Classroom Program
Courtrooms, emergency rooms, schools, professional conferences - these are just a few of the settings where professional interpreters and translators apply their skills. More than just knowing the correct words to use, these experts must understand the fields in which they work, and have a firm grasp of the cultures involved. As language specialists, interpreters/translators serve as a crucial link between those who cannot understand English and those who serve them, accurately conveying information, concepts and ideas between languages.
Whether your interest in law, medicine, business, education, or immigration, UCR Extension's comprehensive certificate program prepares you to enter the professional field of interpreting and formal translation.
Designed For
For individuals who are:
- Professional interpreters and translators.
- Considering a career in professional interpretation and translation.
- Interested in becoming certified court interpreters and have a high level of bilingual fluency developed through formal education or from interpretation-related work experience.
What You'll Learn
- All modes of interpretation
- Spanish-to-English and English-to-Spanish vocabulary
- Acquisition of specialized terminology
- Translation skills used in criminal and civil court matters
- Training in the development of listening and memory skills
- Note-taking techniques
- Public speaking
The program also provides preparation for examinations required for federal and state court interpretation and county agencies, as well as professional organizations.
What You Can Do With This Certificate
Positions are available in law, medicine, education, business and other professional areas, and can be found in private firms, government, or nonprofit organizations. They might include:
- Bilingual Interpreter
- Professional Interpreter
Real People. Real Results.

“I am delighted to have earned my Interpretation and Translation Professional Certificate through UCR Extension. My interactions with both instructors and fellow classmates were incredibly positive. As a bilingual person, the knowledge and experience I gained through the program opened so many doors for me, and I now have my first job in this exciting and challenging profession.”
Rosie Garcia
Professional Interpreter and Translator
San Bernardino, CA
Earning the Certificate
Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have completed two years of college-level work, or have prior approval from the department.
- Take and pass a written and oral admissions exam.
Oral Admissions Exam Information:
On the day of the admissions exam, students need to submit the following (via flash drive or audio recorder):
- Recording of a 2-3 minute reading selection in English from a newspaper or magazine article of your choice
- Recording of an oral interpretation into Spanish of the same article
- Recording of an autobiographical statement in your non-native language, no longer than 3 minutes
Admissions Exam
- Students must successfully pass the qualifying admissions written exam to demonstrate mastery in both English and Spanish
- Bring a bilingual dictionary
- Bring pencils or pens
Also of Interest
This program is approved by the American Translators Association (ATA) and the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA). This program is listed on the CA Judicial Council Court Interpreters Program website.
For more information see How to Earn a Certificate
Certificate Courses
Our certificate programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you the option to take just a few courses or to earn the complete certificate. If choosing to complete the certificate, we recommend you get the most out of your experience by following the suggested completion path below.

The U.S. Court System: An Overview for Legal Interpreters
LAW X443
3 units
Comparative Analysis of the Structures of English and Spanish Languages
SPN X409.4
3 units

Introduction to Legal Interpretation
SPN X407.1
1.5 units
Sight Translation: English to Spanish
SPN X404
4 units

Consecutive Interpretation
SPN X405
4 units
Simultaneous Interpretation
SPN X404.5
4 units
Professional Interpreting: Protocol and Ethics
SPN X404.3
2 units
Instructor Spotlight

“I am motivated to help people understand the main concept of what’s being discussed in a language other than their own. Clients often feel intimidated, but with an interpreter by their side,they are able to fully participate in the process and understand exactly what is happening.”
Pedro Fuentes
Instructor
UCR Extension
Riverside, CA