Foreign Language Services

Paul F. DeLosh, Director
(804) 786-6455

General Inquiries
(804) 786-6455
[email protected]

Certification Team
[email protected] 

Foreign Language Services Organizational Chart

Certification Calendar

  • The mission of the Foreign Language Services (FLS) Division is to assist individuals with limited English proficiency in overcoming language barriers to ensure equal access to Virginia’s Judicial System. FLS provides interpretation and sight translation services, certifies and hires highly trained interpreters, and establishes and upholds the highest professional standards for the delivery of language services.

  • The Judicial Council of Virginia has developed a process to certify persons serving as foreign language interpreters in court proceedings in the Commonwealth. The goal is to ensure interpreters have the skills they need to perform effectively in a court setting.

    There are two pathways in the program, depending on whether a certification exam is available for a language:

    • Certified Status – For interpreters of languages with a certification exam. Languages include:
      Amharic, Arabic (Egyptian), Arabic (Levantine), Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Cantonese, Filipino (Tagalog), French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese. The National Center for State Courts’ List of Available Oral Exams
    • Qualified Status – For interpreters of languages that do not yet have a certification exam.

    Select the status that applies to you for requirement details:

    Certification Requirements

    Qualification Requirements

  • Certification Registration requirements include fees, and timelines for each step of the program. Begin the Virginia court interpreter certification or qualification process with the full Certification Registration details and upcoming deadlines.

    Note: Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Dates and fees are subject to change.

  • Should you have further questions after reviewing the information on becoming a court interpreter in Virginia, you are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions page. The FAQs provide additional guidance on certification, qualifications, testing, and working as an interpreter in the Commonwealth’s courts.

  • This page provides a selection of study materials and resources intended to support interpreters as they prepare for and progress through the certification process. These resources represent only a portion of the many tools available to assist interpreters in developing and strengthening their professional skills. Many of the materials listed may also be used to support continuing education requirements and ongoing professional development.

    The inclusion of any resource on the Study Materials and Resources page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute approval of, endorsement of, or recommendation by the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Judicial Council of Virginia, or the Office of the Executive Secretary of any organization, agency, product, service, or material.

  • The Office of the Executive Secretary has set standards that must be met for a candidate to be granted certification or qualification reciprocity in the state of Virginia. 

    Certification Reciprocity
    If you are seeking certification reciprocity in one of the 18 languages that are certifiable by Virginia (Amharic, Arabic (Egyptian), Arabic (Levantine), Bosnian Croatian-Serbian, Cantonese, Filipino (Tagalog), French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese), click the link below for more information.

    Qualification Reciprocity
    If you are seeking qualification reciprocity in any language other than a certifiable language, mentioned above, click the link below for more information

  • Virginia Directory of Certified Court Interpreters – Not for Court Use

    Interpreter Directory Information

    The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) of the Supreme Court of Virginia maintains a public directory of certified court interpreters who have agreed to share their contact information for private interpretation services outside the court system. OES does not make recommendations or endorsements.

    Using the Directory
    Search by language to find interpreters for private assignments. Contact interpreters directly to discuss availability, scope of work, and compensation.

    Important Note
    The Office of the Executive Secretary does not coordinate or assume responsibility for any private arrangements concerning interpretation or translation services. These arrangements are strictly between the interpreter and the hiring party. For court-related matters, please contact the clerk’s office where the case will be heard. 

    About Certification
    Certified Court Interpreters have completed a rigorous certification process, which includes:

    • A two-day orientation covering ethics and courtroom protocol
    • A written exam on English vocabulary, legal terminology, and interpreter ethics
    • A comprehensive oral exam assessing proficiency in:
      • Sight translation
      • Consecutive interpretation
      • Simultaneous interpretation

    Certified interpreters are qualified to work in a range of legal and professional settings.

    Questions?
    Please contact the Foreign Language Services Coordinator at: [email protected]

  • Foreign language translations of certain court forms for informational purposes only. All forms filed with the court are required to be completed in English.