Don't Even Bother Getting Certified

The truth is you don't need to. Certification is only necessary if you're going to actually work directly for or with the court system. If you plan to do any other kind of interpreting work NOBODY will ever check your cert #. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT WHATSOEVER!!!

I let my certification lapse because I was fed-up with paying the renewal fees, the continuing education expenses and all the other costs involved. I currently have more work than ever because I can now charge less and no certified interpreter can compete with me pricewise.

If you plan to work in CA just get connected to a good agency and don't worry about certifications!!!

Lol. I did the same 2 years ago and haven't had a problem since, I still get tons of work and I'm saving tons of money too.

I have been free-lancing now for about 3 years. I have thought about certification. What types of charges/costs are associated with certification here in California?

What is the first step to take if you are not certified but want to work as an interpreter? What is the first step I need to take to get my foot in the door? I know how to do it, I have been interpreting for over ten years now, but now I want to get paid to do it. Can you point me to the right direction?

Martin in Los Angeles, California said: The truth is you don't need to. Certification is only necessary if you're going to actually work directly for or with the court system. If you plan to do any other kind of interpreting work NOBODY will ever check your cert #. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT WHATSOEVER!!!

I let my certification lapse because I was fed-up with paying the renewal fees, the continuing education expenses and all the other costs involved. I currently have more work than ever because I can now charge less and no certified interpreter can compete with me pricewise.

If you plan to work in CA just get connected to a good agency and don't worry about certifications!!!

I have my certificate and was told I could sign up with an agency. Is there a particular agency you can refer me to? Thanks.... I would truly appreciate your assistance!

Maria in Monterey Park, California said: I have my certificate and was told I could sign up with an agency. Is there a particular agency you can refer me to? Thanks.... I would truly appreciate your assistance!

There are tons of agencies in the phone book under 'interpreting or translating services'. I'll tell you one agency to avoid tho; American Language Services (aka ALS). They have a reputation for not paying their interpreters and for being involved in other rip-offs. Someone opened a thread on them recently here on Indeed.com reporting them for fraud.

Good luck.

Maria in Monterey Park, California said: I have my certificate and was told I could sign up with an agency. Is there a particular agency you can refer me to? Thanks.... I would truly appreciate your assistance!

Maria, you can get signed up with STOPS, Inc. They provide translation in CA mostly legal depo's. www.stopsinc.com

very helpful info. But I didn't find answers to the questions about how to get your foot in the door...translating w/o a cert.

translating w/o a cert is the best way to get a foot up your ....

Martin in Los Angeles, California said: The truth is you don't need to. Certification is only necessary if you're going to actually work directly for or with the court system. If you plan to do any other kind of interpreting work NOBODY will ever check your cert #. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT WHATSOEVER!!!

I let my certification lapse because I was fed-up with paying the renewal fees, the continuing education expenses and all the other costs involved. I currently have more work than ever because I can now charge less and no certified interpreter can compete with me pricewise.

If you plan to work in CA just get connected to a good agency and don't worry about certifications!!!

What type of interpreting do you do? How much are you paid/

Alejandra in Los Angeles, California said: Lol. I did the same 2 years ago and haven't had a problem since, I still get tons of work and I'm saving tons of money too.

What kinds of interpreting jobs do you do?

D in Titusville, Florida said: Maria, you can get signed up with STOPS, Inc. They provide translation in CA mostly legal depo's. www.stopsinc.com

Thank you so much for replying, truly appreciate it. I shall give it a try!

I just obtained my certifate from the So. California School of Interpretation and have not found anything. I called several of the agencies referred by the school and was told there isn't much work right now due to the economic crisis. I'm willing to interpret where there is a need. I enjoy helping people, especially those that do not understand english.

Unfortunately, I have yet to work as an interpreter. The agencies referred to me by the school I attended have told me there isn't much hiring going on right now. I'm willing to just get my foot in the door and begin! It is an honor when I know I have helped someone who doesn't understand english.

Martin in Los Angeles, California said: The truth is you don't need to. Certification is only necessary if you're going to actually work directly for or with the court system. If you plan to do any other kind of interpreting work NOBODY will ever check your cert #. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT WHATSOEVER!!!

I let my certification lapse because I was fed-up with paying the renewal fees, the continuing education expenses and all the other costs involved. I currently have more work than ever because I can now charge less and no certified interpreter can compete with me pricewise.

If you plan to work in CA just get connected to a good agency and don't worry about certifications!!!

that is so untrue..u should be ashamed of yourself for saying things like that.. u are a loser..and i sense there might be other reasons why u didn't renew ur certification. u r a shame to all certified interpreters.

