Texas Judicial

Branch

Licensed Court Interpreters

Licensure by Endorsement 

Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring they know all information required to become licensed, by ensuring to utilize all resources available to them (i.e., our website, rules, slideshows, any communications submitted to them by staff, etc.).

Texas does not have reciprocity with other states; however, those seeking information on certification by endorsement must submit inquiries to courtinterpreters@txcourts.gov for information on this process. 

Rule 3.3 (a) of the JBCC's Rules states: "The Commission may waive any prerequisite to obtaining a certification, registration, or license for an applicant after reviewing the applicant's credentials and determining that the applicant holds a certification, registration, or license issued by another jurisdiction that has certification, registration, or licensing requirements substantially equivalent to those of this State."

  • The certification by endorsement process does not extend to certifications held by associations.
  • The certification by endorsement process does not extend to those with an expired TX license. Please refer to section 3.2 (f)-(g) of the JBCC Rules for the requirements on how to reinstate a certification expired for 1 yr. or more.

To be eligible for Licensure by Endorsement you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Must be currently licensed (i.e., fully certified or licensed) by your state's licensing authority.
  2. Must be in good standing with your state's licensing authority.
  3. Must be currently licensed or certified as a Basic or Master level interpreter.
    • If your state does not specify those designations, we may use your test scores to determine the equivalent interpreter level in Texas. 
  4. Must be licensed or certified in a state with certification or licensure requirements which are substantially equivalent to Texas’ requirements.
  5. Must have 3 years of experience as a licensed or certified interpreter.
    • Alternatively, you must have passed the NCSC or your state's court interpreter's exam in one sitting.
    • You must complete a Texas approved pre-license orientation course if you have less than 3 years of interpreting experience. See the list of approved orientation courses on our website.
  6. Must have passed the NCSC exam in one sitting, or
    • You must have passed your state's court interpreter's exam in one sitting, if the state’s exam requirements are equal to or greater than the Texas exam requirements.
    • Other exams we accept can be found on the Language & Other Exams page of our website.

If you do not meet the requirements established above, you may not be deemed eligible for licensure by endorsement and must pass the exam administered by JBCC staff. If you still wish to proceed with applying for licensure by endorsement, you must follow the procedures below. Please be advised that your application may be reviewed by our committee for a final determination. Application fees are non-refundable.

If you meet the requirements above, you may apply for Licensure by Endorsement prior to registering for the exam following the procedures established below:

1. Submit the Application for Licensure and pay the required fee via the online system on our home page.

2. Submit all required documentation for the items indicated below:

  • Verification from your licensing authority that your license is current and in good standing
  • Documentation from your licensing authority of the requirements for certification
  • Documentation from your licensing authority verifying the method of certification you’re licensed under (i.e., the language you are licensed to interpret.)
  • A copy of your resume
  • A copy of your exam results to verify the following:
    • the language you passed the exam under
    • the type of test passed (i.e., state, federal, or NCSC exam)
    • if the exam was passed in one sitting or in legs  
    • if the exam was passed at a basic or master level

3. Submit proof of the language you were licensed under in your other jurisdiction.

4. Pass a criminal history background check by DPS and the FBI.

    • Applicants that apply for certification online will receive the service code form via the automated email confirmation they receive after submitting their application for certification.
    • They should check their inbox (and spam folder) for this correspondence.

Once we have all these documents, your application will be reviewed, and a determination made. Court Interpreter applications for licensure by endorsement may be reviewed by the Court Interpreter Advisory Board on a case-by-case basis. You are welcome to submit additional documents that will help us to make a determination; for example: a description of what you did to become certified, any other certificates relating to license that you hold.

You may not have to take the test, depending on your endorsement eligibility determination. If you do have to take the test, please be aware that the Texas oral skills exam consists of three parts. All three parts must be taken at one sitting, and a passing score received on each part. Should you have questions not addressed online, please submit inquiries to courtinterpreters@txcourts.gov.