Near Passer Program: Advanced Certification Preparation for Court Interpreters

About the Program

The Near Passer Program is a rigorous, skills-focused training course developed by DE LA MORA Institute of Interpretation (DLMII) specifically for candidates who have previously taken a court interpreter certification exam and narrowly missed passing. These candidates have already demonstrated linguistic potential and dedication to the profession. This program is designed to transform that near success into full certification.

Why This Program Matters: 

In late 2024, DLMII conducted a comprehensive analysis of over two years of rated interpreter exam results. The findings were decisive: the two primary reasons candidates failed the exam were (1) inadequate language proficiency and (2) insufficient interpreter technique. The most common indicator of these shortcomings was the high rate of omissions—39% in the consecutive interpreting portion and 49% in the simultaneous portion.

These statistics underscore a crucial reality: strong bilingualism alone does not guarantee success.

As noted by Brooke Bogue of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC):

“Candidates may have the best language skills and the highest education in both English and their non-English language of expertise. But if they don’t have the cognitive motor skills to move those languages in the three modes of court interpretation, they will not pass the exam. So I think it’s a matter of training and training the ‘right way’.”

The Near Passer Program is that right way.

What You'll Gain

Participants will benefit from the proven methodologies that have positioned DLMII at the forefront of interpreter education for over 25 years. Key features of the program include:

  • The Weightlifting Method™

    DLMII’s proprietary and results-driven training technique that strengthens interpreter performance through guided repetition and cognitive agility

  • Advanced Interpretation Skills

    Techniques tailored to court settings across all interpretation modes

  • Language-Specific Instruction

    Curriculum and materials adapted to the participant’s working language pair

  • Mock Exams & Feedback

    Simulated testing environments and personalized feedback to build exam readiness

  • Exclusive Student Platform Access

    On-demand practice materials, recorded sessions, and ongoing support

Program Overview

Duration: 24 hours of targeted instruction

Start Date: September 16, 2025

Format: Live online instruction with access to a dedicated student learning platform

Structure:

  • 16 hours dedicated to advanced strategies in all three modes of interpretation (sight, consecutive, and simultaneous)
  • 8 hours focused exclusively on simultaneous interpretation techniques, the mode in which candidates most commonly underperform

Who Should Enroll

If you’ve come close to passing the certification exam and are committed to achieving your professional goal, this program is designed for you. The Near Passer Program provides the structure, insight, and practice necessary to turn potential into results.

Take the Next Step!

You’ve already demonstrated your aptitude—now, build the skillset to match. Join a cohort of dedicated interpreters on the final stretch to certification success. More training is the key, and DLMII has the tools to get you there.
Save Your Seat Now! - $998.00

Course Schedule: 24 Training Hours Total

Join us live for an engaging and interactive learning experience!

  • Class Days

    Tuesday & Thursday evenings

  • Dates: 2025

    September 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23

  • Time

    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)

Meet Your Instructor

Instructor

James Plunkett

James Plunkett is a nationally-known interpreter instructor. He also trains new judges and court staff on how to work with court interpreters. He is certified by the AOUSC as a Spanish and English court interpreter. He is a rater for a national credentialing program for interpreters. He has worked as a court interpreter for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Florida and as the Coordinator of Interpreting Services and Language Access Program for the District of Columbia Courts. He speaks and trains at state court interpreter programs nationwide and through online teaching platforms. He holds a BA degree in General Social Studies from Providence College.  He was raised in Lima, Peru. He also communicates in Portuguese, some French and basic American Sign Language.

Who We Are

DE LA MORA Institute of Interpretation is a fully remote online school that trains legal and medical interpreters to work in their respective fields. DLMII was founded in 1998 by Agustín Servin de la Mora from the vision and core belief that interpretation as a chosen profession deserved better educational options. We are constantly striving to stay ahead of the trends and learning styles prevalent in today’s interpreting field through various formats including in-person seminars, live online instruction, and self-paced education. Our mission is to foster understanding and communication through exceptional interpreter education and development, and to advance professional interpretation standards worldwide. Our vision is to become the most accessible interpreter education platform in the world.
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