In accordance with Maryland Rule 1-333, the minimum requirements for spoken language interpreters seeking assignments in the Maryland courts include the submission of an application to attend the Introductory Workshop for Court Interpreter Candidates. After attending the Introductory workshop, interpreter candidates are invited to take a written examination in English, a language proficiency interview in English and foreign languages and attend a 2-day orientation for court interpreters. In addition, interpreters must swear or affirm compliance with the Maryland Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters and must not have, in a state or federal court of record, a pending criminal charge or conviction on a charge punishable by a fine of more than $500 or imprisonment for more than six months, unless pardoned or expunged in accordance with the law. A background check will be conducted to determine compliance. The Administrative Office of the Courts currently does not certify and has no plans to certify translators in the future.
In summary, spoken language interpreters interested in working as a court interpreter for the Maryland Judiciary must:
- Attend a 1-Day Introductory Webinar on Court Interpreting via ZOOM.
- Pass a written examination in English.
- Pass a language proficiency interview (LPI) in English and foreign languages once the written examination is passed.
- Attend a mandatory 1- Day Court Interpreter Orientation Webinar (non-language specific; ZOOM).
- Pass a background check.
Interpreter candidates who complete these requirements are listed on the Court Interpreter Registry as "QUALIFIED" interpreters. They are allowed to take a Court Interpreter Certification Exam, if available in their languages. Certified and Qualified court interpreters listed on the Court Interpreter Registry work on an as needed basis. Being listed on the Registry does not guarantee full-time, part-time or contractual employment. If you are looking for permanent employment with the Maryland Judiciary, please visit the Maryland Judiciary website at http://mdcourts.gov/jobs/index.html.
Certified interpreters from the neighboring states are welcome to apply for reciprocity if they live within 50 miles of the nearest Maryland courthouse. To request an application for reciprocity, please contact the Court Interpreter Program Administrator Ksenia Boitsova at [email protected].
How to Become Listed as an ASL or ASL-CDI Court Interpreter in Maryland
In accordance with Maryland Rule 1-333, the minimum requirement for Sign Language interpreters seeking assignments in the Maryland courts is to be certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). The Maryland Court Interpreter program does not certify sign language interpreters. Sign language interpreters do not need to attend the Introductory Workshop or take the Court Interpreter Written Exam. To request an application, please contact the Court Interpreter Program Administrator Ksenia Boitsova at: [email protected].