I. THE ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts (“AOC”) is an office created by Alabama’s
Constitution with many responsibilities including the general administration of
Alabama’s Unified Judicial System (UJS). The AOC is located in Montgomery, Alabama.
The AOC, under the direction of the Administrative Director of Courts, is responsible
for providing centralized administrative support for the proper operation of Alabama’s
state court system. This support includes the development of procedures and systems
necessary for the state courts’ efficient operation, and the collection and dissemination
of information needed for the continued development of these procedures and systems.
The AOC carries out these responsibilities through a network of specialized divisions,
including the AOC Legal Division. The AOC Legal Division has been given the opportunity
to develop and implement the Foreign Language Interpreter Program for Alabama’s
Unified Judicial System.
II. ALABAMA’S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
Alabama’s laws and rules require its courts to provide qualified foreign language
interpreters.
In 2008, the Administrative Office of Courts adopted Policies and Procedures for
Foreign Language Interpreters. These policies and procedures are not unlike those
adopted and enforced by numerous other states. The AOC’s Policies and Procedures,
found at AOC’s website (www.alacourt.gov) and attached as Exhibit 1, addresses many
interpreter issues, including eligibility, registration, certification, appointment,
responsibilities, compensation, conduct, ethics and discipline.
III. CERTIFIED FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURT INTERPRETERS
Under Alabama law, Alabama’s courts appoint qualified foreign language court interpreters.
Alabama’s Policies and Procedures for Foreign Language Interpreters further identifies
the method by which an interpreter becomes certified, outlines interpreter qualifications
and responsibilities, and gives best practices for providing foreign language court
interpreter services.
To become certified, provide court interpreter services and be properly compensated
by the State, the interpreter must first register with the AOC.
IV. HOW DOES AN INTERPRETER REGISTER WITH THE AOC
An individual who wishes to provide foreign language interpreter services in Alabama’s
courts must register with the AOC by completing and returning a Foreign Language
Interpreter Registration Form, a Criminal Background Check Form, and an E-Verify Form
(this form must be notarized) to the AOC attention FLIP (See Exhibit 1).
After an interpreter properly registers with the AOC, the interpreter’s name and
contact information is listed on the AOC’s internal, non-published Foreign Language
Services Registry. Once the interpreter passes the written exam and attends an
orientation seminar their name and contact information is added to the website
registry where it is available to Alabama’s courts, attorneys and the general public.
An interpreter who wishes to change any personal information on the AOC Registry,
or who wishes to be removed from the AOC Registry, must send a request in writing
to the AOC at the following address:
Administrative Office of Courts Attn: F.L.I.P. 300 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104
V. HOW DOES AN INTERPRETER BECOME A CERTIFIED INTERPRETER FOR ALABAMA’S COURTS
The following information outlines the steps necessary in becoming a certified interpreter
for Alabama’s courts:
1. REGISTRATION and BACKGROUND CHECK
● An interpreter must register with the Administrative Office of Courts by completing
and returning (1) the registration form and (2) the criminal background check form.
(A Registered Interpreter is paid $25/hour). (See Exhibit 1).
2. WRITTEN EXAM and ORIENTATION SEMINAR
● After registration, a registered interpreter must pass the written exam and attend
an interpreter orientation seminar. After passing the written exam and attending
the interpreter orientation seminar, the interpreter is recognized by the AOC as
a Conditionally Approved Interpreter and is paid $30/hour.
3. ORAL CERTIFICATION EXAM Upon passing the written exam, attending an interpreter
orientation seminar and taking and passing the oral certification exam, an interpreter
will be recognized by the AOC as having achieved one of the following interpreter
certification levels:
● Journeyman Interpreter A Journeyman Interpreter has scored 60% or higher on the
oral exam and 55% or higher on the sight translation portion of the exam. (A Journeyman
Interpreter is paid by the State at the rate of $35/hour).
● Certified Interpreter A Certified Interpreter has scored 70% or higher on the
oral exam and 65% or higher on the sight translation portion of the exam. (A Certified
Interpreter is paid by the State at the rate of $40/hour).
● Certified – Master Level Interpreter A Certified – Master Level Interpreter has
scored 80% or higher on the oral exam and 80% or higher on the sight translation
portion of the exam. (A Certified – Master Level Interpreter is paid by the State
at the rate of $45/hour).
VI. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BECOME A CERTIFIED INTERPRETER FOR ALABAMA’S COURTS
AOC currently charges the following to individuals seeking to become a certified
interpreter for Alabama’s Courts. These costs may increase.
1. Registration Application No Cost
2. Written Test $35.00
3. Orientation Seminar $50.00
4. Oral Certification Test $350.00
VII. WHAT IS A BENEFIT OF BEING A CERTIFIED INTERPRETER
The qualifications of a certified interpreter will be placed on the AOC’s interpreter
registry and made known to Alabama’s courts, attorneys and to the general public.
Also, Alabama’s courts appoint qualified interpreters and will seek to appoint certified
interpreters listed on AOC’s interpreter registry.