• 135 questions

Court Interpreter Written Exam Practice Test

Unofficial practice in both parts of the written exam: English vocabulary and idioms, court terms, and interpreter ethics.

Complete the sentence: Her remarks were ____; she had prepared nothing and spoke without notes.

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 135 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 135 questions, 135 minutes, 108 right to pass (80%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the National Center for State Courts or any state court system. Bank checked October 9, 2026.

The real written exam, as its published overview describes it

Questions
135
To pass
108 of 135 right (80%)
Time limit
135 minutes
Retakes
Set by each state. The overview advises against taking the same test more than once in a calendar year.
Languages
English
Format
Multiple choice, four choices labeled A to D, one best answer.
Part I
General language proficiency, 75 questions: sentence completion, synonyms in context, synonyms, antonyms and idioms.
Part II
Court-related terms and usage, and ethics and professional conduct, 60 questions: sentence completion, court questions, sequence, professional conduct and scena
Who gives it
Each state's court interpreting program. Scheduling, the answer sheet and retake rules vary by state.
After you pass
Passing is one of several requirements. It does not make a person a certified court interpreter.
Not practiced here
The oral exam, a separate step in which you interpret aloud.

Checked October 9, 2026 against the Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview of the National Center for State Courts, revised May 2020. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The National Center for State Courts' language access page

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All 135 questions

Sentence completion 9

  • Complete the sentence: After months of drought, the reservoir was nearly ____. Wiktionary, "deplete". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: An extra bus line was added to ____ crowding on the morning trains. Wiktionary, "alleviate". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Because the two reports ____ each other on every key date, the editor could not tell which was right. Wiktionary, "contradict". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Her handwriting was so ____ that the pharmacist had to call the office to confirm the order. Wiktionary, "illegible". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Her remarks were ____; she had prepared nothing and spoke without notes. Wiktionary, "impromptu". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
Show all 135 questions (130 more)

Sentence completion, continued

  • Complete the sentence: Only a ____ of the residents came to the meeting; most stayed home. Wiktionary, "minority". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The committee could not reach a ____, so the vote was put off until every member agreed. Wiktionary, "consensus". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The company announced a ____ of the faulty heaters and offered every buyer a refund. Wiktionary, "recall". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The landlord agreed to ____ the late fee once the tenant showed the rent had been mailed on time. Wiktionary, "waive". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Sentence Completion

Synonyms 29

  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: She was RELUCTANT to sign the lease before reading it. Wiktionary, "reluctant". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The board will CONVENE on the first Monday of the month. Wiktionary, "convene". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The inspector made a CURSORY check of the wiring before signing the form. Wiktionary, "cursory". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The manager gave a TERSE reply to the reporter. Wiktionary, "terse". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The new rule SUPERSEDES the policy issued last year. Wiktionary, "supersede". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The panel found her account CREDIBLE and accepted it. Wiktionary, "credible". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The storm did EXTENSIVE damage to the harbor. Wiktionary, "extensive". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning to the word in capitals: The two drivers gave CONFLICTING accounts of the crash. Wiktionary, "conflicting". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms in Context
  • Closest in meaning: abundant Wiktionary, "abundant". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: adjacent Wiktionary, "adjacent". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: amend Wiktionary, "amend". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: apprehend Wiktionary, "apprehend". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: candid Wiktionary, "candid". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: conspicuous Wiktionary, "conspicuous". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: deteriorate Wiktionary, "deteriorate". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: diligent Wiktionary, "diligent". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: futile Wiktionary, "futile". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: hinder Wiktionary, "hinder". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: inadvertent Wiktionary, "inadvertent". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: lenient Wiktionary, "lenient". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: lucid Wiktionary, "lucid". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: meticulous Wiktionary, "meticulous". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: obsolete Wiktionary, "obsolete". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: prudent Wiktionary, "prudent". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: reimburse Wiktionary, "reimburse". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: tenacious Wiktionary, "tenacious". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: ubiquitous Wiktionary, "ubiquitous". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: vague Wiktionary, "vague". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms
  • Closest in meaning: verify Wiktionary, "verify". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Synonyms

