Court Interpreter Testing and Certification Program
In January, 2000, the Michigan Supreme Court, State Court Administrative
Office instituted a state-level program that provides for the testing
and certification of foreign language interpreters for use in Michigan
courts. In addition, the State Court Administrative Office has
established a code of professional conduct for interpreters, a recommended
oath for courts to use, and an interpreter qualification screening checklist
for use in local courts.
For more information about testing and certification, contact the State
Court Administrative Office at (517) 373-6670 or see further
information >>..
Court Reporter and Recorder Testing, Certification, and Renewal
Only certified reporters and recorders may record or prepare transcripts
of proceedings held in Michigan courts or of depositions taken in Michigan
as regulated by Michigan Court Rule 8.108(G). Certification is accomplished
through a testing process administered by the Court Reporting and Recording
Board of Review through the assistance of the State Court Administrative
Office.
The examinations are held twice each year to test knowledge and speed,
and, as to a recorder, familiarity with basic logging techniques and
transcript production. The Board determines the passing score. In order
to be eligibile for registration for an examination, an applicant must
be at least 18 years of age, be a high school graduate, and not have
been under sentence for a felony for a period of two years. An applicant
for the certified shorthand reporter examination must have satisfactorily
completed an approved, accredited, or recognized course of study in
court reporting. The registration fee is $60.
See details about testing, certification,
and renewal or contact the State Court Administrative Office at
(517) 373-9526.
District Court Magistrate Certification
According to Michigan Compiled Law 600.8512(2), district court magistrates may
hear and preside over traffic civil infraction informal hearings only
after successfully completing a special training course of the State
Court Administrative Office in traffic law adjudication and sanctions.
This training course is conducted annually by the Michigan Judicial
Institute, the educational arm of the State Court Administrative Office.
For more information, contact the Michigan
Judicial Institute at (517) 373-7171.
Juvenile Division Probation Officer / Caseworker Certification
According to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1985-5 (and 1988-3), a
juvenile probation officer/caseworker must complete the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI)
certification training within two years of employment. Certification is achieved by:
(1) participation in, or waiver of, MJI's annual "Basic Counseling" seminar; and, (2)
an examination based upon the information contained in MJI's "Juvenile Probation Officer/Caseworker Self-Instructional Manual." This manual is available to new probation officers/caseworkers in hard copy or obtain the manual on the web.
For more information, contact the Michigan
Judicial Institute at (517) 373-7171.
Law Examinations
The State Board of Law Examiners was created by the legislature to
oversee the investigation and examination of persons who apply for
admission to the State Bar. The Clerk of the Supreme Court is the
assistant secretary and treasurer. The office administers the Bar
exam twice a year, in February and July, and then releases the exam
results. The office also processes applications for recertification
from attorneys who have been on inactive status for more than three
years and wish to resume active practice in Michigan.
For more information see
Board of Law Examiners >> or call (517) 373-4453.
