The Qualified Interpreter Program · Certificate course for individuals

Earn your IEP interpreter certificate

A 28-hour live online certificate course for bilingual people who interpret in special education meetings, or want to. You learn the terminology, the ethics and the technique an IEP meeting demands, practice on realistic meetings, and earn a certificate of completion for the full 28 hours.

Next group starts Saturday, November 7. Seven consecutive Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Arizona time, live online. Enrollment closes Thursday, November 5.

Enroll in the program

At a glance

Format
Live online, with an instructor
Schedule
Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Arizona time
Length
28 hours on seven consecutive Saturdays, four modules
Class size
Up to 4 students
Tuition
$1,350
You finish with
A certificate of completion for 28 hours, plus terminology references and a field guide to keep

What this course gives you

  • The vocabulary of special education in both languages: evaluations, eligibility, accommodations, goals, services, and the diagnostic and psychological terms that come up in IEP meetings.
  • A method for the meeting itself: how you handle overlapping speakers, when to ask for clarification, and how to stay accurate under pressure.
  • Ethics you can explain: confidentiality, staying neutral, and what to do when you're asked to give an opinion.
  • Practice before it counts: consecutive interpreting and sight translation on realistic meeting scenarios, with feedback from your instructor.
  • Your certificate: complete all 28 hours and earn a dated certificate of completion to show schools and agencies.

Who this is for

  • Bilingual paraprofessionals, office staff and teachers who get pulled into IEP meetings to interpret
  • Freelance and community interpreters adding special education to their work
  • Experienced interpreters who learned on the job and want a structured method and documentation
  • Anyone starting out who wants to learn IEP interpreting properly before their first meeting

You don't need prior interpreter training. You do need to be fluent in both languages.

What you learn

28 hours · 4 modules · live online

Module 1

Interpreter Technique & Ethics

The interpreter's role in an IEP meeting, professional ethics, and the two techniques you use most: consecutive interpreting and sight translation.

Module 2

IEP Terminology & Usage

The terms used in evaluations, eligibility, goals, accommodations and services, and how to render them accurately in both languages.

Module 3

Medical & Psychological IEP

Diagnoses, assessments and psychological language that come up in special education meetings, so you understand them before you interpret them.

Module 4

IEP Expressions & Vocabulary

The phrases and everyday expressions parents and staff use in meetings, and how to carry their meaning, not just their words.

Want the full method behind the program? See how the program is built.

How you earn your certificate

  • Complete all 28 hours. Your certificate of completion is based on the full 28 hours of instruction.
  • Miss a Saturday? You can still finish. Every session is recorded. If you miss one, watch the recording or complete a make-up review. Attendance, or a make-up review, is required for each session to complete the course.
  • Resources you keep: a field guide, terminology references, quick references and meeting tools.

Tuition and enrollment

Tuition
$1,350
Includes
28 hours of live instruction, practice, session recordings, resources, and your certificate of completion
To hold your seat
$350 minimum deposit, applied to your tuition
Balance
Pay in full, or on a payment plan we set up with you
School or employer
Schools can pay by purchase order. Employer reimbursement works too.
Enrollment closes
Thursday, November 5

Complete the enrollment form. We confirm your seat and email next steps and your class link before the first Saturday.

Enroll in the program

Questions

Do I need to be a certified interpreter already?

No. The course is for both new and experienced interpreters. You need fluency in both languages.

Is there a test?

No. The certificate of completion is earned by completing all 28 hours of the course.

Does this make me state-certified?

No. Your certificate documents that you completed this 28-hour course. State or district credentials may have separate requirements.

What if I miss a Saturday?

Every session is recorded. Watch the recording or complete a make-up review. Attendance, or a make-up review, is required for each session to earn your certificate.

Can my school or employer pay?

Yes. Schools can pay by purchase order: tell us on the enrollment form and we send the invoice. If your employer reimburses training, we provide a receipt and your certificate of completion for your records.

Which languages does the course cover?

The general group works in English and Spanish. For other languages, ask us: the core program has been adapted before, including a Hmong-English version.

What do I need to join?

A computer with a camera and a reliable internet connection. Every session is live online.

I'm enrolling several staff members for a district.

See the district program. It adds customization, district tools and documentation for teams.

Ready to start?

Enroll in the next group of the IEP interpreter certificate course. It starts Saturday, November 7, and meets seven consecutive Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Arizona time. Enrollment closes Thursday, November 5.

Enroll in the program
Training a team for your school district? See the district program.