How to Become an Interpreter: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an interpreter is a great choice for people who want to help bridge the gap between individuals and communities that don't speak a common language.

This career is undoubtedly a rewarding one � but it can also be very challenging, which is why the right educational background and training are recommended.

If you want to begin a career as an interpreter, keep reading to learn how to get started.

What is an Interpreter?

An interpreter is a person who converts spoken information from a source language to a target language.

Some confuse interpreters with translators who convert written information from one language to another.

Since interpreters must communicate with people who don't share a common language, they must be fluent speakers (or signers for American Sign Language) of two or more languages.

Common Modes of Interpreting

Individuals who work as interpreters are skilled in one or more of the following modes of interpreting:

• Consecutive interpreting: A consecutive interpreter waits for a speaker or signer to stop before interpreting the message.
• Simultaneous interpreting: A simultaneous interpreter shares a message by converting from one language to another while a person is speaking or signing.
• Sight translation interpreting: A sight translation interpreter is somewhat of a mix between a translator and an interpreter as they translate written text into spoken language.

Other modes of interpreting include whispered, which is a version of simultaneous interpreting that involves low-volume speech, and telephonic, which involves interpretation via a three-way call.

Types of Interpreters

Interpreters take on various roles depending on their client's needs.

• Community interpreters work in communal settings like business meetings, government agencies, and community events.
• Conference interpreters typically work during events that include individuals who speak foreign languages.
• Sign language interpreters convey messages between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who can hear.
• Medical interpreters help medical professionals communicate with patients.
• Liaison interpreters work with people who travel from or into the United States and need language assistance.

So now that you know more about interpreters, how can you become one?

Step 1: Build Your Language Skills and Educational Background

Here is an overview of the common qualifications, academic background, and language proficiency of interpreters.

Minimum Qualifications for Interpreters

Interpreters must be able to do the following effectively:

• speak fluently in the two languages you will be interpreting
• match the style and tone of the source language with the style and tone of the target language
• convey messages quickly, clearly, and accurately

Individuals who work in interpretation should also be culturally sensitive and possess quality listening, interpersonal, and concentration skills.

Educational Background of Interpreters

In most cases, interpreters possess a bachelor's degree in a field like communication or business. They also get a quality background in the languages they plan to interpret by taking individual courses or earning a degree.

Some interpreters have degrees in other fields like engineering or law, making them eligible for interpreting jobs on a higher level.

Language Proficiency of Interpreters

When working as an interpreter, you have to be proficient in both languages. The best way to know how prepared you are to interpret two languages professionally is to take a language proficiency test.

For example, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) offers language proficiency assessments for speaking, listening and reading, and writing.

Another option is the Interpreter Readiness Assessment (IRA) from LanguageLine Solutions, which tests language proficiency between English and the target language.

Step 2: Obtain Interpreting Experience

Experience is not always required to secure a role as an interpreter. However, building your skills improves your likelihood of success. Here are some ways you can gain experience in the field:

Internships

Some students take on interpreting internships while still enrolled in school. This gives them a chance to grow accustomed to the role and possibly even shadow an experienced interpreter.

Volunteering

Another way to gain experience is to volunteer for an organization. Volunteer opportunities might be available in healthcare settings, community organizations, nonprofits, and more.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad lets you converse with native speakers of your target language. You can immerse yourself in the culture and learn language nuances that help you accurately convey messages.

Professional Associations and Mentorship

By joining a professional association like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as an ASL interpreter, you can take advantage of mentoring programs that help you gain more experience.

Step 3: Become a Formally Trained Interpreter

As you prepare to look for professional work in the field, it's a good idea to get formal training as an interpreter.

While not required, formal training can show potential employers (or clients if you're self-employed) that you can meet their interpreting criteria.

Formal training is typically associated with a specific field you want to enter. For example, prospective medical interpreters can take MasterWord's 40-Hour Intensive Medical Interpreter Training.

Some colleges and universities offer interpreter training programs. Short courses are also available through private providers.

You might even get trained on the job by companies like LanguageLine Solutions, which offers LanguageLine Training to help businesses develop the skills of their in-house interpreters.

Step 4: Get Certified

Securing an interpreter certification is generally not required to begin your career � but the more proof of proficiency, the better. If you want to get certified, here are options to consider:

National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) offers the CMI certification and Hub-CMI credential.

Both entry-level credentials help individuals show that they possess sufficient knowledge of the medical interpreting profession.

Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters

The Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) offers national certifications to showcase healthcare interpreting abilities with special knowledge of HIPAA and safety protocols.

The exams are the Core Certification Healthcare Interpreter� (CoreCHI�), CoreCHI-Performance� (CoreCHI-P�), and Certified Healthcare Interpreter� (CHI�).

Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination

Individuals interested in federal court interpreting will be required to take the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination.

This exam tests candidates' understanding of specialized and legal terminology, various dialects and jargon, nuanced meanings, and formal and informal registers.

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) offers the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) to help interpreters who hear show they can succeed in interpretation and transliteration.

The Certified Deaf Interpreter Certification (CDI) helps interpreters who are deaf or hard of hearing and possess near-native fluency in American Sign Language prove their interpretation skills.

Step 5: Start Working as an Interpreter

Now that you've received the appropriate education, experience, training, and certification, it's time to start working as an interpreter.

There are plenty of amazing ways to take advantage of your new skill. You can secure employment with hospitals, schools, and government entities � or work as a freelance interpreter.

Keep in mind that you might need to pass an interpreter exam to gain employment.

For example, the Interpreting Division of Language Services, which contracts interpreters for the White House and Department of State, requires candidates to pass its Interpreting Aptitude Test.

The great news is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth for interpreters. The field is expected to experience 7,200 new job openings each year from 2022 to 2032.

Step 6: Keep Learning with Continuing Education Courses

To make sure you're always up-to-date with the latest in interpretation, consider taking continuing education courses. The RID offers several certification maintenance and continuing education programs for ASL interpreters.

The International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) offers continuing education credits to ensure medical interpreters continue to meet high standards.

The CCHI provides its National Training Provider Registry to help healthcare interpreters find continuing education programs.

Be sure to check for continuing education opportunities in your specific area of interpretation to ensure you're always ready to provide top-notch interpreting services.

Begin Your Career as an Interpreter Today

If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of others as an interpreter, there's no better time to get started. Secure the appropriate education, training, and certification, and begin your dream interpreting career today.