Accuracy is usually of utmost importance when translating documents, whether they are official or unofficial. But to ensure accuracy, you must first hire proven and experienced translators. Getting a certified translator is one way of giving yourself a head start. But how important are these translators?
To become accredited, translators must obtain certifications from reputable bodies like the American Translators Association (ATA). Before these bodies issue these certifications, they confirm the capabilities and knowledge of translators.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming one or choosing one. So, without further ado, let’s discuss!
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How To Become a Certified Translator With Translators’ Associations
For different countries, becoming registered requires different processes. For instance, becoming an accredited translator in the United States differs from countries like the United Kingdom and Australia. But sometimes, you can also get certifications to translate documents internationally.
If you want to understand how to become a certified translator, here is how:
How To Become an ATA-Certified Translator
The American Translators Association, ATA, offers the leading certification program for professional translators in the U.S. While the country offers much room for professionals, the ATA is the primary go-to association. But how do you become an ATA-certified translator?
To earn a certification with the ATA, a translator must scale through a three-hour proctored exam. This challenging exam tests their language skills. It also tests their comprehension and understanding of the written source language. The exam also assesses a translator’s writing capabilities and translation style of a language.
To become accredited by the ATA:
- Check the ATA portal to confirm that the exam supports your preferred language combination. The association has listed over 30 language pairs on its site.
- Join the association and hold on for the waiting time to elapse. You must be a member for at least four weeks before taking the exam.
- Register for the exam and pay the exam fee.
- Take the certification and wait for the result.
The ATA does not provide grades for this exam. Depending on your performance, you’ll get either a pass or a fail. It tests for language proficiency and whether you can provide a quality translation.
Become a Certified Translator With the CTTIC
The Canadian Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters Council, CTTIC, issues certifications for translators in Canada. If you’re a language professional looking for a recognizable certification, this council’s certification exam is for you.
To become a certified translator with the CTTIC, you do not necessarily have to show aptitude. Instead, the council analyzes your professional skills in the field. You’re good to go if the results show you can produce a trustworthy idiomatic translation with minimal revision.
To get this certification:
- Join a provincial association of the CTTIC.
- Contact your provincial association directly to register for the CTTIC exam. Usually, different provincial associations have different requirements to be eligible for this exam. Most associations require that users show some language proficiency before they can sit for exams.
- After the registration, you’ll sit for the translation exam.
- If you pass the translation exam, the CTTIC provincial association requires you to pay a fee. This fee registers your new status in the association.
The CTTIC offers translation courses for additional studies before you take an exam. This could increase your edge during the exam. Understanding the certified translation requirements gives you an edge in these exams.
How To Get a UN-Certified Translator Certificate
Getting an international certification is the way for professional translators who want to take their services beyond borders. The United Nations translation certification is one of the most recognized options.
This certification process tests translators in the six official languages of the United Nations. They include the Arabic, French, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and English language. But what are the things to remember when applying for a UN-certified translator certificate?
The organization requires translators to take the translation exam in their main language. You must also be able to translate content from your main language into at least two other official languages. The organization also requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a university or institution.
A degree from an accredited translation school is a plus. Besides that, the UN conducts this translation exam in three parts:
- The first part comprises three or two translation exercises. In some cases, it also comprises a summary-writing or editing exercise.
- The second exercise consists of two translation exercises.
- The third part is an interview that checks your competency. There may also be another exercise.
The first part of the test is usually online, and you’ll only go to the second part if you pass it. The second part is a remotely proctored test. Here, you cannot use dictionaries, glossaries, or other methods. You’ll only move to the third part if you pass the second.
The organization holds these exams every two or three years. It announces when and how to apply months before the exams commence.
How To Get Certified as a Translator by Independent Operators
Several independent organizations also offer translation certifications for professionals. Consider using these options to know how to get certified as a translator. The Translator’s Studio, an online service, offers several popular certifications.
This company offers advanced translation courses as well as professional translation conversion courses. While these are third-party certification courses, they’re from professional translators with vast experience and expertise.
Independent operators offer a wide range of options with low costs for people. However, its applicability is quite limited since it is an unofficial certification. When using this option, make inquiries before you work with any independent operator.
How To Find a Certified Translator Near Me
Are you in need of an accredited translator’s services? You may not fancy working with online service providers, especially on urgent tasks. In such cases, nearby physical translators could be the better choice. So, how can you find a certified translator near you?
Google business profiles offer an effective way of finding nearby accredited professionals. Here, a quick search of the keywords certified translators nearby brings out a list of all the close options. You’ll find independent translators as well as translation agencies within your vicinity.
The American Translators Association also provides a directory that helps you find nearby registered translators. This ATA directory carries more than 7,000 companies and individuals offering translation services. You can filter through this directory to find a suitable translation company or a translator.
Platforms like Yelp and Foursquare City Guide also help users find translators nearby. They all work similarly. You can quickly visit these sites, choose your location, and search for an accredited translator.
Depending on your location, you may not always find translators close to your location using these methods. However, online translation services like Rapid Translate also come in handy, offering trustworthy and fast services.
Becoming a Court Certified Translator
A court-certified translator or a court interpreter helps people who speak different languages to communicate in a judicial setting. However, becoming a court translator can be quite daunting. Many professionals do not understand how.
To become a court-accredited interpreter or translator, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree. A degree in translation studies places you at an advantage. During this phase, you must focus on a particular language. In addition, ensure to complete some phonetics and diction courses.
Next, pick and complete a relevant certificate program. Consider enrolling in a professional interpreter certification program here since most universities do not offer them. These certifications are quite helpful in teaching you courthouse knowledge and translation.
After your certificate program, become a registered translator. To do this, consider registering with the American Translators Association and sitting for their exam. The Translators and Interpreters Guild is another option to consider. These certifications increase your pedigree as well as your opportunities.
Remember that nothing beats on-field experience. So, consider getting valuable translation experience to top up your skills. Translation companies and other areas in the language industry are great places to start. Afterward, you’ll be fit to offer court document translations.
The Advantages of Working With an Accredited Translator
There are many advantages to working with an accredited translator. Accuracy is usually of utmost importance for official documents requiring certified translations. But besides better positioning your work toward accuracy, these professionals help meet the latest industry standards.
A translator’s certification indicates they’ve gone through the necessary routes to becoming a professional. It offers that extra authentication of their skills. This does not mean that uncertified translators are usually not qualified. It simply provides the proof you need.
By working with an accredited translator, you can also ensure quality control. Usually, different documents and agencies have different translation requirements. So, these translators are always in line with the standards and requirements for different documents and their uses.
Consistency, spelling, and formatting requirements are important for most translation tasks. So, their experience as accredited professionals shows they can follow these rules and requirements, creating excellent results.
Are you looking for a certified translator to work on your project? Rapid Translate, one of the most popular translation companies, offers correct translations for your documents and certificates. The company comprises professionals who can handle all your needs, including notarized translations.
The company translates documents in over 60 languages. With a fair price, you’ll get the best results on your translation tasks. Order now to enjoy consistent communication!