Maria in Monterey Park, California said: Unfortunately, I have yet to work as an interpreter. The agencies referred to me by the school I attended have told me there isn't much hiring going on right now. I'm willing to just get my foot in the door and begin! It is an honor when I know I have helped someone who doesn't understand english.

why don't u apply in orange county..they are hiring....

Maria in Monterey Park, California said: I just obtained my certifate from the So. California School of Interpretation and have not found anything. I called several of the agencies referred by the school and was told there isn't much work right now due to the economic crisis. I'm willing to interpret where there is a need. I enjoy helping people, especially those that do not understasorry,

i musunderstood..u r not certified until you take the state exam.certification from the southern school of interpretation is not enough

pandora said: r u working without a certification? that is illegal..would you like to be seen by a doctor who didn't go to medical school?

I have certification through the company that I work for. And no you do not need to be certified in California. It all depends on who you work for. I recently had a job where I proofread documents and the judge also acknowledged that it would depend on the type of work and the experience that one has.

And obviously this will be the last time that I will be posting to this forum. With people such as yourself that feels that you have a right to judge and insult others that are here.
Also to let you know I have been speaking Spanish since I was young. My mother is also a native Spanish language speaker. Unlike others that feel if they go to school and learn a language that they are so much better than those that are raised with the language in their homes.

i m not insulting you...but u need to understand that interpreting is a PROFESSION AND U NEED TO BE CERTIFIED... LIKE IN ANY OTHER PROFESSION...BEING BILINGUAL DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU TO INTERPRET...IF U WANT TO TAKE THE EXAM.. I M WILLING TO GIVE YOU TIPS..SORRY...DIDN'T MEAN TO BE RUDE..

pandora said: i m not insulting you...but u need to understand that interpreting is a PROFESSION AND U NEED TO BE CERTIFIED... LIKE IN ANY OTHER PROFESSION...BEING BILINGUAL DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU TO INTERPRET...IF U WANT TO TAKE THE EXAM.. I M WILLING TO GIVE YOU TIPS..SORRY...DIDN'T MEAN TO BE RUDE..

If you could supply some tips I would be grateful.

Sinceramente,

Collette

collette:
where were you born? is spanish your native language? how old are you? what do you do for a living right now? what Pancho was trying to tell you is that it requires more than "tips" to become an interpreter..that's why I asked you those personal questions...it is a long process to become an interpreter and pass the tests...it takes many many years not only of studying the language but also of life experiences...

Amen!

Preparation for interpreting or acquiring skills is best assessed on a case by case basis. The best way to figure out what you need to do to prepare for certification is take the sample tests and judge what areas you need to become more acquainted with. I have spoken to several "certified interpreters" and they can either barely speak the language they are interpreting or English. Yet, they are certified and work for agencies. I'm a native speaker, I have a BA in Spanish, and was a college TA for 100 level courses... I am also a published Spanish language author, but somehow I wouldn't be as qualified as someone who took some courses in interpreting? Or perhaps someone who is older? Specifics can be learned, such as medical terms or legal terms.

I think it's best to encourage people to become more educated about the process and to find out where they are individually. Also to think about the type of interpreting they want to get into and what kind of field specific terms may be needed.

Anyone knows a company named Cyracom. It provides medical interpretation service. Does anyone know the process to apply for the job and how much do they pay etc.

Does anyone work from home or know of home jobs for interpreters?

Maria in Monterey Park, California said: Unfortunately, I have yet to work as an interpreter. The agencies referred to me by the school I attended have told me there isn't much hiring going on right now. I'm willing to just get my foot in the door and begin! It is an honor when I know I have helped someone who doesn't understand english.

HI MARIA!! I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU. THE DERTIFICATE THAT YOU HAVE.....IS A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FRON SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF INTERPRETATION OR IS IT A STATE CERTIFICATION? THE REASON WHY I ASK IS BECAUSE I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH STOPS FOR 4 YEARS AS A MEDICAL INTERPRETER AND THEY JUST STOPPED GIVING ME INTERPRETATIONS BECAUSE I AM NOT STATE CERTIFIED. BELIVE ME THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING TO ME BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH CLIENTS, CASE MANAGERS AND PATIENS REQUEST MY SERVICES THEY DO NOT GIVE THEM TO ME ANYMORE BECAUSE OF CERTIFICATION. THEY HAVE VERY GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT ME AND I HAVE NEVER CAUSED ANY PROBLEMS TO THE COMPANY OR ANYONE ELSE BUT SINCE THEY ARE IN FLORIDA THEY BELIEVE MEDICAL INTERPRETERS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED. I MEAN OF COURSE THERE ARE CERTAIN MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS THAT ONLY CAN BE INTERPRETED BY A CERTIFIED INTERPRETER BUT FOR REGULAR FOLLOW UPS YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE CERTIFIED. OF COURSE YOU NEED TO BE EXPERIENCE AND HAVE HAD ATTENDED INTERPRETATION COURSES.I AM NOT SAYING STOPS IS A BAD COMPANY. THEY ARE GOOD AND PAY WELL BUT NOW YOU NEED TO BE CERTIFIED IN ORDER TO WORK WITH THEM. IF YOU ARE A STATE CERTIFIED INTERPRETER GO FOR IT AND I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK.

