Federal Court Interpreter

State and Federal Spanish Court Interpreter certification examinations are rigorous exams that require intensive training and access to practice courses. The Federal Court Interpreter course includes the finest online interpreting laboratory in the market. You will be able to practice numerous court cases as if they were in an actual court proceeding, both at the state and the federal levels.

The material presented in each lecture is immediately practiced in the online laboratory to make sure that you are able not only to memorize the transfer of a word or phrase, but also are able to interpret as it is required in a court of law. This course also prepares you to interpret in any civil deposition and any other legal proceeding in the criminal and in the civil jurisdictions.

What you will learn

• Understand interpreting techniques - simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation
• Learn criminal and civil terminology in both Spanish and English and the corresponding transfer into the opposite language
• Master drug, firearm, fingerprint, gang terminology
• Study juvenile court and children's court terminology
• Explore the necessary material to sit in either a State or Federal Spanish Court Interpreter examination
• Understand courtroom protocol and the ethics of the court interpreter

How you will benefit

• Develop the skills needed to work as an English to Spanish or Spanish to English translator
• Gain confidence in your abilities by practicing numerous court cases as if they were in an actual court proceeding, both at the state and the federal levels
• Understand the legal regulations required to work as a federal court interpreter
• Become prepared to interpret in any civil deposition and any other legal proceeding in the criminal and in the civil jurisdictions

1. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings I
   1. Arraignment
   2. Pre-trial Hearings
   3. Preliminary Hearings
   4. Criminal Terminology
   5. Trials
   6. Sentencing
   7. Progress Reports
   8. Probation Violation Hearings
   9. Colloquialisms
   10. Simultaneous Techniques
   11. Consecutive Techniques
   12. Criminal Offenses in the State Jurisdiction
   13. Interpreting Laboratory Practices
2. Interpreting Criminal Proceedings II
   1. Misdemeanors in State Court
   2. Felonies in State Court
   3. Waivers and Plea Forms
   4. DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence/Driving while intoxicating
   5. Domestic Violence
   6. Drug Terminology
   7. Drug Possession cases
   8. Firearms Terminology
   9. Fingerprint Terminology
   10. Gang Terminology
   11. Juvenile Court Terminology
   12. Children's Court Terminology
   13. Typical Court Proceedings – Misdemeanors
   14. Typical Court Proceedings – Felonies
   15. Interpreting Laboratory Practices
3. Advanced Interpreting Techniques in Criminal and Civil Matters
   1. Parties involved in Federal Courts
   2. Federal Crimes
   3. Family Law Court
   4. Probate Court
   5. Contracts Law
   6. Advanced Sight Translations – Federal Level
   7. Advanced Consecutive Techniques
   8. Expert Witness Testimony – DNA
   9. Expert Witness Testimony – Computer Forensics
   10. Differences in the transfer of Criminal and Civil Legal Terminology
   11. Drug Trafficking
   12. Exam-Taking Techniques
4. Interpreting Laboratory Practices

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Prerequisites:

You must speak English and Spanish fluently. You should be familiar with using a personal computer, mouse, and keyboard. They should be comfortable in a Windows or Mac environment, and have the ability to launch and close activities.

State Requirements:

This program is designed to meet the educational requirements to apply for professional licensure or certification in all states.

Each state's licensure or certification authority is responsible for establishing the requirements for professional licensure or certification in its state. Completing this program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing authority to confirm the requirements for licensure or a certificate in the state where they live, work, or intend to live or work.

Nestor Wagner

Nestor Wagner is a certified Court and Medical Interpreter who has been teaching interpreting courses since 1990. He has the highest pass rate of certified court interpreters in the nation. He has published several books in the interpreting community. Mr. Wagner is involved in the examination process for Immigration Interpreters and Analytical Linguists. He participates as speakers in national and international conferences on Criminal, Civil and Immigration Court terminology, advanced interpreting skills, and localization in the transfer of legal and non-legal terminology. Mr. Wagner holds a Master degree from the University of Washington.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes, you will be prepared to sit for any State or Federal Certified Spanish Court Interpreter exam.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive nine (9) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.