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Orientation to Court Interpreting

2024 Orientation to Court Interpreting & Written Exam

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Do you want to be a certified court interpreter?

Have you ever wondered what makes a good court interpreter, or if court interpreting is the career for you?

If so, you should attend the June 2024 Orientation to Court Interpreting and Written Exam. The orientation will help provide answers to those questions, and by attending you will:

  • Fulfill two required steps towards gaining OJD Court Interpreter Certification.
  • Become familiar with the skills and abilities necessary to interpret in court and court interpreter ethics.
  • Learn about the criminal, civil and juvenile court processes, and get a judge's perspective on court interpreters.

About the June 1st 2024  Orientation to Court Interpreting Program

The June Orientation will be presented over a period of three weeks (May 13 - May 31). The first three weeks will consist of online activities (not live sessions) that registrants will need to complete prior to the live, in-person session on June 1st. The third week will include the live, in-person session in The Dalles on June 1st. In order to successfully complete orientation, registrants will need to complete all three online activities and be prepared to discuss them during the in-person session.

About the June 2nd 2024 Written Exam

The Written Exam Consists of 135 questions and will cover: English language, court related terms and usage, court interpreter ethics and professional conduct. The exam is multiple choice and you will have two hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam.  CLAS does conduct a criminal history check on each candidate to assure that there are no barriers to holding the Oregon Certified Court Interpreter Credential.  Click here for a full overview of the Written Examination

Language Assessments

As part of the Orientation process, candidates will be required to participate in  proficiency assessments for both English and the non-English language. 

The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is a standardized procedure for the global assessment of functional speaking ability in a given language. The OJD currently uses the ALTA Live Speaking and Listening Assessment. Each assessment will measure the speaker’s ability to use a given language effectively and appropriately in real-life scenarios. 

These assessments will be provided at no cost to the candidate. Candidates will be responsible for scheduling both the English and non-English assessments through ALTA Language Services Inc. The assessments are taken over the phone and take 20-30 minutes each. The assessments are scheduled on a date and time of the candidate's choosing, but will need to be completed prior to June 1, More information on scheduling procedures will be provided upon receipt of registration. 






FAQ's

There is no charge for this program, but you must register online by the May 8th deadline if you want to attend​

​Yes, click here​​ to register online. ​


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The pre-Orientation assignments will be conducted via TedEd. In order to participate you will need access to a computer, reliable internet service, and will need to register for a TedEd account. More details will be provided upon receipt​ of registration. 
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Instructions on how to schedule the language assessments will be provided to you upon receipt of payment for the Orientation​ registration fee. ​




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Y​es, CLAS staff will send you your scores on both the English and non-English  language assessments.​​​​




Who: Spanish speakers  interested in pursuing the Oregon Certified Court Interpreter Credential*
Where: The Dalles, OR
When: 
Orientation June 1st
Written Exam - June 2nd
Time: 
June 1 9:00 AM 4:30 PM, June 2 9:00 AM - 12:00PM

Registration Deadline: 3:00 PM, Wednesday, May 8th
Register Online
*Eligible candidates must live in one of the following counties: Sherman, Wheeler, Wasco, Hood River or Gilliam


Note - completing Orientation  does not fulfill the complete requirements to become an Oregon Certified Court Interpreter, nor guarantee of a job or work.