UC San Diego Extension's Professional and Specialized Certificates in

How do I know if it is the right career for me? Where can I learn more? If you are unclear about the profession, you are strongly encouraged to enroll in Introduction to Translation and Introduction to Interpretation. These courses give an overview of the different aspects of the translation and interpretation field. You can also attend a free information session to learn more about the program and the field.

If I complete the program, will I be a California certified interpreter and translator? The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an excellent answer to this question:

There is currently no universal form of certification required of interpreters and translators in the United States. However there are a variety of different tests that workers can take to demonstrate proficiency, which may be helpful in gaining employment. For example, the American Translators Association provides certification in 24 language combinations involving English for its members. Federal courts have certification for Spanish, Navajo, and Haitian Creole interpreters, and many State and municipal courts offer their own forms of certification. The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators also offers certification for court interpreting.

The U.S. Department of State has a three-test series for prospective interpreters—one test in simple consecutive interpreting (for escort work), another in simultaneous interpreting (for court or seminar work), and a third in conference-level interpreting (for international conferences)—as well as a test for prospective translators. These tests are not considered a credential, but successful completion indicates that a person has a significant level of skill.

Who hires professional translators and interpreters? Interpreters and translators may be employees of private companies or work in the public sector, own and operate their own translation and interpretation service companies, or work freelance. Professionals are needed in a wide variety of fields, such as law, health care, media, customer service call centers, general business, education, and social services.

In what situations are interpreters used? Interpreters are used in the legal system for depositions, court trials, court hearings, immigration, general practice, recorded statements,statement under oath, and jail conferences. Interpreters are used in the business and medical fields for client meetings, phone conferences, presentations, escort, tour guides, medical examinations, medical appointments, and worker's compensation.

What types of documents need translating?legal contracts, manuals, personal documents, tape transcriptions, reports, contracts, proposals, catalogs, patents specifications, books, brochures, websites, and more.

What is a court interpreter? According to the Judicial Council of California, "a court interpreter is anyone who interprets in a court proceeding (e.g. arraignment, motions, pretrial conference, preliminary hearing, deposition, trial) for a witness or defendant who speaks or understands little or no English. The interpreter interprets everything that is said in English into the language of the defendant or witness, and everything stated by the defendant or witness into English."

View the Judicial Council of California's Court Interpreter Packet for additional useful information.

What kind of person makes a good court interpreter? Again, the Judicial Council of California provides an excellent answer:

In addition to total fluency in English and a second language, a court interpreter should have excellent public speaking skills. Sometimes the testimony to be interpreted is shocking or traumatic, and the interpreter must be able to deal with such matters without becoming emotionally involved. The interpreter must also be able to refrain from expressing personal opinions or acting as an advocate for one side or the other in a court case, and must be able to work unobtrusively. The interpreter must be able to work well under pressure and react quickly to solve complex linguistic and ethical problems as they arise. On the other hand, when a problem cannot be solved by the interpreter alone, the interpreter must demonstrate the good judgment required to inform the court of that fact and take whatever steps are necessary to resolve the situation. And finally, a good court interpreter constantly strives to improve his or her skills by reading widely, attending conferences, researching new terms and concepts, and honing techniques of interpreting.

What is the job market like for court interpreters? The large immigrant populations in California have created demand for certified court interpreters. According to the Judicial Council of California, most court interpreters freelance or work as per-diem interpreters rather than being permanent employees of the courts. A freelance interpreter must be willing to travel from one trial court to another, perhaps even from one county trial court system to another, to be assured of full-time work. Current state rate is $282.23 a day and $156.56 for a half day. Current federal rates are considerably higher. Trial courts have highly competitive permanent positions for court interpreters that pay a minimum full time starting salary of $68,000 per year.

Will this program prepare me for the state and federal certification exams? While our professional development workshops provide useful tools and strategies for successfully passing the State, Federal, Medical, and American Translators Association examinations, our certificate program is designed to provide students with the technical skills to work as professional translators and interpreters. It is not designed as a preparatory course for a specific certification exam.

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