MICHIGAN — The Michigan Supreme Court announced earlier this month that it is seeking Arabic interpreters to help non-English speakers during court proceedings. It is also in search of interpreters who can speak Spanish, Cantonese, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Ilocano, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

To be considered for the position, candidates must pass a written English Exam and a oral proficiency exam for the preferred language.

Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormack said Michigan needs qualified interpreters in every part of the state.

She added that the court’s goal is to make sure everyone, no matter where his/her case is heard or what language he/she speaks, can understand and be understood in court proceedings.

The Spanish test will cost $200 while applicants will have to pay $350 for all other exams.

The written English exam is offered March 25 and July 29. Spanish language oral exams are scheduled for June 19-20 and Oct. 16-17. Oral exams for all other languages are expected to take place Oct. 20-21.

Applicants must take the exams at the Michigan Hall of Justice in downtown Lansing. To register, contact the court by emailing languageaccess@courts.mi.gov or calling 517.373.6670.