Office of Language Access (OLA) court interpreter skill building workshop

The OLA will host a court interpreter oral exam skill-building workshop designed to prepare all interpreter candidates, including active staff and per diem interpreters, for the state court interpreter oral certification examination.

Overview

This interactive workshop provides participants with the knowledge, techniques, and practical experience needed to strengthen the skills assessed during the certification process. Skill building workshops will be scheduled approximately three months before each of the three yearly oral examination dates. Steps 1-4 for prospective candidates and Steps 1-3 for existing staff and per diem interpreters must be completed in order to be eligible to attend a skill building workshop.

Participants will receive instruction and guided practice in the three primary modes of court interpreting: sight translation, consecutive interpreting, and simultaneous interpreting. The workshop will also focus on courtroom terminology, interpreter ethics, accuracy, memory retention, note-taking strategies, and effective exam-taking techniques.

Through instructor-led exercises, simulated exam scenarios, and individualized feedback, participants will gain a better understanding of the oral certification exam format and performance expectations. The workshop is intended to help candidates improve their interpreting proficiency, build confidence, identify areas for continued development, and enhance their readiness for successful completion of the court interpreter oral certification examination.

This workshop serves as a preparatory resource and does not replace the official certification examination or guarantee certification. It is intended to support aspiring and provisionally qualified court interpreters in developing the competencies necessary to provide accurate, impartial, and professional language access services within the judicial system.

Skill building workshop schedule

Skill building workshop datesRegistration deadlinesLocation 
October 14, 2026 September 23, 2026Boston
Estimated January 27, 2027Estimated January 6, 2026Boston
Estimated April 28, 2027Estimated April 14, 2027 Boston
Estimated October 13, 2027Estimated September 29, 2027Boston

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