At American Translations and Interpreting Services (ATIS) in Sacramento, California, we’re often asked how translators and interpreters can get certified in the United States. The process differs depending on whether you want to work as a professional document translator or as a court interpreter within the California judicial system. Here’s a simple guide covering both — including direct links to official resources.

1. ATA Certification – Becoming a Certified Translator

The American Translators Association (ATA) is the most recognized organization offering translator certification in the U.S. ATA certification demonstrates your professional competence and is widely accepted by government agencies, universities, and private clients alike.

Steps to Get ATA Certified

Pick your language pair. ATA certifies specific language combinations, such as English ↔ Spanish or English ↔ Arabic.
Become an ATA member. Membership is required before taking the exam.
Register for the exam. The test is 3 hours long and focuses on translation accuracy, grammar, and terminology.
Pass the exam. Your work is reviewed by professional graders who evaluate precision, style, and completeness.
Maintain your certification. ATA requires continuing education (CEPs) to stay current and active.

Tip: Learn more about exam schedules, eligibility, and language combinations directly on the ATA Certification Program Page.

2. Becoming a Court Interpreter in California

In California, court interpreters are certified through the Judicial Council’s Language Access Services Division. Depending on your language, you can become either a “Certified Court Interpreter” or a “Registered Court Interpreter.”

How to Get Certified or Registered

Check if your language appears on the Certified Language List.
Take and pass the Written Exam and Oral Proficiency Exam in English and your target language.
For certified languages, pass the Bilingual Interpreting Exam (BIE).
Complete your background check and apply to be listed on the California Judicial Council Interpreter Master List.

For non-certified languages, you may qualify as a Registered Court Interpreter by meeting specific testing and registration requirements.

3. California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program

The state’s Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program is a new initiative designed to help increase the number of qualified interpreters working in California courts. It provides financial support and training opportunities for bilingual candidates pursuing certification.

Key Highlights

Reimburses interpreter training and up to three exam fees for eligible participants.
Participants have two years to complete the required exams.
Successful candidates must commit to working in California courts for three years after certification.
Applicants must be 18 or older, reside in California, and pass a background check.
Cohorts open annually — Cohort 1 launched January 2025, and Cohort 2 begins January 2026.

For full eligibility details, deadlines, and downloadable program PDFs, visit the official California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program page.

Good to know: This program doesn’t train interpreters directly — instead, it reimburses you for approved training and exam costs. You can study independently or through recognized interpreter education providers.

4. Comparison of Certification Paths

Pathway	Purpose	Requirements
ATA Translator Certification	Professional document translation for legal, immigration, and academic use	ATA membership + translation exam + continuing education
California Court Interpreter Certification	Interpret spoken language in California courts	Written & oral exams + BIE + background check + registration
Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program	State program supporting interpreter certification and employment	Apply to cohort → pass exams → commit to 3 years of court service

5. Sacramento Insight from ATIS

At American Translations and Interpreting Services (ATIS) in Sacramento, we’ve helped many translators and interpreters navigate both the ATA certification process and California’s interpreting requirements. Sacramento’s diverse community provides rich opportunities to practice bilingual communication and build a career serving local clients or state courts.

If you plan to take the ATA exam or apply for the California Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program, preparation and persistence are key. Use practice exams, focus on legal and technical vocabulary, and connect with local language professionals. ATIS remains committed to supporting Sacramento translators and interpreters at every stage of their journey.