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.
Attend a FREE Information Session Wednesday, June 20, 6-7 p.m.
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.

“If you are bilingual, there is great potential in the translation field, but without the necessary tools and guidance, you'll have a very rough path to walk. By earning my professional certificate, and with special thanks to the amazing instructors, I learned the techniques needed to achieve my goals. I highly recommend this program.”
Perla Marquez
Professional Interpreter, Translator and Owner
Perla Mar Enterprises
Menifee, 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 determine mastery in both languages
- Bring a bilingual dictionary
- Bring pencils or pens
Program Timeline
- Summer Quarter: Enroll in the Information Session and complete the Admissions Exam
- Fall Quarter: Start the program
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.

Professional Certificate in Interpretation and Translation - English/Spanish: Information Session
SPN 851.01
Qualifying Admission Exam for the Interpretation and Document Translation Programs
SPN 852.32

The U.S. Court System: An Overview for Legal Interpreters
LAW X443
3 units
Introduction to Legal Interpretation
SPN X407
3 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 a Court Interpreter for the Superior Court of California. I delight in my interpreting profession, and I certainly love to share my enthusiasm for it with my students. Teaching someone how to interpret means helping them learn and develop a very unique and complex skillset that encompasses performing different brain activities simultaneously. Successful interpreters must listen attentively, analyze, translate, and speak--all at the same time!”
Claudia Revelo