Alejandra in Los Angeles, California said: Lol. I did the same 2 years ago and haven't had a problem since, I still get tons of work and I'm saving tons of money too.

HI ALEJANDRA! I AM A MEDICAL INTERPRETER AND I HAVE BEEN INTERPRETING FOR 4 YEARS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. UNFORTUNATELY THE COMPANY THAT I WORK FOR IS HIRING ONLY STATE CERTIFIED INTERPRETERS NOW AND SINCE I ONLY WORKED FOR THEM I DO NOT HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INTERPRETING AGENCIE. IF YOU KNOW OF ONE THAT I COULD CONTACT TO APPLY AS A FREELANCER I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF YOU SHARTED THAT INFO WITH ME. YHANK YOU.

VERONICA in Los Angeles, California said: HI ALEJANDRA! I AM A MEDICAL INTERPRETER AND I HAVE BEEN INTERPRETING FOR 4 YEARS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. UNFORTUNATELY THE COMPANY THAT I WORK FOR IS HIRING ONLY STATE CERTIFIED INTERPRETERS NOW AND SINCE I ONLY WORKED FOR THEM I DO NOT HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INTERPRETING AGENCIE. IF YOU KNOW OF ONE THAT I COULD CONTACT TO APPLY AS A FREELANCER I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF YOU SHARTED THAT INFO WITH ME. YHANK YOU.

Sharted? Yhank you?

what im wondering, is why would someone with a state certification become a medical interpreter when it allows them to do court interpreting and get paid WAYY more money (65 thou, starting) than with medical interpreting (25-45 thou on average)......

im still straddling both possibilities. i think i would enjoy medical interpreting somewhat more. but the pay difference is too large.....

thanks whoever can comment on this!

Martin in Los Angeles, California said: The truth is you don't need to. Certification is only necessary if you're going to actually work directly for or with the court system. If you plan to do any other kind of interpreting work NOBODY will ever check your cert #. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT WHATSOEVER!!!

I let my certification lapse because I was fed-up with paying the renewal fees, the continuing education expenses and all the other costs involved. I currently have more work than ever because I can now charge less and no certified interpreter can compete with me pricewise.

If you plan to work in CA just get connected to a good agency and don't worry about certifications!!!

ana laura in Los Angeles, California said: what im wondering, is why would someone with a state certification become a medical interpreter when it allows them to do court interpreting and get paid WAYY more money (65 thou, starting) than with medical interpreting (25-45 thou on average)......

im still straddling both possibilities. i think i would enjoy medical interpreting somewhat more. but the pay difference is too large.....

thanks whoever can comment on this!

Maria in Monterey Park, California said: Unfortunately, I have yet to work as an interpreter. The agencies referred to me by the school I attended have told me there isn't much hiring going on right now. I'm willing to just get my foot in the door and begin! It is an honor when I know I have helped someone who doesn't understand english.

Maria why are you not working in the courts? I heard that is where the money is.Take the state test and get certified. I plan on doing that.

WOW!!!!!! QUE LENGUAJE TAN FLORIDO!!!!!!!

Alejandra in Los Angeles, California said: Lol. I did the same 2 years ago and haven't had a problem since, I still get tons of work and I'm saving tons of money too.

Hi! i read your comments, you are mentioning that you have tons of work. i'm looking for a job as an interpreter.could you help me get conected to some agencies?

pandora said: i m not insulting you...but u need to understand that interpreting is a PROFESSION AND U NEED TO BE CERTIFIED... LIKE IN ANY OTHER PROFESSION...BEING BILINGUAL DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU TO INTERPRET...IF U WANT TO TAKE THE EXAM.. I M WILLING TO GIVE YOU TIPS..SORRY...DIDN'T MEAN TO BE RUDE..

hay there, i just logged in this chat forum. I am planning on taking the CA interpreter's exam to get certified to work in the courts. I am looking to chat w/ someone in the field, I am self-teaching my self, i am bilingual but I do agree w/ your comment that that isn't enough..i speak fluently however I know that taking it to the next level is another story..if you don't mind sharing tips that would be great..hope to hear from you soon

