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Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination

The Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination is offered for Spanish/English testing only. Learn more. 

Written Exam Registration

Registration is open for the FCICE Phase One, Written Examination.

  • The test will be offered during a two-week testing window, July 18 to July 30, 2016. 
  • Registration will close July 12, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
  • Candidates can choose the date, time, and location that best suits their schedule. Some locations may have Saturday and Sunday hours. 
  • The examination will be offered in approximately 200 locations.  Locations are generally available to most people within 60 miles of their residence.
  • The fee for the test will be $200.
  • Register today. 

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

  • The Phase One 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. 
  • The Phase Two 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.

Contact a FCICE representative to ask questions or learn more about the program. They will respond to your email request within five business days of receipt.