Author Archives: vbdopazo

Next course:

October 17 to October 28, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. EST

We are now taking pre-registrations for a course in October, as we expect the next examination dates will be in November. Should the exam date be announced for an earlier date we will adjust the course dates. If you are planning to sit for the oral exam at the second sitting in 2022, we recommend you pre-register by paying the 50% deposit, the other 50% will be billed to you and is due one week prior to the start of the course. Register now at Eventbrite

Here are the details:

Federal Oral Exam Preparation Course (8th edition)

Intensive mode. 15 hours of live instruction. Plenty of practice during the sessions and extra materials to do on your own.

From October 17 to October 28, 2022, from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. EST. Dates may change if exam is offered earlier.

You will receive an invitation with the link to access the course the day before the 1st session.

This course is designed for people who are qualified to sit for the Spanish federal oral exam.

During these live sessions you will get ample practice just before sitting for the exam.

If you are planning to sit for the oral exam in 2022, don’t miss the opportunity to practice intensively and with guidance just before the exam.

Cost: $450 for 15 hours of live instructor-led training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice. 50% deposit, 50% due one week prior to start.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 15 hours of training.

Registration: You can register at Eventbrite or you can also request an invoice or use PayPal, Zelle or Cash App.

Special offer for old timers

July 23 to 31, 2022 – deadline to register is approaching.

There are only 4 spots left for the July course. We recommend this course for those registered to sit for the pilot exam in August. If you previously took this course with us, we offer it to you at a discounted rate of 50%. You can register following this link.

Course specific info:

Federal Oral Exam Preparation Course (7th edition)

Intensive mode. 15 hours of live instruction. Plenty of practice during the sessions and extra materials to do on your own.
From July 23 to July 31. Below are the scheduled dates and times:

Saturday, July 23 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Sunday, July 24 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Monday, July 25 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST

Tuesday, July 27 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST

Thursday, July 28 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST

Friday, July 29 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST

Saturday, July 30 – 2p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST

Sunday, July 31 – 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST

This course is designed for people who are qualified to sit for the Spanish federal oral exam.

During these live sessions you will get ample practice just before sitting for the exam.

If you are planning to sit for the oral exam in August 2022, don’t miss the opportunity to practice intensively and with guidance just before the exam.

Cost: $450 ($225 for Old Timers) for 15 hours of live instructor-led training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 15 hours of training.

Registration:  registering page for alternatives.  

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Next course:

October 17 to October 28, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST

We are now taking pre-registrations for a course in October, as we expect the next examination dates will be in November. Should the exam date be announced for an earlier date we will adjust the course dates. If you are planning to sit for the oral exam at the second sitting in 2022, we recommend you pre-register by paying the 50% deposit. The other 50% will be billed to you and is due one week prior to the start of the course. You can register following this link.

Federal Oral Exam Preparation Course (8th edition)

Intensive mode. 15 hours of live instruction. Plenty of practice during the sessions and extra materials to do on your own.
From October 17 to October 28, 2022, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST. Dates may change if exam is offered earlier.

You will receive an invitation with the link to access the course the day before the first session.

This course is designed for people who are qualified to sit for the Spanish federal oral exam.

During these live sessions you will get ample practice just before sitting for the exam.

If you are planning to sit for the oral exam in 2022, don’t miss the opportunity to practice intensively and with guidance just before the exam.

Cost: $450 for 15 hours of live instructor-led training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice. 50% deposit, 50% due one week prior to start.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 15 hours of training.

Registration: You can register following this link. You can also request an invoice or use PayPal, Zelle or Cash App.

2022 update from the AOUSA: Scheduling is now closed for the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination oral phase offered August 1-8, 2022. The exam will be administered again at a later date in 2022.

Learn more about the oral examination (link is external)

If you have any questions, please email fcice@ao.uscourts.gov (link sends e-mail).

Just in time for pilot exam!

Federal Oral Exam Preparation Course (7th edition)

Intensive mode. 15 hours of live instruction. Plenty of practice during the sessions and extra materials to do on your own.
From July 23 to July 31. Below are the scheduled dates and times:
 
Saturday, July 23 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST Time
Sunday, July 24 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Monday, July 25 – 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. EST
Tuesday, July 27 – 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. EST
Thursday, July 28 – 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. EST
Friday, July 29 – 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. EST
Saturday, July 30 – 2p.m. to 3.30 p.m. EST
Sunday, July 31 – 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. EST
 
This course is designed for people who are qualified to sit for the Spanish federal oral exam.
During these live sessions you will get ample practice just before sitting for the exam.
If you are planning to sit for the oral exam in August 2022, don’t miss the opportunity to practice intensively and with guidance just before the exam.

Cost: $450 for 15 hours of live instructor-led training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 15 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives.  

 
If you are planning to sit for the pilot exam in August 2022, this is for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to practice intensity and with guidance just before the exam!
All sessions are recorded so if you can’t make the live session, you can still watch it differed and practice on your own. You will receive passages and recordings every day.

