Find a Language Interpreter/Language Access Program | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts
AOIC Language Access Registry
The AOIC maintains a Court Interpreter Registry (Registry) that lists certified and registered spoken language interpreters and sign language interpreters that have met certain training and testing requirements.
Resources for Courts and Interpreters
This section provides the following resources for circuit courts and interpreters:
Language Access Plans
The AOIC is overseeing the creation and implementation of Language Access Plans in each of the 24 judicial circuits of the state, based on a Plan template that was approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. Once a circuit posts its Language Access Plan, it will be publicly available through the circuit’s website, found here.
Illinois Supreme Court Language Access Policy and Code of Interpreter Ethics
The Illinois Supreme Court adopted a Language Access Policy and Code of Interpreter Ethics to provide guidance to the judiciary and develop a unified approach for the provision of statewide language access services in Illinois courts.
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Scholarship to Cover the Cost of the Interpreter Certification Process
The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) is pleased to announce a new scholarship for individuals interested in becoming certified court interpreters in Illinois. The AOIC recognizes the essential role that skilled interpreters play in the justice system and the courts’ significant need for qualified professionals. This scholarship provides an important opportunity to expand the number of certified interpreters throughout the state.
This scholarship covers the full cost of the three-step certification process through the Illinois Language Access Program. This includes the two-day orientation ($200), the written exam ($50), and either the oral exam ($225) or an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) ($130) for languages without an oral exam. Additionally, the scholarship covers 50% of the fees for retakes of both the written exam and the oral exam or OPI. The scholarship also supports candidates pursuing certification in American Sign Language. A total of 20 individuals will be selected each year. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Illinois, and have an annual income of less than $50,000. Proof of income is required.
Individuals who have already begun the Language Access Certification Program are eligible to apply. Previously paid expenses cannot be reimbursed, but all future exams will be covered if selected.
Applicants must submit a completed application along with required supplemental materials, such as a Federal Tax Return. The 2026 application cycle has closed. Applications for the 2027 cycle will be accepted beginning in November 2026. For questions, please contact Noor Alawawda at nalawawda@illinoiscourts.gov.
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