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?

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

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.

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
Certification preparation
Meet Piet
Tuition + fees
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

+
GPA requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

+
Bilingual verification

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
SPA362 - Legal Interpreting II: Practice & Ethics

Spring semester

Spring semester

Spring semester

SPA363 - Legal Interpreting III: Practice & Technology
SPA364 - Legal Interpreting IV: Practice & The Profession



Faculty + Staff

Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That's Northwestern's faculty.

Piet J. Koene
Professor of Spanish, Translation & Interpreting
Megan Chartier '20
Enrollment Counselor