The AOUSC announced that registration will start on July 11 for the first 200 candidates to sit for the pilot exam to be held August 1 thru August 8. Check their site for more info go to https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/aousc

Last week to register. Only 4 spots left!

State Exam Preparation Course (for Oral Exam) / Skills Building III

Duration: The course consists of 15 hours spread out into 10 sessions of 1.5 hours each. 

Dates: April 18 to May 23, 2022 – Monday and Wednesday 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST –                               

   Note: No class on Wednesday May 4.

Cost: $450 for 15 hours of training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice. Reserve your spot with $45. The balance will be billed by 4/18/2022. Payment options are available up to 3 payments of $150 each.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 15 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives.  

Objective: This course is designed to provide participants with plenty of practice passages to interpret in simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes at an advanced level, as required to work in Court.  Participants need to have an Advanced command of Spanish and English to be able to work in both directions at the required level of proficiency and to interpret discourse of highly educated native speakers as well as colloquial registry in both languages.

Methodology: We will work on the Zoom platform where you can view the presenters screen as well as your own. You will be provided scripts as well as recordings of passages to work from both in class and on your own. We will focus on topics that are commonly seen in State Court and analyze and expand vocabulary and glossaries. You will have the scripts for reference and further practice as well as a copy of the presentation and recordings of the sessions.

You will need access to a computer or tablet with good internet connection. Headsets are recommended for practice.

Introduction to Court Interpreting Training

Don’t miss the opportunity to get an overview of what it takes to become a court interpreter. This session is language neutral, given live in English.

Register to receive the link to participate in this session to be held on Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m. EST., 2022.

Course: State Exam Preparation Course (for Oral Exam) / Skills Building III

Objective: This course is designed to provide participants with plenty of practice passages to interpret in simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes at an advanced level, as required to work in Court.  Participants need to have an Advanced command of Spanish and English to be able to work in both directions at the required level of proficiency and to interpret discourse of highly educated native speakers as well as colloquial registry in both languages.

Methodology: We will work on the Zoom platform where you can view the presenters screen as well as your own. You will be provided scripts as well as recordings of passages to work from both in class and on your own. We will focus on topics that are commonly seen in State Court and analyze and expand vocabulary and glossaries. You will have the scripts for reference and further practice as well as a copy of the presentation and recordings of the sessions.

You will need access to a computer or tablet with good internet connection. Headsets are recommended for practice.

Duration: The course consists of 15 hours spread out into 10 sessions of 1.5 hours each. 

Dates: April 18 to May 23, 2022 – Monday and Wednesday 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST –                                  Note: No class on Wednesday May 4.

Cost: $450 for 15 hours of training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice. Reserve your spot with $45. The balance will be billed by 4/18/2022. Payment options are available up to 3 payments of $150 each.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 15 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives.  

Free Introductory Session: An overview of what is required to train to become a court interpreter. No experience necessary. Q and A session will follow. The time for this free introductory session has been changed to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.

Last chance to register for the September edition of the Federal Exam Prep Course.

I am offering 4 spots with the option of a split payment plan of 4 payments of $125 each. Only 4 spots and 4 days left to register.

The next time this course will be offered is going to be 2022 either January or February, TBD. I am accepting registrations for 2022 as well.

Here are the particulars of the course:

 Federal Exam Prep Course / Advanced Skills Building IV Course –
All languages welcome – Conducted in English

Time to start preparing for the next federal oral exam with my intensive training course. The 6th edition of the Federal Exam Preparation Course / Advanced Skills Building IV Course  is scheduled for September 20 to October 1, 2021.  Registration will remain open till September 17, 2021 but may close earlier if spots are filled. Here are the particulars:

Objective: This course is designed to provide participants with plenty of practice passages to interpret in simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes at an advanced level, as required to work in Federal Court.  Participants need to have an Advanced command of Foreign Language and English to be able to work in both directions at the required level of proficiency and to interpret discourse of highly educated native speakers as well as colloquial registry in both languages.

Methodology: We will work on the Zoom platform where you can view the presenters screen as well as your own. We will focus on topics that are commonly seen in Federal Court and analyze and expand vocabulary and glossaries. 
The course will be conducted in English and participants will practice interpreting into a foreign language of choice.
You will be provided passages with scripts and recordings in English and asked to interpret into a foreign language. At the end of the course you will have more than 30 passages and recordings for further practice as well as a copy of the presentation and recordings of the sessions. You can save all the materials for the purpose of studying and reviewing them on your own time. 

You will need access to a computer or tablet with good internet connection. Headsets are recommended for practice.

Duration: The course consists of 20 hours spread out into 10 sessions of 2 hours each. (CE units in most states)* 

Dates: September 20 to October 1, 2021 -Monday thru Friday from 7:00p.m. to  9:00 p.m. EST (New Your time)

Cost: Split payment option of $125 x 4 months for 20 hours of training.
     
Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 20 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot by paying the first payment at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives. You will receive an invoice directly from Quickbooks for the balance for the future payments.

