Court Interpreter Credentialing Process

The Supreme Court of Ohio offers credentialing in the following 20 languages:

1. Amharic
2. Arabic
3. Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
4. Cantonese
5. Filipino (Tagalog)
6. French
7. Haitian-Creole

8. Hmong
9. Khmer
10. Korean
11. Mandarin
12. Polish

13. Portuguese
14. Russian
15. Spanish
16. Turkish
17. Vietnamese

Examination Process

Candidates must pass a written exam and an oral exam in order to receive certification.  The written exam covers general English language proficiency, court-related terminology, and interpreter ethics.  The passing score for the written exam is 80 percent.

After passing the written exam, a candidate may proceed to the oral exam to receive certification.  The passing score for the oral exam is 70 percent in each of the following parts: sight-translation, consecutive, and simultaneous interpretation. A candidate who scores less than 70 percent but above 60 percent in each part of the exam may receive provisional certification. These interpreters are categorized as “provisionally qualified.”

Sign Language Interpreters

In order to be listed as a sign language interpreter, a candidate must possess the Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L).  Other sign language credentials are listed on the roster in accordance with Superintendence Rule 88(E)(2).  For more information on the certification process, please see Superintendence Rules 80-86.

Before appointing an interpreter, please consult Superintendence Rule 88 which guides Ohio courts on the appointment of interpreters.

• Rule 80-86
• Rule 88
• Court Interpreter Credentialing Program