Interpretation & Translation

Spoken Language Interpretation & Written Language Translation

The Texas Office of Court Administration's Language Access Department is available to all courts statewide to provide guidance on language-related issues. The Texas judiciary is non-unified, so interpreters are contracted, scheduled and paid at the local level rather than by the state.

Language Access in Texas Courts is a resource page for translation and interpretation of spoken languages.

Texas Court Remote Interpreter Service (TCRIS) is a free service for courts, providing licensed court interpreters by speakerphone and videoconference in the following languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese and German.

The Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) manages the testing, registration, and licensing of court interpreters, among other professions. The JBCC pages on interpreters are here.

Sign Language Interpretation

The Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) tests and certifies the skill level of individuals seeking to become certified sign language interpreters in Texas. The BEI is operated by the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Office of Court Administration is not involved in this process.

The BEI Interpreter Search page can help you find a certified court interpreter for American Sign Language.

The BEI Interpreter Certification program provides information for those interested in becoming a certified court interpreter for American Sign Language, and ensures that prospective interpreters are proficient in their abilities.

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