I have taken the state certification test three times and failed. It is NOT an easy test. Did I prepare myself? Yes, a LOT. I took a two year interp. course at CSUN, my first language is Spanish, I have a BA in Spanish Lit. and still had to practice like hell, and yet I did not pass. People, wake up!! It is a skill. If you only have conversational or general knowledge of Spanish or English, FORGET IT. It is not only learning legal terminology, but being able to interpret what's being said accurately and speedily. Judges talk a mile a minute because it is all routine, attorneys use convoluted sentences to say one little thing, defendants sometimes use a very low register vocabulary and the interpreter is supposed to interpret what EVERYONE says. If you want to do it, PRACTICE AND STUDY REALLY REALLY REALLY HARD. That's my tip for the day. Thanks.

ally in San Francisco, California said: hay there, i just logged in this chat forum. I am planning on taking the CA interpreter's exam to get certified to work in the courts. I am looking to chat w/ someone in the field, I am self-teaching my self, i am bilingual but I do agree w/ your comment that that isn't enough..i speak fluently however I know that taking it to the next level is another story..if you don't mind sharing tips that would be great..hope to hear from you soon

I have taken the state certification test three times and failed. It is NOT an easy test. Did I prepare myself? Yes, a LOT. I took a two year interp. course at CSUN, my first language is Spanish, I have a BA in Spanish Lit. and still had to practice like hell, and yet I did not pass. People, wake up!! It is a skill. If you only have conversational or general knowledge of Spanish or English, FORGET IT. It is not only learning legal terminology, but being able to interpret what's being said accurately and speedily. Judges talk a mile a minute because it is all routine, attorneys use convoluted sentences to say one little thing, defendants sometimes use a very low register vocabulary and the interpreter is supposed to interpret what EVERYONE says. If you want to do it, PRACTICE AND STUDY REALLY REALLY REALLY HARD. That's my tip for the day. Thanks.

Martin in Los Angeles, California said: The truth is you don't need to. Certification is only necessary if you're going to actually work directly for or with the court system. If you plan to do any other kind of interpreting work NOBODY will ever check your cert #. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT WHATSOEVER!!!
I would like to know the mane of some agencies that would be willing to hire without certification.. The comment is helpful but more info is needed. thanks!

I let my certification lapse because I was fed-up with paying the renewal fees, the continuing education expenses and all the other costs involved. I currently have more work than ever because I can now charge less and no certified interpreter can compete with me pricewise.

If you plan to work in CA just get connected to a good agency and don't worry about certifications!!!

Ok Thanks for that piece of info.. I myself have done this in more private manner in the past 10 years. How ever the name or number/websites for some of these agencies would be so helpful.

ada in South Pasadena, California said: I have taken the state certification test three times and failed. It is NOT an easy test. Did I prepare myself? Yes, a LOT. I took a two year interp. course at CSUN, my first language is Spanish, I have a BA in Spanish Lit. and still had to practice like hell, and yet I did not pass. People, wake up!! It is a skill. If you only have conversational or general knowledge of Spanish or English, FORGET IT. It is not only learning legal terminology, but being able to interpret what's being said accurately and speedily. Judges talk a mile a minute because it is all routine, attorneys use convoluted sentences to say one little thing, defendants sometimes use a very low register vocabulary and the interpreter is supposed to interpret what EVERYONE says. If you want to do it, PRACTICE AND STUDY REALLY REALLY REALLY HARD. That's my tip for the day. Thanks.

I am seeing changes in the interpreter market as in everything else. The days of anybody walking in because they can speak a second language alone is coming to an end at some point. Those interpreters who don't wake up and get some credentials and certifications are going to fall behind. There are other jobs that people once trained on the job and if you can get in that way great but be prepared to meet a higher standard at some point. There are better markets than others but for those who are trying to get into the field, a course at a local j.c. or hosptial should be where you start. Don't listen to those that talk about how education and certifications are worthless, they obviously aren't in the job market right now because the competition is getting stronger every year.

CGar in Tracy, California said: Ok Thanks for that piece of info.. I myself have done this in more private manner in the past 10 years. How ever the name or number/websites for some of these agencies would be so helpful.

I let my certification lapse also. Big mistake! Do you have the name of a good agency that i could contact. i have not free lanced for such a long time that do not know which are good and pay on time. Thanks, ANa

interpreter100 in Hacienda Heights, California said: Maria why are you not working in the courts? I heard that is where the money is.Take the state test and get certified. I plan on doing that.

