Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination

The Federal Court Interpreting Certification Examination, often referred to as the FCICE, is administered in two phases.

Phase One Written Examination

The written examination, offered on even years, is a computer-administered screener examination which includes a multiple choice test of English proficiency and a multiple choice test of Spanish proficiency. 

Phase Two Oral Examination

The oral examination, offered on odd years, tests the ability to effectively perform the three modes of court interpreting: sight translation and simultaneous and consecutive interpretation of discourse, all of which must reflect the correct form and content of authentic interpreting functions encountered in the federal courts. 

Accordingly, the candidate is required to demonstrate the ability to effectively carry out these functions bi-directionally. Test items include both formal and informal/colloquial language, technical and legal terminology, and special vocabulary or other specialized language use which is part of the active vocabulary of a highly articulate speaker. The FCICE is offered only for Spanish/English, since that is the primary interpreting need in the federal judiciary.

Learn more about the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination.