Spanish / English Interpretation Certificate (Legal/Medical)
SEI Certificate Program Brochure
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.
For more information about the classes offered in FALL 2010, visit http://wwww.cel.sfsu.edu/interpretation and click on "Classes".
Bilingual Exams for students interested starting in the FALL 2010 semester
- Saturday, July 31, 2010 at SFSU (1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132)
- Saturday, August 7, 2010 at SFSU (1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132)
To register for the exam, which is given at the SFSU Main Campus, use the website www.sfsu.edu/~testing and go to "Tests", "Bilingual" and "Registration," or register in person at the SF State Testing Center, HSS Bldg., room 206, Main Campus, 1600 Holloway Avenue. The Testing Center's email is testing@sfsu.edu
For further inquiries please contact:
Name: Baseemah Rahman, Program Coordinator
E-mail: brahman@sfsu.edu
Telephone: (415) 817-4223
Three steps for Admission and Registration:
1. Take the 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, which is given at the SFSU Main Campus, by going to www.sfsu.edu/~testing and clicking on "Tests", "Bilingual" and "Registration." The cost of the exam is $20.00. If you experience difficulty registering for the Bilingual Entrance Exam, contact the SFSU 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 (3) times in a 12-month period, and can only take the test on the dates mentioned above.
For sample questions visit http://www.sfsu.edu/~testing/bilingual.html
For additional study and preparation, visit the State practice written examination at
http://www.prometric.com/California/CACourtIntPrep.htm. Once there, go to "Sample Exam (English/Spanish)."
Study resources are also available at the Cañada College Library:
Building 9, 3rd floor - Phone: (650) 306-3485
Hours: M-TH 8:00 am - 8:00 pm & F 8:00 am - 3:00 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 the application form with a copy of your test results and a check fee of $50.00 (non-refundable) 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
Early registration is strongly advised. To register for courses, visit http://www.cel.sfsu.edu/interpretation/admission.cfm
Courses offered for the FALL 2010 semester:
Title: FL 400 Introduction to Interpreting (3 units)
Prerequisite: Passing score on SF State Bilingual Entrance Exam, (or passing the state or federal written exam) and admission to the program.
Description: This intensive introductory course is designed for students who want to develop their English/Spanish skills in the field of legal/court interpretation and the medical evaluation system of workers' compensation. Following exercises to enhance memory and mental agility, students will learn interpreting theory. The fundamentals of simultaneous, consecutive and sight interpretation will be introduced with an emphasis on the criminal justice system and vocabulary development. This course is a comprehensive introduction to the language skills required to pass the state interpreter examinations.
Instructor: Ana Lynch
Meeting Dates: Wednesdays, 8/25/2010 - 12/15/2010
Meeting Time: 6:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Location: Cañada College, Building 17, Room 203
SFSU Schedule #: 94127
SFSU Section: Z02
Title: FL 403 Consecutive Interpretation I (3 Units)
Prerequisite: FL 400.
Course Description: This course emphasizes the acquisition of skills in the consecutive mode of interpretation in legal proceedings such as arraignments, pretrial hearings, depositions, trials and administrative hearings. In-class practice sessions and assignments are used to develop memory, acquire relevant courtroom terminology, develop familiarity with idiomatic expressions and slang likely to be used by Spanish-speaking witnesses and defendants, and to discuss ethical issues and courtroom protocol. Material will include courtroom scripts and tapes.
Instructor: Nina Safdie
SFSU Schedule #: 94130
SFSU Section: Z03
Meeting Dates: Thursdays, 8/26/2010 - 12/16/2010
Meeting Time: 6:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Location: Cañada College, Building 17, Room 105
**The course below is not available at Cañada College; it is offered at San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, Humanities Bldg. 404 ** (see map)
Title: FL 407 Simultaneous Interpretation I (3 units)
Prerequisite: FL 400
Instructor: Cristina Visus
SFSU Section: Z01
SFSU Schedule #: 94131
Meeting Dates: Tuesdays, 8/24/2010 - 12/14/2010 (Campus closed Nov. 22-28)
Meeting Time: 6:30 PM-9:15 PM
Location: SFSU,1600 Holloway Ave., HUM 404
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 $50.00
Spanish/English Interpretation Certificate Curriculum (SFSU bulletin)
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.
