Many states offer certification exams for translators wishing to work in court.
There is no required certification for work as a bilingual translator. Many organizations, such as non-profit organizations, require only that you are fluent in the two languages you will be using. Other employers, such as state court systems, may require you to take a state exam. You may also chose to become certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), or the National Association of the Deaf, or to take a course at a university.
ATA Certification
The ATA offers certification for bilingual translators. Gaining this certification may help you to demonstrate that you meet certain standards in bilingual translation. The exam is only offered to members of the ATA and is given in a limited number of languages. The exam will certify you to either translate into English from another language, or to translate from English into another language. The exam costs $300, as of 2011, and must be taken in person. According to the ATA, fewer than 20 percent of applicants pass the exam. The ATA can provide practice tests and additional information.
Sign Language
If you wish to work as a sign language translator, the National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf offer a joint certification. Certification is available for people who wish to specialize in areas such as legal or performing arts translation, as well as for those wanting a generalist certification. Candidates must pass both a written test and a performance test. As of 2009, candidates for certification must also have at least an associate's degree, or meet work experience, training or volunteer experience requirements.
Court Certification
The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) offers certification in Spanish translation for those wanting to work in the court system. Certification is through written and oral exams and lasts for three years. The Federal court system also offers certification in bilingual translation for those wishing to work in the Federal courts translating Spanish, Navajo or Haitian Creole. Many state courts also offer certification. For example, Washington state courts offer certification exams in common languages such as Spanish and Arabic, and registration as an approved translator for other languages, such as Sinhalese and Hausa. People seeking registration need only pass a speaking assessment exam.
Other Certificates
Some universities and colleges offer certification courses in translation. For example, LaSalle University offers a certificate in Spanish/English translation that allows students to demonstrate proficiency in legal, medical and business translation. The program is only available to students with a bachelor's degree and who can provide evidence that they have advanced Spanish and English language skills. The United States Department of State also offers several exams for prospective interpreters and translators. Exams are offered in translation; consecutive interpretation, for those wishing to work as escorts; simultaneous interpretation, for court or seminar work; and conference interpretation, for international conferences. Passing the exam is not a credential, but does demonstrate a high level of skill.
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