COI Frequently Asked Questions:
(Q) test Can I fax, e-mail or pay for my orientation or English written exam over the phone with a credit card?
(A) We only accept original applications via Federal Express, hand delivered or mailed with the payment and we do not accept credit cards or cash. You must pay with a check or money order.
(Q) Must I take the English written exam on the third day after the Orientation? Can I take the orientation now, and take my written exam in Athens since it is closer to my home?
(A) You have the option of taking the English written exam on the third day or you may elect to take it on the third day of another existing scheduled orientation, provided it has not been more than two years since you completed the 16 hour orientation workshop.
(Q) I have signed up for the orientation workshop but have not heard anything yet. When will I get something in the mail?
(A) You will generally receive a confirmation e-mail within a few days of the COI receiving your application and payment. You should receive directions in the mail to the testing site and guidelines 2-3 weeks before you are scheduled to attend the workshop.
(Q) I am scheduled to take the 3-day orientation workshop/English written exam you are having in August. Can you recommend a hotel in the area?
(A) While we don't recommend specific hotels, we do provide you with a list of hotels in the area so that you may determine at which hotel you would prefer to stay. Generally, the COI will have a specific block of rooms at a selected hotel reserved specifically for workshop attendees. This information is mailed to you along with other pertinent information about 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop.
(Q) I have signed up to take the English written exam. Is there any material I can study to help me prepare, and what is on the exam? Are there legal terms I should know? How can I study?
(A) Please log on to www.ncsconline.org and find the court interpreters web link. Under resources you will find a written exam overview. In addition to the resources listed there you can purchase a book from the book store or visit your local library for study materials pertaining to the SAT or GRE.
(Q) How do I schedule my OPI?
(A) There is an online application that must be completed prior to taking the OPI. On the top of the application is an address and phone number in New York. You can call this number to schedule your OPI.
(Q) Hello, I wanted call and give you my new address and phone number?
(A) Any changes in address and telephone number must be submitted in writing prior to implementation. You may also inform us by e-mail at coi@gaaoc.us.
(Q) I didn't know what the deadline was to turn in my application for the
orientation/English written exam. Could you let me know if you have any cancellations, or can I be put on a waiting list?
(A) Once classes are closed no more applications are accepted. However, if the class fills up prior to the deadline date and your application is received before the deadline, we will begin a waiting list. We suggest you get your application and money in early as classes do fill up and we have strict class size limits.
(Q) How will I get contacted from the courts if a case comes up?
(A) Once you are licensed your name goes on our Web Registry. Courts and other interested parties access this registry to find interpreters. You are considered an independent contractor. You should introduce yourself to court administrators, judges and lawyers so they know your name and can call you for a case.
(Q) I would like to become a court interpreter, but I would like to know how much they get paid and how often they work?
(A) The Commission on Interpreters handles the licensing of interpreters. Any job or fees that may result come from the attorneys or courts. As an independent contractor you set your own fees, but the going rate for registered interpreters is anywhere from $20-45 per hour and certified interpreters $30-65 per hour. You may need to adjust your fees according to the court or county in which you will be working.
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