How Can I Earn a Spanish Interpreter Certification?

If you're fluent in both English and Spanish, becoming a Spanish interpreter is a clear career choice. </p> <p>Being bilingual is quite an asset that you can really put to use by working as an interpreter in many different fields. </p> <p>While there are numerous certifications available, the most common is offered by the American Translators Association (ATA). </p> <p>But before you take your certification exam, there's a little more education and training you'll need to do. </p> <h2 id="section---BecomingACertifiedSpanishInterpreter">Becoming a Certified Spanish Interpreter</h2> <p>Certified Spanish interpreters have the opportunity to make Spanish speakers feel more comfortable in an English-speaking environment. </p> <p>Because you can work as an interpreter in many different fields, your Spanish vocabulary needs might vary. </p> <p>Getting certified isn't technically required, but it's the standard in many different industries and will open a lot of doors for you. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerPaths">Career Paths</h3> <p>Certified Spanish interpreters have the ability to choose from a variety of <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Career_Planning_FAQs.html">career paths</a> to work in the industry of their choosing. </p> <p>Some of the key fields certified Spanish interpreters work in include: </p> <ul><li>medicine </li><li>law </li><li>government </li><li>travel and tourism </li><li>education </li><li>retail and customer service </li></ul><p>Going into some fields, such as medicine or law, requires additional certification beyond basic interpreter skills. </p> <p>Spanish interpreters in these and other technical fields need to learn specific relevant terminology. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3> <p>If you want to be a certified Spanish interpreter, becoming fluent in Spanish is a start in the right direction. </p> <p>You might learn the language in school or through immersion by living in a Spanish-speaking area. </p> <p>Most certified Spanish interpreters have at least a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a>. A degree in Spanish is common, but not required. </p> <p>If you're a native Spanish speaker, for example, you might get a degree in whatever field you want to work as an interpreter in. </p> <p>Degrees and certificates in translation are also available. These programs focus on the technology used by professional translators. </p> <h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3> <p>Given that interpreters work in such a variety of fields, their work environments are extremely varied as well. </p> <p>Many interpreters work in schools, government facilities, hospitals, courtrooms, and conference centers. </p> <p>Interpreters may work either full or part time, but part-time work is extremely common. </p> <p>Since most interpreters are independent contractors, their work can be irregular at times. </p> <p>Some interpreters may also work from home, translating documents that are available to them online. </p> <h3 id="section---AveragePay">Average Pay</h3> <p>Interpreters and translators generally make around $61,730 on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). </p> <p>However, interpreters and translators working in the tech industry may make as much as twice the national average. </p> <p>Interpreters for the federal executive branch, as well as those in advertising and public relations, also make more than average. </p> <p>Top-paying states for interpreters and translators include New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and New York. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3> <p>The BLS projects employment of interpreters and translators overall will increase by 20% from 2021 to 2031. </p> <p>The BLS estimates as many as 9,200 new jobs will open for interpreters and translators each year during that decade. </p> <p>This is a much faster growth rate than the national average for all jobs, so it's never been a better time to jump into this career. </p> <p>While not all of these openings will be specifically for Spanish language interpreters, the demand for Spanish interpreters is strong. </p> <p>Below, we'll explain the steps you should take to earn a Spanish interpreter certification. </p> <h2 id="section---Step1BecomeFluentInSpanish">Step 1: Become Fluent in Spanish</h2> <p>If you have native fluency, you're a step ahead in terms of becoming a Spanish interpreter. </p> <p>However, most Spanish interpreters achieve fluency through a combination of formal classes and immersion. </p> <p>Any opportunity you get to live in a Spanish-speaking environment will greatly increase your ease and proficiency with the language. </p> <p>Practicing your conversational Spanish with native speakers will help improve your fluency as well. </p> <h2 id="section---Step2EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h2> <p>While not strictly required, most certified Spanish interpreters have at least a bachelor's degree. </p> <p>If you're not a native speaker, a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Spanish_Language_FAQs.html">degree in Spanish</a> will provide advanced language skills as well as study abroad opportunities. </p> <p>Unless you intend to specialize in a particular dialect, make an effort to spend time in several different Spanish-speaking countries. </p> <p>This will give you a better understanding of different intonation, vocabulary, and speech styles. </p> <h2 id="section---Step3GainExperienceAsAnInterpreterOrTranslator">Step 3: Gain Experience as an Interpreter or Translator</h2> <p>Before you get certified, take advantage of any opportunity you have to work as an interpreter or translator. </p> <p>For example, you might volunteer your services to a church or nonprofit organization and gain experience that way. </p> <p>The more experience you have, the more likely you are to pass the difficult ATA certification exam. The current pass rate is only around 20%. </p> <h2 id="section---Step4GetATACertified">Step 4: Get ATA Certified</h2> <p>When it comes to earning a Spanish interpreter certification, the ATA certification is the most respected in the industry. </p> <p>The certification exam is three hours long and extremely challenging. Most of those who take it don't pass. </p> <p>However, if you do pass it, you'll be considered one of the best Spanish interpreters in the country. </p> <p>The certification exam tests your reading comprehension and translation techniques as well as writing in Spanish. </p> <h2 id="section---Step5ConsiderAdditionalEducation">Step 5: Consider Additional Education</h2> <p>Getting a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Masters_Degree_FAQs.html">master's degree</a> in either Spanish or in translation can open the door to higher-paying opportunities for you as an interpreter. </p> <p>For example, NYU's School of Professional Studies offers a master's degree in translation and interpreting 100% online. </p> <p>Additionally, maintaining your ATA certification requires you to complete continuing education requirements every year. </p> <p>Getting another degree or certificate can count toward those requirements so you can maintain your certification. </p> <h2 id="section---BecomeACertifiedSpanishInterpreterToday">Become a Certified Spanish Interpreter Today</h2> <p>If you want to earn your Spanish interpreter certification from ATA, be sure to earn your bachelor's degree and practice as much as possible.</p>