Qualified Interpreters

For languages in which a court interpreter examination does not exist, interpreters who wish to work at the DC Courts may be registered as a qualified freelance interpreter on the DC Courts Interpreter Registry if the interpreter completes the following:

1. Email to interpreters [at] dcsc.gov your resume and a statement of interest in working at the DC Courts as a freelance interpreter. OCIS staff will acknowledge receipt of your email, review your resume, and instruct you to complete the following steps:
   1. Obtain a DUNS number from https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. It takes one business day to obtain.
   2. Approximately 48 hours after being issued a DUNS number, you must register your entity at www.sam.gov.
   3. Once your SAM registration has been activated, contact OCIS staff, who will then email you a form to register as a new supplier in Oracle for the District of Columbia Courts. NOTE: Your SAM registration will be valid for one year from the date registration is complete. SAM registration must be renewed annually. If you submit an invoice when your SAM registration is expired, your invoice will be rejected by OCIS. The invoice may be resubmitted after you renew your SAM registration.
       
2. Pass three (3) exams, in the following order:
   1. A written English exam.
   2. An Oral Proficiency Interview in English. (For more information, please click on Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) FAQ’s).
   3. An Oral Proficiency Interview in your target language. (For more information, please click on Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) FAQ’s).
       

   OR

   Pass the United States Department of State-Seminar Level exam in the target language. (A State Department letter stating you have passed the Seminar Level examination in the target language must be provided to OCIS staff as proof of qualification).

3. Complete an Orientation Workshop for Interpreters in the District of Columbia Courts for qualified interpreters. This workshop covers the D.C. Courts’ Interpreter Code of Ethics, rules of professional conduct, and practice standards. Interpreters must take and pass a quiz related to these matters. Interpreters will receive training on the Web Interpreter System (WIS), the database through which interpreters post their availability, receive assignments, view assigned cases, and submit invoices. Interpreters will be trained on the District of Columbia’s court system, OCIS policies and procedures, and participate in skills-building training.
    
4. Pass a criminal history background check.