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Certified court interpreter education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a certified court interpreter. Certified court interpreters usually study english, business, or linguistics. 59% of certified court interpreters hold a bachelor's degree, and 16% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 276 real certified court interpreter resumes to see exactly what certified court interpreter education sections show.

The most common colleges for certified court interpreters are the University of California - Davis and the University of California - Davis.

There are also many online certified court interpreter courses to help get the education required to be a certified court interpreter.

There are certain certified court interpreter certifications that you should consider. These certified court interpreter certifications include Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

What education do you need to become a certified court interpreter?

What degree do you need to be a certified court interpreter?

The most common degree for certified court interpreters is bachelor's degree, with 59% of certified court interpreters earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 16% and master's degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 59%
  • Master's, 16%
  • Associate, 10%
  • Doctorate, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a certified court interpreter?

You should major in english to become a certified court interpreter. 17% of certified court interpreters major in english. Other common majors for a certified court interpreter include business and linguistics.

Most common colleges for certified court interpreters

Certified court interpreters often get their degrees at University of California - Davis, California State University - San Bernardino, and University of Connecticut. Here are the most common colleges for certified court interpreters in the US based on their resumes.
Certified court interpreter common collegePercentages
University of California - Davis13.89%
California State University - San Bernardino11.11%
University of Connecticut5.56%
Washington State University5.56%
Pace University5.56%

Best majors for certified court interpreters

RankMajorPercentages
1English16.8%
2Business15.3%
3Linguistics7.6%
4Law7.6%
5Criminal Justice6.9%

Best colleges for certified court interpreters

The best colleges for certified court interpreters are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

A certified court interpreter with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for certified court interpreters. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become certified court interpreters.

1. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

2. University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$13,226

Enrollment

31,568

3. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$14,184

Enrollment

30,845

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

5. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

7. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

8. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

9. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

10. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

20 best online courses for certified court interpreters

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1. Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases

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This course offers an introduction to the U.S. Constitution and landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting it. It explores the Constitution’s origins, its amendment over the years, and methods of constitutional interpretation. Topics include the nature and structure of the federal government, the powers of the federal government, and individual rights...

2. International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

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International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice. The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of...

3. Effective Legal Office Administration

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Effective Legal Office Administration...

4. Legal English

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Legal language and communication skills...

5. Analysis and Interpretation of Large-Scale Programs

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This course is for implementers, managers, funders, and evaluators of health programs targeting women and children in low- and middle-income countries as well as undergraduate and graduate students in health-related fields. Course participants will learn how to 1) transform quantitative components of an evaluation measurement plan into a sound analysis plan to address the evaluation questions, 2) conduct quantitative analyses of primary or secondary surveys or other available data, 3) interpret...

6. Data Analysis and Interpretation

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Learn SAS or Python programming, expand your knowledge of analytical methods and applications, and conduct original research to inform complex decisions.\n\nThe Data Analysis and Interpretation Specialization takes you from data novice to data expert in just four project-based courses. You will apply basic data science tools, including data management and visualization, modeling, and machine learning using your choice of either SAS or Python, including pandas and Scikit-learn. Throughout the...

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8. Work From Home in Translation Upwork Translation Course

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9. ERPO: A Civil Approach to Gun Violence Prevention Teach-Out

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Evidence shows that 1 life is saved for every 10-20 Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) issued. ERPOs are legally issued civil orders that allow people on the front lines to ask a court to prevent a person at imminent risk of harm to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing firearms during a critical period of risk. As of October 2020, ERPO laws have been enacted by nineteen states and the District of Columbia and while some aspects differ by state, the general process for applying...

10. Translational Science

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An introduction to the field of Translational Science and its applications to improve patient and community health through the four stages of translational research.\n\nTranslational science is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and populations.\n\nAs the translational research enterprise — both in the United States and internationally — continues to expand, there is a growing need to increase...

11. How to get hired as a Freelance Translator. Get more clients

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Earn a Living in Freelance Translation: A Step-by-Step Course with Expert Guidance. Get hired for translation jobs...

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13. Health, Housing, and Educational Services

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Course 5 discusses policies in four areas: housing, education, healthcare, and immigration, with an optional fifth module in child protection. This course addresses issues of power, oppression, and white supremacy. -First we’ll look at housing policy, with its contrasting supports for homeowners and renters. -Then we’ll interpret the structure that provides education and examine debates about its future. -The third module will differentiate the issues in the U.S. healthcare system and develop...

14. Clinical Trials Operations

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This specialization is designed for individuals and teams that will be running or interacting with clinical trials. In four courses, learners will develop insights and build the skills they need to design, manage, and monitor clinical trials as well as analyze, document, and communicate the results. Learners will also learn best practices regarding ethics, safety, participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, and reporting standards. The core principles and skills of the specialization will...

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16. How to Become a Translator without a Degree

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17. Introduction to Translational Science

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Translational science seeks to speed up the process of moving research discoveries from the laboratory into healthcare practices. Numerous scientific and organizational roadblocks can act as obstacles along the path of translation and ultimately hinder the speed of progress in medical research. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) was established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to transform and accelerate the translational research process, with the...

18. Helping Families Avoid Negative Court Involvement Teach-Out

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This course will teach learners how to understand when issues can become legal issues, encourage learners to recognize legal problems early, identify possible “legal soft spots” in their own situations, and act when issues are identified to avoid them escalating. This course will also teach and encourage learners to think preventatively and provide some tools to use with an eye toward preventing future legal issues. Finally, this Teach-out seeks to expand the idea of legal health checks to a...

19. Good Clinical Practice for Clinical Research Professionals

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20. The 16-hour SPSS Pro: Analysis, Interpretation, and Write-Up

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Top 10 most affordable universities for certified court interpreters

The most affordable schools for certified court interpreters are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and baruch college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for certified court interpreters are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for certified court interpreters.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

3. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

6. Lehman College of the City University of New York

Bronx, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,210

Cost of attendance

14,359

7. Queens College of the City University of New York

Queens, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,338

Cost of attendance

14,281

8. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,140

Cost of attendance

14,430

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

10. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for certified court interpreters

The hardest universities for certified court interpreters to get into are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

Some great schools for certified court interpreters are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for certified court interpreters based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

4. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

5. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

6. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

Admissions rate

7%

SAT average

1,520

7. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,517

8. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

9. University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN • Private

Admissions rate

18%

SAT average

1,502

10. Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,488

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for certified court interpreters

The easiest schools for certified court interpreters to get into are Barry University, wayland baptist university, and mount saint mary's university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a certified court interpreter without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for certified court interpreters.

1. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

2. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

3. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

4. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

5. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

6. Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,002

7. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,053

8. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

9. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

10. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

Average certified court interpreter salary by education level

According to our data, certified court interpreters with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $51,142 annually. Certified court interpreters with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $46,807.
Certified court interpreter education levelCertified court interpreter salary
Master's Degree$51,142
High School Diploma or Less$41,831
Bachelor's Degree$46,807
Some College/ Associate Degree$46,543

Certified court interpreter education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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