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Be a Bridge Between Two Worlds

Courtrooms, emergency rooms, schools, professional conferences - these are just a few of the settings where professional interpreters 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 serve as a crucial link between those who cannot understand English and those who serve them, accurately conveying information, concepts and ideas between languages.

This program can only be started in Fall and Spring quarters.

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  • Money in hand icon

    Est. Tuition $3,820

  • Computer and user icon

    Learning Format Online

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    Duration 18 months *

    *Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.
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    Total Units 19.5 - 23.5 Units

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalency
  • Fully bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish
  • Enroll and pass the Qualifying Admissions Exam. You will be tested on both written and oral fluency in Spanish and English.
  • Submit program application

  • Enroll and pass the Qualifying Admissions Exam. You will be tested on both written and oral fluency in Spanish and English. NOTE: Allow up to 2 weeks for the exam to be graded and posted in your student portal. See full schedule of exam dates.
  • Upon passage of the admissions exam, apply to the program. Once the application is approved, you may begin enrolling in courses. NOTE: After approval, you are ensured that you are locked-in to the certificate program as currently written. You are allowed five years to complete the program.

Program Dates

  • This program can only be started in Fall and Spring quarters.

  • All modes of interpretation
  • Spanish-to-English and English-to-Spanish vocabulary
  • Acquisition of specialized terminology
  • Interpretation skills used in criminal, civil, community, social work, immigration, and education 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.

For individuals who are:

  • Professional interpreters
  • Considering a career in professional interpretation
  • Interested in becoming certified court, community, or medical interpreters and have a high level of bilingual fluency developed through formal education or from interpretation-related work experience

Individuals must complete all four core courses listed below, one quarter at a time.

  • Courses must be completed in the specified sequence:
    • Introduction to Legal Interpretation and Sight Translation (SPN X481) 2.00 units
    • Consecutive Translation for Interpreters (SPN X482) 4.50 units
    • Simultaneous Interpretation for Interpreters and Translators (SPN X483) 4.50 units
    • Sight Translation for Interpreters (SPN X484) 4.50 units

Upon completion of required courses, you will select one of three tracks: Medical, Court, or Community (you can choose more than one if you like).

Required Courses

Course Formats
Course Schedules are Subject to Change
Qualifying Exam (1.00 Courses )
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Qualifying Admission Exam for the Professional Certificate in English-Spanish InterpretationApplicants for the Professional Certificate in Interpretation and Translation English-Spanish program must successfully pass the Qualifying Admission Exam for the Professional Certificate in Interpretation and Translation: English-Spanish prior to enrolling in either certificate program.
.00 Units
Completion of 4 core courses is required.
Required (15.50 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Introduction to Legal Interpretation and Sight TranslationThis course is designed to introduce students to the legal setting.
2.00 Units
Consecutive Translation for InterpretersIn this course students will learn to convert the words into the target language after the speakers delivers one or two sentences.
4.50 Units
Simultaneous Interpretation for Interpreters and TranslatorsStudents enrolled in this course will learn the basics about simultaneous interpretation.
4.50 Units
Sight Translation for InterpretersSight interpretation and translation concepts will be used to assess the ability to comprehend written text in one language and the ability to produce an oral or signed rendition in another language.
4.50 Units
Medical Interpretation Specialization
Medical Interpretation (8.00 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Medical InterpretationThe Medical Interpreting Course will introduce the bilingual and bicultural individual to a description of the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Population.
4.00 Units
Medical TerminologyThe Medical Terminology English-Spanish course will teach students how to understand common medical terms and meanings by breaking down the words in prefix, root word and suffix.
4.00 Units
Court Interpretation Specialization
Court Interpretation (4.00 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Ethics and Legal Court ProceedingsIn this class, students will become familiar with ethical standards for interpreters.
1.00 Units
Court Interpretation- Exam PreparationThis class is designed to help the student prepare to pass the State Court Interpreter Exam.
3.00 Units
Community Interpretation Specialization
Community Interpretation (8.00 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Community InterpretationIn this course, students will learn how to navigate across cultural interpretation in the educational field.
4.00 Units
Community Interpretation and Translation in EducationIn this course, students will learn how to create their own tools for the field of Community Interpretation in the Educational Field.
4.00 Units

Getting Started

This certificate is offered as a cohort. Core courses must be completed one quarter at a time, in the order listed above, as each course acts as a prerequisite for the next.

Jan24Winter 2026
Feb03Winter 2026
Feb25Winter 2026
Future Dates

Certificate Spotlights

Jesus Oliva-Barron

Instructor Spotlight
 

Your Journey Starts Here

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