I am pleased to announce a new revamped 6^th Edition of the Oral Federal Exam Preparation Course/ Advanced Skills Building IV. In this 6th Edition I will include all new materials for practice so if you took a previous edition of this course you will still benefit with more practice. Here are the particulars:

Course: Oral Federal Exam Preparation Course: 6^th Edition

Objective: This course is designed to provide participants with plenty of practice passages to interpret in simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes at an advanced level, as required to work in Federal Court.  Participants need to have an Advanced command of Spanish and English to be able to work in both directions at the required level of proficiency and to interpret discourse of highly educated native speakers as well as colloquial registry in both languages.

Methodology: We will work on the Zoom platform where you can view the presenters screen as well as your own. You will be provided scripts as well as recordings of passages to work from both in class and on your own. We will focus on topics that are commonly seen in Federal Court and analyze and expand vocabulary and glossaries. You will have the scripts for reference and further practice as well as a copy of the presentation and recordings of the sessions.

You will need access to a computer or tablet with good internet connection. Headsets are recommended for practice.

Duration: The course consists of 20 hours spread out into 10 sessions of 2 hours each. (20 CE units in most states)

Dates: September 20 to October 1, 2021 – Monday thru Friday 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST

Cost: $490 for 20 hours of training. You will be provided materials and recordings of each session for you to keep and use for further practice.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 20 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives.  

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Advanced Skills Building IV Course – Oral Exam Preparation for LOTS (Languages Other than Spanish) – Conducted in English

Last call to register for the Advanced Skills Building IV Course  starting on March 15, 2021. We have 6 spots left. Registration will remain open till March 12 but may close earlier if spots are filled. Here are the particulars:

Objective: This course is designed to provide participants with plenty of practice passages to interpret in simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes at an advanced level, as required to work in Federal Court.  Participants need to have an Advanced command of Foreign Language and English to be able to work in both directions at the required level of proficiency and to interpret discourse of highly educated native speakers as well as colloquial registry in both languages.

Methodology: We will work on the Zoom platform where you can view the presenters screen as well as your own. We will focus on topics that are commonly seen in Federal Court and analyze and expand vocabulary and glossaries. 
The course will be conducted in English and participants will practice interpreting into a foreign language of choice.
You will be provided passages with scripts and recordings in English and asked to interpret into a foreign language. At the end of the course you will have more than 30 passages and recordings for further practice as well as a copy of the presentation and recordings of the sessions. You can save all the materials for the purpose of studying and reviewing them on your own time. 

You will need access to a computer or tablet with good internet connection. Headsets are recommended for practice.

Duration: The course consists of 20 hours spread out into 10 sessions of 2 hours each. (CE units in most states)* Dates: March 15, 2021 to March 26, 2021 -Monday thru Friday from 7:00p.m. to  9:00 p.m. EST (New Your time)

Cost: .$490 for individual registration for 20 hours of training.
            $392 each if registering with a study partner. A 20% discount is offered for 2 people registering together. Consider registering with a friend who shares your language combination so you can have a study partner for more practice and both can benefit from the discount.

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 20 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives. To register at the discounted price for two participants email your request. You will receive an invoice directly with the discount applied.

We have 5 spots left for this course that starts on Feb. 6. Please register by Feb. 4 or earlier.

Remote Simultaneous Interpretation Practice Course. In this 3rd Edition of RSI we will practice simultaneous interpretation with the Zoom Interpretation feature as well as explore other methods to deliver simultaneous interpretation remotely without the interpretation feature enabled or on different platforms. I will include all new materials for practice as well as updates to the previous editions, so if you took my previous RSI course you will still benefit with more practice with this new course. Here are the particulars:

Course: Remote Simultaneous Interpretation Practice for Court Interpreters: 3rd Edition

Objective: This course is designed to provide participants with practice and knowledge on how to interpret simultaneously in virtual mode using currently available resources used for court interpretation. The purpose is not to monitor the interpretation quality but to give ample opportunity to practice in the use of the technology and platforms currently available. 

Methodology: We will work on the Zoom platform, but the methodology can be applied to other existing platforms being used by courts around the country. The course will be conducted in English and participants will practice interpreting into a foreign language of choice.
You will be provided scripts in English and asked to interpret into a foreign language. You will have the scripts for reference and further practice as well as a copy of the presentation and recordings of the sessions.

You will need access to a computer or tablet with good internet connection and a second line (cell phone) for the third session.  We will practice with Zoom interpreting feature as well as with two lines. Both methods are currently being used by the courts where I practice.

Duration: The course consists of 8 hours spread out into 4 sessions of 2 hours each. (8 CE units in most states)* 

Dates: February 6, 2021 to February 27, 2021 – Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST

Cost: Only $120 for 8 hours of training. This course is being offered at a reduced rate due to the pandemic.  (Regular price would be $180)

Certificates of completion will be issued to those who complete the 8 hours of training.

Registration: Reserve your spot at  Eventbrite or visit my registering page for alternatives.