California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program

California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program

On May 17, 2024, the Judicial Council approved the launch of the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program. The pilot program is intended to increase the number of court interpreter employees in the courts by reimbursing participants for their training costs and examination fees. 

Key information:
  • The pilot program will reimburse participants for their training costs and examination fees (up to three exams).
  • Pilot participants have two years to pass all required exams and may apply to be in the next cohort if they do not pass (except for the final cohort).
  • Pilot participants must agree up front to work for the courts for at least three years after successfully passing all required exams and enrolling with the Judicial Council as a court interpreter.
  • Participating courts will offer employment to successful participants, subject to available positions and funding.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check as part of the pilot program selection process.

The Cohort 1 application for the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program is now CLOSED. Please visit our FAQs section to learn about the timeline for reviewing the Cohort 1 applications. 

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Learn more about the program:

California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program FAQ

What are the qualifications to apply to the Pilot Program?

  • Applicants must be bilingual in one of the Courts desired certified languages or registered languages.

  • Applicants interested in becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) court interpreter must already possess an ASL Generalist Credential (e.g., RID Generalist Certification).

  • Applicants must be 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States. 

  • Applicants must be a California resident.

  • Applicants must pass a background check prior to being accepted into the Pilot Program. 

  • Applicants must sign an agreement with the Judicial Council of California stating they agree to the program policies, which include working for their designated court for at least three-years after passing all required exams and enrolling with the Judicial Council as a court interpreter. 

  • Upon entry into the Pilot Program, participants agree to submit six-month progress reports to the Program Manager. 

How do you apply to the 2025 Cohort 2 Pilot Program?

Please visit our webpage in the spring of 2025 for information about the Cohort 2 applications and participating courts.

What is the timeline for Cohort 1 applications being reviewed?

  • August - September 2024: The Judicial Council and participating courts will screen applications to determine which candidates will participate in Cohort 1. 

  • October 31, 2024: All candidates will be notified by email of their status with the Pilot Program.

  • October 2024: Selected candidates will be provided instructions on how to complete the background check. Candidates that successfully pass the background check will be provided with a participant agreement and program handbook. The candidate will sign and return the agreement. 

  • January 1, 2025: Cohort 1 will start the Pilot Program.

What is the process for acceptance into the program?

  •  Application materials, submitted by the stated deadline, will be screened to determine if the candidate is more than likely to successfully complete the Pilot Program.  

  •  All candidates will receive an email notification stating they are either accepted or not accepted into the program.  

  •  Candidates that are conditionally accepted into the program must successfully pass a background check prior to their program start date. The Judicial Council will pay for the background check. 

  •  Candidates who pass the background check will be notified for an explanation of the next steps.