Antonyms 12

  • Opposite in meaning: deny Wiktionary, "deny". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: expand Wiktionary, "expand". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: frugal Wiktionary, "frugal". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: hostile Wiktionary, "hostile". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: innocuous Wiktionary, "innocuous". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: permanent Wiktionary, "permanent". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: reveal Wiktionary, "reveal". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: rigid Wiktionary, "rigid". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: scarce Wiktionary, "scarce". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: scatter Wiktionary, "scatter". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: transparent Wiktionary, "transparent". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms
  • Opposite in meaning: voluntary Wiktionary, "voluntary". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Antonyms

Idioms 25

  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: After the deal fell through, the team was BACK TO SQUARE ONE. Wiktionary, "back to square one". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: After years of quarrels, the neighbors agreed to BURY THE HATCHET. Wiktionary, "bury the hatchet". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: Asked about the missing money, he BEAT AROUND THE BUSH. Wiktionary, "beat around the bush". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: Don't worry, he is only PULLING YOUR LEG. Wiktionary, "pull someone's leg". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: He got COLD FEET the night before the move. Wiktionary, "cold feet". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: I was UNDER THE WEATHER, so I stayed home. Wiktionary, "under the weather". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: If the roof leaks again, we will CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT. Wiktionary, "cross that bridge when one comes to it". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: It is late. Let's CALL IT A DAY. Wiktionary, "call it a day". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: She decided to BITE THE BULLET and call the landlord. Wiktionary, "bite the bullet". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: She had to PULL STRINGS to get the appointment. Wiktionary, "pull strings". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: She HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD with that remark. Wiktionary, "hit the nail on the head". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: Someone SPILLED THE BEANS about the surprise party. Wiktionary, "spill the beans". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The audit turned out to be A PIECE OF CAKE. Wiktionary, "piece of cake". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The builder CUT CORNERS to finish on time. Wiktionary, "cut corners". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The contract was signed AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR. Wiktionary, "eleventh hour". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The firm has been IN THE RED all year. Wiktionary, "in the red". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The foreman keeps the whole crew ON THEIR TOES. Wiktionary, "on one's toes". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The guard was caught RED-HANDED. Wiktionary, "red-handed". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The new clerk spent her first week LEARNING THE ROPES. Wiktionary, "learn the ropes". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The news of the sale came OUT OF THE BLUE. Wiktionary, "out of the blue". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The permit was held up by RED TAPE. Wiktionary, "red tape". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The repair cost AN ARM AND A LEG. Wiktionary, "an arm and a leg". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The supervisor TURNED A BLIND EYE to the late arrivals. Wiktionary, "turn a blind eye". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: The two brothers do not SEE EYE TO EYE on selling the house. Wiktionary, "see eye to eye". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms
  • Closest in meaning to the idiom in capitals: Whether the office will move is still UP IN THE AIR. Wiktionary, "up in the air". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part I, Idioms

