Answers to questions about interpreting in Kansas courts
Following are answers to common questions asked about foreign language interpreting in Kansas courts.
Does Kansas offer court interpreter certification?
No, the Kansas judicial branch does not currently offer court interpreter certification.
However, many states do offer court interpreter certification. If you are certified by another state, this would be evidence of your qualifications. If you are certified in another state, inform your Kansas local language access coordinator and provide proof of certification.
I completed the Kansas Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Orientation and printed my certificate of completion. Am I now a certified Kansas court interpreter?
No. A certificate of completion is not Kansas court interpreter certification. The Kansas judicial branch does not currently certify court interpreters.
A certificate of completion shows you successfully completed the Kansas Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Orientation, which is a basic introduction to foreign language court interpretation in Kansas.
I'm interested in becoming a foreign language court interpreter. Who should I contact?
If you are interested in interpreting for a particular Kansas court, contact the local language access coordinator for the judicial district where the court is located. The local language access coordinator can answer your questions and explain next steps.
Language access coordinators by judicial district
Kansas district courts
I'm interested in becoming a sign language interpreter. Who should I contact?
If you are interested in becoming an interpreter for the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, contact:
Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
How much are court interpreters paid?
Court interpreter costs are paid by the county where the court is located. Payment varies by county.
Where can I find the Kansas laws regarding court interpreters?
Visit K.S.A. 75-4351 et seq.
Where can I find Kansas Supreme Court Rules regarding language access and court interpreters?
Rule 1701 Language Access Committee
Rule 1702 Language Access Coordinators for Each Judicial District
Rule 1703 Kansas Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters
Rule 1704 Interpreter's Acknowledgment and Agreement
Rule 1705 Kansas Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Orientation
Where can I find examples of legal glossaries and dictionaries for court interpreters?
The National Center for State Courts provides helpful resources for foreign language court interpreters, including self-assessments, legal glossaries and dictionaries.
National Center for State Courts