Spanish / English Interpretation Certificate (Legal/Court & Medical)

Now at Cañada College!

This academic certificate program is designed to develop the interpreting skills necessary for service as a Spanish/English interpreter in public and private sectors, such as the courts, state agencies, schools, medical settings, and businesses. Designed to prepare participants to pass the State of California Court Interpreter Certification Exam , the program will train bilingual students for a well-paid, flexible, and in-demand career.

FALL 08 Classes will begin on Wednesday August 26, 2008. For more information view the SFSU Academic Calendar http://www.sfsu.edu/deptpage/acal4.htm.

Open House Events

Thursday, July 31 at 6:00pm in the Learning Center, Room 9-257A

Bilingual Entrance Exams for students interested in starting Fall 08:

Saturday, August 9 Room:2-10 (behind the bookstore) Time:10:00 a.m.
Saturday, August 16 Room:2-10 (behind the bookstore) Time:10:00 a.m.

Three Steps for Admission & Registration

Take the bilingual entrance exam
Apply for admission
Register for interpretation courses

1) Bilingual Entrance Exam

To be admitted, students must pass the SF State bilingual entrance exam to demonstrate university level proficiency in Spanish and English (or have passed the state or federal written exam) AND have 56 semester units of prior college work (BA preferred).

Candidates must register in advance for the Bilingual Entrance Exam. The cost of the exam is $20.00. Register online at https://oi.sfsu.edu/cgi-bin/student/testreg.htm?testname=Canada_Bilingual

If you experience difficulty registering for the Bilingual Exam contact the Testing Center at 415.338.2271

How many times can I take the Bilingual Exam if i don't pass the first time?:

Candidates can only take the exam a maximum of three times in a 12-month period, and can only take the test on the dates mentioned above.

For sample questions, click here http://www.sfsu.edu/~testing/bilingual.html

For additional study and preparation, the Federal Practice written examination can be found at www.cps.ca.gov/SPB/index.asp. Once there, go to "Sample Written Examinations."

Study resources are available at the Cañada College Library and Learning Center located in Building 9

Learning Center
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 8 pm & Friday 8 am to 3 pm
(650) 306-3348
Library
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 8 pm & Friday 8 am to 3 pm
Main phone: (650) 306-3267
Circulation Desk: (650) 306-3485
Reference Desk: (650) 306-3480

2) Apply for Admission

After you have been notified that you have passed the above exam, complete and return an application for admission , with a copy of your test results and a check for the non-refundable application fee $50 to:

Baseemah Rahman, Program Coordinator
Spanish/English Interpretation Program
SF State Downtown Campus
835 Market Street , 6th Floor
San Francisco , CA 94103-1901

3) Register for Courses

Registration forms are available here. Early registration is strongly advised.

Download the registration form: http://www.cel.sfsu.edu/register/fall2007/forms/regform.pdf

Courses Offered Fall 08:

FL400 - Introduction to Interpreting - Dates: Aug 26 - Dec 16 - Tuesday 6:00pm-8:45pm - Room: 17-103 Instructor: Lynch

FL403 - Consecutive Interpreting 1 - Dates: Aug 26 - Dec 16 - Tuesday 6:00pm-8:45pm - Room: 2-10 Instructor: Safdie

FL407 - Simultaneous Interpreting 1 - Dates: Aug 28 - Dec 18 - Thursday 6:00pm-8:45pm - Room: 2-10 Instructor: Suarez

Read about the SEI Program in the San Francisco Examiner 5/2/07

Brochure for more information, FAQs...

Interpreting is such a fulfilling career; it's mentally challenging, linguistically fascinating, often emotionally moving, and there's always something new to learn. For me, it is important that I am playing a role in ensuring that language is never a barrier to the exercise of one's legal rights. Besides court, I have had the opportunity to work in an amazing variety of situations, where I can make a contribution and gain insight into many different worlds. —Carol Tonelli, 2004 SEI Program Graduate

I feel so lucky to be a court interpreter. I use my language skills to help give people equal access to justice. And I love my job because it's so challenging. I learn something about language and the law every single day. —Curtis Draves, 2005 SEI Program Graduate

Fast Facts

Program Length
The program is designed so participants can complete requirements in 15 to 22 months.
Program Cost
The cost of the six required courses is approximately $3,560 plus a non-refundable $50 application fee. Texts and optional courses are additional.
Program Requirements
- Passing score on bilingual entrance exam
- Minimum of 56 academic semester units in any discipline (approximately two years of college).
Admission
after you have been notified that you have passed the bilingual entrance exam, complete and return an application for admission, with a copy of your test results and a check for the non-refundable application fee of $50.
Contact
Ricardo Flores
(650) 306-3399
floresr@smccd.edu

Spanish/English Interpretation Certificate Curriculum

The formal curriculum consists of six required upper-division academic courses (18 units), and two optional courses.

FL 400	Introduction to Interpreting	(3 units)
FL 401	Sight Translation	(3 units)
FL 403	Consecutive Interpretation I	(3 units)
FL 405	Consecutive Interpretation II (with lab)	(3 units)
FL 407	Simultaneous Interpretation I (with lab)	(3 units)
FL 409	Simultaneous Interpretation II (with lab)	(3 units)
SPAN 365	Medical Interpretation (optional)	(3 units)
FL 9914	Advanced Interpreting & Oral Exam Prep (optional) (with lab)	(3.6 CEU)

The Required courses in this program carry full upper-division academic credit. Some courses may be applied toward a Spanish degree with a faculty advisor approval. For further information, contact the SF State Spanish Language Department 415.338.1421. Courses taken on a credit/no credit basis may not be used towards Spanish major.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Baseemah Rahman, Program Coordinator
Spanish/English Interpretation Program
brahman@sfsu.edu
(415) 817-4223