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.

List of Participating Superior Courts for Pilot Program Cohort 1.

Before you submit your candidate application, please review the List of superior courts participating in the Pilot Program for cohort 1. We will only review candidate applications for the courts and respective languages shown in the list. 

You will be asked to indicate the court you are applying for, and you will also be able to indicate other courts that you would be willing to work at. If you don’t see a court on the list that you are interested in working at, we encourage you to visit this Pilot Program webpage in Spring 2025 for information related to Cohort 2. You may also send us an email at LAS-pilot@jud.ca.gov and let us know which language(s) you are bilingual in and which court(s) you would like to work at.

The Cohort 1 application for the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program is now available at Pilot Program Cohort 1 Candidate Application 

Candidate applications are due by August 1, 2024, 5:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time. 

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 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 Pilot Program?
What is the timeline for submitting applications?

  • July 1, 2024: participating courts and sought after languages will be posted to this website.

  • July 2024: interested candidates must submit their application by August 1, 2024, 5:00 P.M. (PST).

  • Summer of 2024: the Judicial Council and participating courts will screen applications to determine which candidates will participate in cohort 1. 

  • Fall of 2024: Selected candidates will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program. 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.