do complete the first two components of the can be listed as “qualified” interpreters. They can also decide to wait until they feel well prepared and take the oral exam. However, orientation and written scores are only valid for three years.
I completed the orientation and passed the written exam in another state. May I register for the oral exam in Virginia?
With some exceptions, the Commonwealth of Virginia accepts certification components from other states and the federal courts. Please contact the Department of Judicial Services, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia at (804) 371-2424 or email languages@vacourts.gov to request an evaluation of your status.

What other types of certifications does Virginia accept?
Any person who has met the requirements for federal court certification or certification by a state judicial system participating in the State Court Interpreter Certification Consortium administered by the National Center for State Courts, as long as the components meet Virginia certification requirements. Please visit the page on Reciprocity Requirements for more information.
If I took the oral exam but did not pass one or more of the sections, do have I have to retake the entire oral exam?
Yes. The Supreme Court of Virginia does not offer individual sections of the oral exam.
I successfully completed interpreter testing and training elements at Virginia standards, but I would like to retake an exam for a higher score. Can I register to retake an exam?
Virginia does not administer retakes of certification exams once the candidate has qualified for interpreter certification in Virginia.
I am interested in earning federal certification. How do I become a federally certified foreign language interpreter?
For information on federal certification, visit https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/federal-court-interpreters.
I passed my exams and am certified! Am I now an employee of the courts?

Becoming certified does not mean you are a court employee. Both certified and qualified court interpreters are independent contractors.
Some courts do have assigned staff interpreters and language access assistants. These regular employee positions are advertised through Jobs.Virginia.gov.
How do foreign language interpreters get work in Virginia?
Foreign Language Services keeps a list of certified and qualified interpreters. When a court needs an interpreter, the clerk requests an interpreter through FLS. FLS team leads or language access coordinators then contact an interpreter to arrange the assignment.
Although the Judicial Council of Virginia encourages all the state's courts to use certified interpreters where available, using certified interpreters is not required.
How do foreign language interpreters get work in Virginia?
Foreign Language Services keeps a list of certified and qualified interpreters. When a court needs an interpreter, the clerk requests an interpreter through FLS. FLS team leads or language access coordinators then contact an interpreter to arrange the assignment.
Although the Judicial Council of Virginia encourages all the state's courts to use certified interpreters where available, using certified interpreters is not required.
How are interpreters paid?
Compensation of an interpreter appointed by the court is fixed by the court, in accordance with guidelines set by the Judicial Council of Virginia. Current rates and guidelines can be found in Chapter 8 of the Language Access Plan.
Who do I call if I have more questions?
Please email any questions regarding certification to languages@vacourts.gov.