Office of Language Access (OLA) Biannual Court Interpreter Designation Renewal

Certified court interpreters are responsible for maintaining their professional credentials by complying with the OLA Standards and Procedures. Renewal is intended to ensure that interpreters continue to meet the high standards of competence, ethics, and professionalism required to provide meaningful language access within the Massachusetts Trial Court.

To maintain Certification, Proficient I, and/or Proficient II status, interpreters must:

• Complete a minimum of 10-hours of approved continuing education each year (20-hours over a two-year period).
• Attend at least one professional conference every two years related to the court interpreting profession.
• Submit documentation verifying completion of continuing education and conference attendance to OLA.
• Continue to comply with the OLA Code of Professional Conduct, including maintaining accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, and professional demeanor.
• Remain in good standing by complying with all applicable OLA administrative and professional requirements as listed in the Office of Language Access Standards and Procedures.

Continuing education should focus on enhancing court interpreting skills, including legal terminology, ethics, interpreting techniques, language proficiency, cultural competency, and other topics approved by OLA. Interpreters are encouraged to consult with OLA regarding qualifying educational activities before completing training. 

See the list of approved Continuing Education Vendors for Credits:

• De la Mora Institute of Interpretation
• National Center for Interpretation (formerly University of Arizona)
• Interpretrain
• Castillo Language Services 
• Athena Sky Interpreting
• Cross Cultural Communication Systems
• 305Interpreters

Meeting these requirements helps ensure that certified court interpreters maintain the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards necessary to provide accurate and effective language access for all court users.

Application for Court Interpreter Credentialing Renewal 

Additional information

• Pursuant to Section 5.07(F), in certain circumstances, at OLA’s discretion, any of the above requirements may be waived, or additional requirements may be added.