It is NOT TRUE that the money is in the courts. Working for the courts you have an earning ceiling, once you reach a certain salary, that's it, plus you must be on site at the court whether there is work or not. Working independently you can charge more and work considerably less hours, your schedule is more flexible and there is less stress. Working for the criminal court system you earn maybe $260 - $280 per day (I don't remember the exact figure), working independently you can make that in half a day, if you work the full day, you can charge as much as $500. I did the research. While the court job may offer somewhat more security (although not so secure now with California's budget troubles) if what you want is real money and flexibility, take another route.

I am considering a degree in ASL. Is there a benefit to having a degree vs. certification? Has the job market been affected by the economy? Having been downsized, I am afraid of pursuing a degree in a saturated field. I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

ada in South Pasadena, California said: It is NOT TRUE that the money is in the courts. Working for the courts you have an earning ceiling, once you reach a certain salary, that's it, plus you must be on site at the court whether there is work or not. Working independently you can charge more and work considerably less hours, your schedule is more flexible and there is less stress. Working for the criminal court system you earn maybe $260 - $280 per day (I don't remember the exact figure), working independently you can make that in half a day, if you work the full day, you can charge as much as $500. I did the research. While the court job may offer somewhat more security (although not so secure now with California's budget troubles) if what you want is real money and flexibility, take another route.

Ada, you sound like you speak from experience.. Do you freelance? if so with which company? You also mentioned above that you took the exam 3 times. Was that the written or the oral? How long ago/

future interpreter in Sylmar, California said: Ada, you sound like you speak from experience.. Do you freelance? if so with which company? You also mentioned above that you took the exam 3 times. Was that the written or the oral? How long ago/

Hi future interpreter
I freelance but mostly now I do translations not interpretations. I have been preparing for my oral exam to become certified but I am not planning to work for the superior court, eww. The certification opens doors for you plus you do feel more confident and prepared professionally if you get certified. I did very well in the written exam, 95% score, and I speak English and Spanish very well, the problem is the actual verbal interpretation when the terminology is so technical and the speakers talk fast and using jargon (i.e. police officers, attorneys, experts and judges, well, just about everybody in the legal system!). My downfall was that I could not to keep up with the speed of the speakers during simultaneous translations as they rattle case numbers and penal code sections and you better get those right. In the consecutive translation my main problem has been failing to repeat EXACTLY what has been said in the order it was said. You can't summarize or transpose! I took my last exam a year ago because after that CA did not schedule any more tests due to the budget crunch. The exams reopened again and I will be taking it once more in August. I researched all the info regarding payment and hours from agencies and my own teachers at interpreting school.

Ada, thank you for responding. I'll be taking the oral exam tomorrow, and you've given me a realistic idea of what to expect.
Everyone else just tells me to relax. I'm better at simultaneous than at consecutive. The encouragement I've received from my instructors and peers, and passing the written have given me confidence, but now... I must admit, it's hard to relax and be positive. I'd like to find work asap, if you can point me in the direction of agencies that are looking to hire, I'd appreciate it.
I like you, also studied at CSUN. Thanks again, and best of luck to you.

future interpreter in Sylmar, California said: Ada, thank you for responding. I'll be taking the oral exam tomorrow, and you've given me a realistic idea of what to expect.
Everyone else just tells me to relax. I'm better at simultaneous than at consecutive. The encouragement I've received from my instructors and peers, and passing the written have given me confidence, but now... I must admit, it's hard to relax and be positive. I'd like to find work asap, if you can point me in the direction of agencies that are looking to hire, I'd appreciate it.
I like you, also studied at CSUN. Thanks again, and best of luck to you.

OMG GOOD LUCK TO YOU TOMORROW!!! I'm taking it on Wednesday!! Also remember that you have to do sight translations, back and forth (S-E, E-S), so remember your active voice and transposing the dates correctly from one language to the other (they trick you like that). Again, good luck. I don't have an agency, I opened my own company. Ha ha ha. (True).

Ada, tell me .. how did it go? I will most probably have to take it again in November. Now I know what to expect. Hope you nailed it.

Hi there! How did it go for you? I did way better in the simultaneous this time and the sight reading, but that's my opinion, ha ha ha. All in all I think I did okay, but not EXCELLENT. JUST in case, I'm going to continue with my CDs and my flash cards. Don't stop practicing just because the test is over. Good luck. If we both flunk maybe we can get together and practice, it's so boring to study alone. How do you feel about the test itself? Was it as I described it to you?

Hi Ada,

I just saw this blog and noticed your conversation with future interpreter. I am very interested on working from home like you, and I am thinking about taking the classes needed for the state exam. I checked the CSUN and the Southern School of Interpretation programs. Do you have any tips? Thanks.