Legal Interpreting Certificate
Legal Interpreting Certificate
Legal Interpreting Certificate
Stand Out in your calling.
NEXT START
August 26
Complete the entire program in 2 semesters + be prepared for the NCSC certification exams
ONLINE
100% online coursework
Personalized experience and opportunity to work with your instructor and classmates
AFFORDABLE
$220 per credit
Earn your certificate from a distinguished institution for an affordable price
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Northwestern's online Legal Interpreting Certificate program equips fully bilingual English-Spanish speakers with the professional skills needed to pass the NCSC certification exams in just two semesters. Designed for working adults and busy professionals, our 100% online program offers the flexibility, structure, and support to help you succeed in legal interpreting settings—including courtrooms and other legal environments.
Certified court interpreters are in growing demand across the country. Legal interpreters play a crucial role in ensuring fair and equitable access to justice for Spanish-speaking individuals involved in legal proceedings as defendants, litigants, or witnesses. Passing the legal interpreting certification exam opens the door to meaningful, flexible, and well-paid career opportunities in a critical area of service.
Please note: Students must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish to be eligible for this program.
A Fully Online Program with Built-In Structure + Support
This program stands out as one of the only cohort-based online programs in legal interpreting. You’ll progress through the program with a group of peers, receiving guidance from experienced faculty and the accountability needed to stay on track. With 100% online 8-week courses, you'll take one course at a time and earn your certificate and be prepared to take the NCSC certification exams in just 2 semesters.
Whether you're launching a new career or expanding your bilingual skillset, Northwestern’s Legal Interpreting Certificate will prepare you to serve with excellence in legal settings—and to Stand Out as a certified professional in a high-demand field.
Being part of the Legal Interpreting Program and learning from Professor Koene has been such a wonderful experience. It is a fast-paced program and provides you with the necessary tools that you will use in your interpreting profession. The courses are very interactive and informative to prepare you for the real life of a legal interpreter. Maria | Legal Interpreting Certificate
About the curriculum
What to expect
Certification preparation
Meet Piet
Tuition + fees
Additional resources
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Passing the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) verbal interpreting exam is a significant challenge with only about 20% of candidates passing. That's why Northwestern's Legal Interpreting Certificate is intentionally designed to help students successfully pass both the NCSC writeen and oral exams with confidence.
Through 4 focused, 8-week courses, you'll build core interpreting skills including:
- Sight translation
- Consecutive interpreting
- Simultaneous interpreting
You'll also gain a strong foundation in terminology, ethics, and professional standards. The program includes practical instruction on industry tools such as remote interpreting, and strategies for conducting yourself professionally in legal settings.
Unlike many self-paced online programs, Northwestern’s certificate offers a structured, cohort-based model with a deeply personalized learning experience. You'll receive individualized feedback, real-time support from expert faculty, and opportunities to collaborate with your classmates in a supportive, faith-informed academic community.
![]()
Students should plan for 15–20 hours per week of immersive coursework, which includes:
- Practice materials tailored to legal interpreting
- Audible vocabulary and terminology
- Video instruction and guided techniques
- Real feedback from your instructor
- Live group tutoring sessions
- Optional one-on-one practice with the instructor
- Written and audio assignments
- Practice exams
- Peer study sessions and cohort discussions
With a clear path, expert guidance, and practical tools, this program prepares you not just to pass the exam, but to stand out as a highly capable, confident legal interpreter.
![]()
The online, cohort-based nature of this program keeps you on track, and provides individualized support from both your instructor and your peers. This format has proven to be successful for students in passing their certification exams. To learn more about the NCSC certification exams, follow the link below.
NCSC
You'll study under Piet Koene, a distinguished leader in both legal and medical interpreting. Piet brings decads of real-wrold experience to the virtual classroom, including his work as a federally certified court interpreter, state-certified court interpreter in both Iowa and Minnesota, and a nationally certified medical interpreter. Piet is widely respected for his commitment to excellence in interpreter education.
Piet's leadership and experience have shaped both a rigorous and relevant interpreting program. Not only will students be prepared to pass the certification exam, but they will thrive as professionals in the field.
Learn more about Piet's work and his expertise by following the link below.
Meet Piet
![]()
Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.
tuition + financial aid info
![]()
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional resources
About the curriculum
![]()
Passing the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) verbal interpreting exam is a significant challenge with only about 20% of candidates passing. That's why Northwestern's Legal Interpreting Certificate is intentionally designed to help students successfully pass both the NCSC writeen and oral exams with confidence.