Court terms 36

  • Complete the sentence: A court's legal authority to hear and decide a certain type of case is its ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Jurisdiction". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: A lawyer who excludes a prospective juror without giving a reason is using ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Peremptory challenge". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: A litigant's request that the judge decide an issue in the case is ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Motion". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: A person who presents his or her own case without a lawyer appears ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Pro se". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: A plea of nolo contendere is also called a plea of ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Nolo contendere". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: A serious crime carrying a penalty of more than one year in prison is ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Felony". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: A witness who repeats what someone else told her about the incident is giving ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Hearsay". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: An offense punishable by one year of imprisonment or less is ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Misdemeanor". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: At ____, the defendant is told of the charges and asked to plead guilty or not guilty. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Arraignment". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Because of a fundamental error, the judge declared ____, and the trial had to start again. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Mistrial". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Before searching the house, the officers obtained court authorization called ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Warrant". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Before sentencing, the probation officer gives the judge background on the defendant in ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Presentence report". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Before trial, the witness gave ____, an oral statement under oath taken by the lawyers. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Deposition". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Evidence indicating that the defendant did not commit the crime is ____ evidence. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Exculpatory evidence". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: In a criminal trial, the burden of proving guilt rests on ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Burden of proof". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: In federal court, whether there is probable cause to charge a person is decided by 16 to 23 citizens sitting as ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Grand jury". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Instead of prison, the court released the convicted defendant under supervision, a sentence of ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Probation". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Lawyers learn about the other side's case before trial through ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Discovery". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Money given to secure a defendant's release from custody and return to court is ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Bail". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Prospective jurors are questioned so that a fair trial jury can be chosen, a process called ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Voir dire". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The appeals court sent the case back to the lower court for further proceedings; the case was ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Remand". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The clerk entered the hearing in ____, the chronological log of each case's proceedings. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Docket". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The defendant waived a jury, so the judge alone heard the case in ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Bench trial". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The formal charge issued by a grand jury is ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Indictment". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The geographic area in which a case is filed and heard is its ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Venue". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The indictment charged three separate crimes, each one called ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Count". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The judge issued ____, an order preventing the company from taking the action. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Injunction". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The jury found the defendant not guilty, so the trial ended in ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Acquittal". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The officer swore to the facts in a written statement made under oath, called ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Affidavit". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The person or entity that files a civil lawsuit is ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Plaintiff". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The plaintiff won the civil case, and the defendant was ordered to pay ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Damages". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The time within which a criminal prosecution must begin is set by ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Statute of limitations". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The witness received ____, a command to appear in court and give testimony. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Subpoena". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: The word-for-word record of the hearing was made by ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Court reporter". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: To keep outside influences away during deliberations, the judge ordered the jury ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Sequester". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion
  • Complete the sentence: Written questions that the opposing party must answer in writing under oath are ____. United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Interrogatories". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sentence Completion

Court questions and sequence 14

  • A lawyer objects to a question and the judge sustains the objection. What happens next? United States Courts, Civil Cases, Trial Process. Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • After a guilty verdict in a federal criminal case, who determines the sentence? United States Courts, Criminal Cases, Sentencing. Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • How many jurors sit on a federal criminal trial jury? United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Petit jury (or trial jury)". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • What does a magistrate judge decide at a preliminary examination? Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary (United States Courts, revised December 2024), Chapter 2, V. Preliminary Examination. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • What happens when a federal criminal jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict? Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary (United States Courts, revised December 2024), Chapter 2, IX. Criminal Jury Trials, J. Verdict, 3. Hung Jury. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • What is a plea bargain? United States Courts, Criminal Cases, Pretrial. Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • What must a federal criminal jury's verdict be? Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary (United States Courts, revised December 2024), Chapter 2, IX. Criminal Jury Trials, J. Verdict. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • What standard of proof must the government meet to convict a defendant in a criminal trial? United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Standard of proof". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • Which is a correct order of events after a jury finds a defendant guilty? Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary (United States Courts, revised December 2024), Chapter 2, IX. Criminal Jury Trials, J to L. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sequence
  • Which is a correct order of events in a civil lawsuit? United States Courts, Civil Cases, The Process, Case Preparation and Trial Process; Glossary of Legal Terms, "Appeal". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sequence
  • Which is a correct order of events in a criminal jury trial? Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary (United States Courts, revised December 2024), Chapter 2, IX. Criminal Jury Trials, C to G. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sequence
  • Which is a correct order of events in a federal criminal case? United States Courts, Criminal Cases, Pretrial, Trial and Sentencing. Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Sequence
  • Which standard of proof applies in most civil cases? United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, "Standard of proof". Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions
  • Why may the government not appeal when a criminal defendant is found not guilty? United States Courts, Criminal Cases, Trial. Outline: National Center for State Courts, Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Court-Related Questions

