An Interpreter or Translator uses language and communication skills to convert words and concepts from one spoken language to another, or from spoken language to sign language. Works with written information and texts to create translations that are accurate and capture the style and nuance of the original text.
UCS-23 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT STATE OF NEW YORK UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM PLEASE POST ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 1675 POSITION TITLE
PER
DIEM COURT INTERPRETER
(FREELANCE)
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN SPANISH
•
LOCATION
NEW
YORK STATE COURTS
While opportunities exist statewide, there is a special need for these language services in New York City and for several counties in upstate New York.
COMPENSATION
FULL-DAY RATE:
$500.00
HALF-DAY RATE:
$300.00 There are no fringe benefits available
REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or the equivalent and a legal right to work in the United States. The NYS Courts provide interpreters in over 100 languages each year. Candidates for
ALL LANGUAGES
are encouraged to apply. •SPANISH court interpreter candidates must apply through the open competitive exam that is offered on a different schedule.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK
Per diem court interpreters are independent contractors who work on a per-diem basis and are responsible for interpreting between English and another language in the courtroom and/or other settings. They perform simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, as well as translation of court documents and other written material.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify as a per diem court interpreter, individuals must first demonstrate sufficient English language competency by passing the New York State Court System's Written Test of English Language Proficiency and Legal Terminology. This 75-question written test is designed to assess English language proficiency involving grammar, vocabulary, word usage, reading comprehension, idiomatic expressions and legal terminology. Individuals are allowed 90 minutes to complete the written test and must obtain a passing score. More information about this written test can be found at: https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyPDFs/English%20Language%20Proficiency%20Sample%20Questions.pdf Upon successful completion of the written exam, candidates may be assessed on their oral language skills. Oral Assessment examinations are currently conducted in Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS), Cantonese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi (Eastern), Russian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Wolof. Please see the Candidate Guide for more information on the oral tests at: https://www.nycourts.gov/legacyPDFs/COURTINTERPRETER/Candidate_Guide.pdf Candidates will be required to submit professional references related to their interpreting skills for languages that do not have an oral assessment. Interpreters possessing out-of-state court interpreter certification or other federal certification or professional credentials may apply for state reciprocity for the Registry designated languages or other languages subject to specific conditions (i.e., minimum educational requirements, professional training and experience, and a criminal history check). Additional information on reciprocity provisions may be found at: https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/COURTINTERPRETER/Reciprocity_Waiver.pdf
GENERAL INFORMATION
Successful individuals are listed in the Statewide Registry of per diem interpreters eligible for court interpreting assignments in the New York Courts based upon the specific counties where they would be willing to work. Interpreters who meet the qualifications listed will be required to attend (at no fee) specific seminars on ethics and courtroom procedures conducted by the Office of Language Access. Unified Court System employees are not eligible to be placed on this registry. Written and oral examinations are administered in test centers throughout New York State and are held on a periodic basis depending upon the needs of the courts.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Individuals can file directly by completing the Application For Language Skills Screening which is available online at: https://nycourts.powerappsportals.us/pdci-application/ or by contacting the Office of Language Access at the address below: Coordinator, Office of Language Access Office of Court Administration Division of Professional and Court Services 25 Beaver Street - 11th Floor New York, NY 10004
Phone Number:
646-386-5670 e-mail: courtinterpreter@nycourts.gov There are
NO APPLICATION FILING FEES OR EXAMINATION FEES
for this opportunity at this time. However, individuals who meet all of the qualifications, including passing the screening examinations, will be required to pay a fee for fingerprint processing to conduct a required criminal history background check.
ISSUE DATE
July 2026 APPLICATIONS
WILL BE ACCEPTED CONTINUOUSLY
The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