Through 4 focused, 8-week courses, you'll build core interpreting skills including:
- Sight translation
- Consecutive interpreting
- Simultaneous interpreting
You'll also gain a strong foundation in terminology, ethics, and professional standards. The program includes practical instruction on industry tools such as remote interpreting, and strategies for conducting yourself professionally in legal settings.
Unlike many self-paced online programs, Northwestern’s certificate offers a structured, cohort-based model with a deeply personalized learning experience. You'll receive individualized feedback, real-time support from expert faculty, and opportunities to collaborate with your classmates in a supportive, faith-informed academic community.
What to expect
![]()
Students should plan for 15–20 hours per week of immersive coursework, which includes:
- Practice materials tailored to legal interpreting
- Audible vocabulary and terminology
- Video instruction and guided techniques
- Real feedback from your instructor
- Live group tutoring sessions
- Optional one-on-one practice with the instructor
- Written and audio assignments
- Practice exams
- Peer study sessions and cohort discussions
With a clear path, expert guidance, and practical tools, this program prepares you not just to pass the exam, but to stand out as a highly capable, confident legal interpreter.
Certification preparation
![]()
The online, cohort-based nature of this program keeps you on track, and provides individualized support from both your instructor and your peers. This format has proven to be successful for students in passing their certification exams. To learn more about the NCSC certification exams, follow the link below.
NCSC
Meet Piet
You'll study under Piet Koene, a distinguished leader in both legal and medical interpreting. Piet brings decads of real-wrold experience to the virtual classroom, including his work as a federally certified court interpreter, state-certified court interpreter in both Iowa and Minnesota, and a nationally certified medical interpreter. Piet is widely respected for his commitment to excellence in interpreter education.
Piet's leadership and experience have shaped both a rigorous and relevant interpreting program. Not only will students be prepared to pass the certification exam, but they will thrive as professionals in the field.
Learn more about Piet's work and his expertise by following the link below.
Meet Piet
Tuition + fees
![]()
Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.
tuition + financial aid info
Additional resources
![]()
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional resources
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
No admission tests. No application fee.
No admission tests. No application fee.
No admission tests. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
+
High school diploma or college credits
Official transcripts showing a completed high school diploma or at least 9 completed college credits.
Send official transcripts to: onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu
or
Northwestern College
Graduate & Professional Studies
101 7th St SW
Orange City, IA 51041
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Complete a bilingual language verification conversation with the program director.
Program Specifics
Program Specifics
Program Specifics
15 credit program
15 credit program
15 credit program
Fall semester
Fall semester
Fall semester
SPA361 - Legal Interpreting I: Practice and Translation
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) An advanced level course introducing the students to the complex field of
legal interpreting. The first of four courses, students will become familiar with the three interpreting modes-sight-translation, consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting - and will then focus on sight-translation; in addition, students will also learn the methods, techniques and problems involved in written legal translation. Students will work from English into Spanish and Spanish into English. All source materials will be legal/court related in nature. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the T&I program as demonstrated by a high level of fluency in both English and Spanish.
SPA362 - Legal Interpreting II: Practice & Ethics
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) An advanced level course building on the skills developed in the introductory course for the complex field of legal interpreting. The second of four courses, students will focus on consecutive interpreting, involving extensive note-taking and memory skills; in addition, students will also learn the intricacies of ethics for legal interpreters. Students will work from English into Spanish and Spanish into English. All source materials will be legal/court related in nature. Prerequisite: SPA361.
Spring semester
Spring semester
Spring semester
SPA363 - Legal Interpreting III: Practice & Technology
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) An advanced level course building on the skills developed in the first two
courses for the complex field of legal interpreting. The third of four courses, students will focus on the highly complicated skill of simultaneous interpreting, involving input and output at the same time; in addition, students will also learn about the different technologies and remote interpreting platforms that professional court interpreters use. Students will work from English into Spanish and Spanish into English. All source materials will be legal/court related in nature. Prerequisite: SPA362.
SPA364 - Legal Interpreting IV: Practice & The Profession
(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) An advanced level course building on the skills developed in the previous
courses for the complex field of legal interpreting. The fourth of four courses, students will consolidate their skills of sight-translation, consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting as they prepare for certification exams; in addition, students will also learn about the intricacies and challenges of working as a professional, certified court interpreter. Students will work from English into Spanish and Spanish into English. All source materials will be legal/court related in nature. Prerequisite: SPA363.
Faculty + Staff
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That's Northwestern's faculty.
