Language Access Coordinator Contact
Brenda Carrasquillo, Court Executive
Language Services Section, Administrative Office of the Courts
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
25 Market Street
Trenton, NJ 08625-0988
Phone: (609) 815-2900 ext. 52371
Email: Brenda.Carrasquillo@njcourts.gov
Website
Code of Ethics or Rules of Professional Conduct
Interpreter Statutes and Rules
Coordination/Supervision of Interpreters: Each vicinage has an interpreting unit consisting of staff interpreters and administrative support led by a Vicinage Coordinator of interpreting services (VCIS). The VCIS designation was created in the eighties to ensure that vicinages have a local expert on language services. VCISs are familiar with statewide language access policies and procedures, train local staff regarding statewide policies and local procedures, address service issues, and coordinate and meet regularly with the Language Services Section, Program Manager.
Cost of Interpreter Services (including fees to freelance and salaries of staff interpreters): Over $8 million annually
Budget for Language Access Program (not including direct interpreter services): Court’s General Operating Budget
Funding for Language Access Program: Court’s General Operating Budget
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (spoken language): $63,000 to $103,000
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (sign language): $68,000 to $103,000
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): Rates for freelancers are the same whether spoken or sign language. However, agency rates vary and are usually higher than freelancer rates.
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified sign language): Rates for freelancers are the same whether spoken or sign language. However, agency rates vary and are usually higher than freelancer rates
Difference in Pay between Spanish and LOTS Interpreters: None. Rates vary by interpreter classification
Minimum Certification Requirements: In languages for which an NCSC exam exists, candidates must 1) take the written exam and pass (80%) or reach the conditionally approved level (70%-79%), 2) attend an orientation seminar, 3) take the NCSC oral performance exam and pass (70%) or reach the conditionally approved level (50-69%) on all three parts. In languages for which no NCSC exam exists, candidates must 1) take the written exam and pass or reach the conditionally approved level, 2) attend an orientation seminar, 3) take a Spoken English Test and Oral Proficiency Interview in their other languages(s) and pass both exams to start at the conditionally approved level. Candidates credentialed in other states or with the federal certification are eligible for reciprocity.
Dates and Locations of Testing and Training: All testing is in Trenton. Oral exam sessions are scheduled two to three times a year. Applicants are notified of a testing session once it is established. Written exams are scheduled about three days a year and include two test sessions (morning and afternoon) per date. See the Written and Oral Exam Overviews for dates.