Becoming a certified interpreter can be a lengthy process that requires dedication and hard work. Anyone can take these tests, but most will not pass the first time around, which can discourage people from taking the certification exam again. This article will provide you with all of the information you need to become an interpreter and how to become an interpreter in each state.
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If you’re interested in becoming a certified interpreter, you’ll need to understand what it takes.
First, you’ll need to be fluent in both languages. You won’t be able to interpret for someone unless you have a good command of both English and their native language, as well as any other languages that are involved in the conversation. You also need to know how to pronounce words correctly so that they can be understood by the person receiving your translation.
Next, you’ll want to make sure that your pronunciation is accurate by taking a listening test online or at your local community college. This will show whether or not your accent is strong enough for people to understand what you say without having trouble understanding what was said previously. If not, then consider taking some courses on enunciation or vocal exercises until it improves.
Afterwards, get some experience with interpreting in real life situations such as court cases or doctor’s appointments where there are multiple parties involved who speak different languages than each other (for example: one person speaks Spanish while another speaks English). This will help prepare them for when they go through training at their local community college or university where they’ll learn about legal regulations pertaining specifically towards interpreters who work within those areas regularly (such as doctors’ offices
How to become a certified interpreter
Complete training courses approved by the state
You must complete training courses approved by the state.
- You must complete a minimum of 60 hours in the classroom and at least 60 hours of practicum, either before or during your coursework.
- To be eligible, you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, but no further education is required.
The training must be completed by one of the approved entities:
- A university-based interpreter program accredited by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) or approved by another nationally recognized accrediting body;
- An interpreter program that’s accredited by an agency recognized for accreditation purposes by the U.S Department of Education/National Center for Education Statistics;
- An interpreter program that’s certified by a state department responsible for certification requirements in your state;
Gain interpreting experience
To become a certified interpreter, you need to gain interpreting experience. The more you practice interpreting and translation, the better equipped you’ll be to pass the certification exam. To get as much experience as possible:
- Work in the field of interpretation and translation
- Volunteer at events or with organizations that offer interpretation services (e.g., hospitals)
- Ask for feedback from those who have given speeches or presentations using your services as an interpreter/translator
Take the exam
Make sure you know which exam is required by your state. The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NRID) and the two other organizations that administer national exams, RID and LAAD, have different requirements for each type of certification they offer. For example, you can become certified as a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) through RID by taking either the Written or Oral Exam—but only if you’ve already passed their Practice Exam.
Take time to prepare for an exam before registering for it. Research what materials are included in the test and how long it will take to complete all sections, including breaks between them; this will help ensure that you don’t get tired during testing conditions or start guessing answers out of frustration from running out of time on certain questions because there was no extra buffer built into your schedule!
Sign up for any test session(s) within six months prior to registration deadline date
Take tests at locations near where they are offered so transportation costs won’t add up too much over time
