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Court Interpreter Tiers

The following tiers will take effect after the Fall 2026 exam administration. For questions or concerns contact  courtinterpreters@nvcourts.nv.gov.

Appropriate Use of Court Interpreter Credential Titles

Only the Administrative Office of the Courts can award the “Nevada Certified/Registered Court Interpreter” credential for use in Nevada. The use of the term “certified” in any other situation is not “certification” as provided in the statutes for Court Interpreters (NRS 1.510).

“It is unlawful for a person to act as a certified court interpreter or advertise or put out any sign or card or other device which might indicate to the public that he is entitled to practice as a certified court interpreter without a certificate as an interpreter issued by the court administrator pursuant to NRS 1.510 and 1.520.” (NRS 1.540)
Tier 1

Registered

A Nevada Registered Court Interpreter has completed the following requirements:

  • Completed the Written Orientation Workshop for interpreters in Nevada Courts
  • Achieved a successful score of 80% or higher on the NCSC Written Exam
  • Completed the Oral Orientation Workshop for interpreters in Nevada Courts
  • Achieved a successful score of at least Advanced Low on ACTFL or 7 or higher on ALTA scoring scales in the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in their target language
  • Submitted a request for Certification to the Administrative Office of the Courts with:
  • Successfully passed a criminal history check
Tier 2

Conditionally Approved

Time-limited designation

Candidates designated Conditionally Approved may remain in that status no longer than two years from the date the candidate is approved. If the candidate does not attempt to successfully pass the Oral Exam during that period, their Conditionally Approved designation will not be extended.

A Nevada Conditionally Approved Court Interpreter has completed the following requirements:

  • Completed all Tier 1 requirements
  • Achieved a successful score of 55% or more on all three parts of the NCSC Oral Exam; may not score lower than 50% on either of the sight translation portions
Tier 3

Provisionally Certified

Renewal required every 3 years

For an interpreter for whom no oral examination has been developed by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and/or offered in their target language.

A Nevada Provisionally Certified Court Interpreter has completed the following requirements:

  • Completed all Tier 1 requirements
  • Achieved a successful score of at least Advanced High on ACTFL or 9 or higher on ALTA scoring scales in the OPI in both English and target language
Tier 3

Certified

Renewal required every 3 years

A Nevada Certified Court Interpreter has completed the following requirements:

  • Completed all Tier 1 requirements
  • Achieved a successful score of 70% or more on all three parts of the NCSC Oral Exam; may not score lower than 65% on either of the sight translation portions
Tier 4

Master

Permanent status · 6 Continuing Education credits per year, including 2 in ethics

A Nevada Master Court Interpreter has completed the following requirements:

  • Completed all Tier 1 requirements
  • Met one of the following examination requirements:
    • Achieved a successful score of 80% or more on all three parts of the NCSC Oral Exam; or
    • Passed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Exam; or
    • Achieved a successful score of at least Superior or 12 in both English and target language for languages in which no oral exam has been developed and/or offered