Douglas G. Denton, Principal Manager
Language Access Services
Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
Email: LAP@jud.ca.gov
Claudia Ortega, Supervising Analyst
Court Interpreter Program
Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
Email: courtinterpreters@jud.ca.gov
Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts
Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness
Court Interpreters Advisory Panel
Interpreter Statutes and Rules: Cal. Const., Article I § 14; Cal. Government Code §§ 68560-68566; Cal. Rules of Court, Rules 2.890-2.895
Coordination/Supervision of Interpreters: California has approximately 1,850 total court employee court interpreters and independent contractor court interpreters that are coordinated and supervised by individual trial courts. Cross assignments of employee interpreters to other courts are coordinated through the Judicial Council's Regional Court Interpreter Coordinator.
Cost of Interpreter Services (including fees to independent contractors and salaries of staff interpreters): Court interpreter expenditure reports are available at http://www.courts.ca.gov/2686.htm.
Budget for Language Access Program (not including direct interpreter services): Approximately $6 million, including the following: Judicial Council staff supporting language access; test development and administration; interpreter compliance activities; signage and technology grants for courts; interpreter credential review and education; and program and policy development.
Funding for Language Access Program: Governor’s Budget Act
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (spoken language): Annual $76,419.20 - $92,892.80 ($36.74-$44.66/hour)
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (sign language): Annual $76,419.20 - $92,892.80 ($36.74-$44.66/hour)
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): Full-day: $350; Half-day: $175; Hourly: $44–with local discretion to meet unique needs
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): Full-day: $350; Half-day: $175; Hourly: $44–with local discretion to meet unique needs
Difference in Pay between Spanish and LOTS Interpreters: Unknown
2023 Dates and Locations of Testing and Training:
The English Written Exam and Oral Proficiency Exams for bilingual staff or registered interpreter candidates are available year-round at multiple locations around California.
Bilingual Interpreter Exam dates and location information is available here: https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/cabint
Additional Information:
Compliance Requirements for California Interpreters
Professional Standards and Ethics for California Court Interpreters