Ethics and professional conduct 10

  • A witness answers with crude slang and a curse word. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 1: Accuracy and Completeness. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • A witness says "Tuesday," although every earlier witness said the event was on Thursday. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 1: Accuracy and Completeness. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • A witness uses a regional word you have never heard. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 7: Scope of Practice. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • After a private attorney-client conference that you interpreted, the prosecutor asks you what the defendant said. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 5: Confidentiality. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • At the clerk's window, the person you interpret for asks you what a court form is for. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 7: Scope of Practice. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • During a hearing you realize that you interpreted a phrase incorrectly a few minutes ago. What should you do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 1: Accuracy and Completeness. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Professional Conduct Questions
  • During a recess, the defendant you interpret for asks you whether he should accept the plea offer. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 7: Scope of Practice. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • Outside the courtroom, a reporter asks your opinion of the testimony in a trial you are interpreting. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 6: Restriction of Public Comment. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios
  • What must an interpreter state accurately and completely before being appointed to a case? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 2: Representation of Qualifications. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Professional Conduct Questions
  • You arrive for a civil trial and see that the plaintiff is your cousin. What is the best thing for you to do? Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary (National Center for State Courts, 1995), Canon 3: Impartiality and Avoidance of Conflict of Interest. Outline: National Center for State Courts written examination overview (revised May 2020), Part II, Scenarios

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the sections, question kinds and counts in the Court Interpreter Written Examination: Overview of the National Center for State Courts, Language Access Services Section (published July 2012, revised May 2020), https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/w79dzacz9ddbl4ikycx3nans4xi5er42, linked from https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/language-access as "Review written exam overview"; read whole on 2026-10-09. Part I (75 questions): each word and idiom was read in its Wiktionary entry, https://en.wiktionary.org/, on 2026-10-09. Part II court terms and procedure (50 questions): the Glossary of Legal Terms of the United States Courts, https://www.uscourts.gov/glossary; its Criminal Cases and Civil Cases pages, https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/types-cases/criminal-cases and https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/types-cases/civil-cases; and the Federal Court Interpreter Orientation Manual and Glossary of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (revised December 2024), https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/2024-federal-court-interpreter-orientation-manual_0.pdf. Part II ethics (10 questions): the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary, chapter 9 of Court Interpretation: Model Guides for Policy and Practice in the State Courts (National Center for State Courts, 1995), https://ncsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/accessfair/id/118, which the overview names. All read 2026-10-09. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free court interpreter written exam practice test has 135 questions, the length of the real exam, in its two parts. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the National Center for State Courts or any state court system.

Read the full guide

What the written exam asks

The National Center for State Courts' overview (revised May 2020, read October 9, 2026) lists 135 multiple-choice questions: 75 on general English and 60 on court terms, procedure and ethics. You get two hours and fifteen minutes.

Where the answers come from

Words and idioms were read in Wiktionary. Court terms follow the federal courts' glossary, so your state may word one differently. Ethics questions follow the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary, which the overview names.

  • Read your own state's code of conduct for court interpreters as well. The overview says the exam tests provisions of such a code.
  • For Part I, the overview's advice is to review antonyms, synonyms and idioms and to read widely.

Questions and answers

Is there a free practice test for court interpreter exams?

Yes. This court interpreter practice test is free with no sign-up. Each answer shows why it is right and the public source it was checked against.

What is on the court interpreter written exam?

Part I tests English: sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms and idioms. Part II tests court-related terms and usage, the order of events in a case, and ethics and professional conduct. Every question has four choices.

What is the passing score for the court interpreter written exam?

The overview says 80 percent, at least 108 of the 135 questions. Passing does not make you a certified court interpreter: it meets one of several requirements.

Who gives the court interpreter written exam?

Your state's court interpreting program. The National Center for State Courts says it is not a credentialing body and that not all states use its exam materials. Each state sets its own requirements, test dates and retake rules.

Are these real court interpreter exam questions?

No. Every question is our own. None is taken from the real exam or the overview's sample questions, and this site is not affiliated with the National Center for State Courts or any state court system. A score here predicts no exam result.

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