Become a Certified Translator: Certification

and Career Roadmap

Learn how to become a certified translator by watching this video. We'll cover the job description and see the
education and the certification requirements needed to start a career in translation.

Should I Become a Certified Translator?

Certified translators transfer written and spoken information from one language to another language. They can
work in a number of fields, including legal, healthcare or educational documents. While they may have to deal
with the stress of working under deadlines, many translators also have the opportunity to work from home and
travel frequently.

Career Requirements
Degree
A bachelor's degree is typically required
Level

A specific area of study is not always needed; however, some translators choose programs
Degree Field
in language translation or a related field

Certification exams, such as the American Translators Association's exam, allows

Certification
translators to designate themselves as 'certified'

Experience requirements vary; experience may not be required for some entry-level jobs,
Experience
while other employers prefer translators with up to 5 years of experience

Fluency in at least two languages, excellent communication skills, knowledge of Microsoft

Key Skills Office and related software, an thorough understanding of the culture and customs of the
speakers

Salary
$43,590 (Median for all translators and interpreters)
(2014)
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monster.com job postings by employers (August 2015)'

Step 1: Earn a College Degree

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most certified translators earn a bachelor's degree.
Students can earn a degree in the language of their choice. Degree programs focusing specifically on translation
are also available. In addition to grammar and conversation, courses in these programs may also concentrate on
the use of the target language in business, legal or commercial settings. Courses on culture and history
supplement students' language training and give them a deeper understanding of the native speakers of the
language that they are studying.

Success Tips:

Take advantage of opportunities to study abroad. Many degree programs will offer students the
opportunity to study abroad in order to fully engage in the language. Full immersion in a foreign culture
can help students refine their reading, writing and conversation skills in that language.

Get involved with community language organizations. Students may be able to find community language
associations that are devoted to the study of language and culture. These organizations often offer
events where students can network with other foreign-language speakers and work on their conversation
skills in fun, social settings.
Step 2: Get Certified
One notable certification organization for translators is the American Translators Association (ATA), which
provides certification in 24 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese and Spanish. Translators
must have required experience, education or a combination of the two to be eligible to take the certification
examination. The ATA translation certification exam requires test-takers to translate two written passages. One
passage is required and is usually a newspaper article or other piece of non-fiction writing. Test-takers then have
the choice of translating either a scientific document or a financial report or business contract. Test-takers are
graded on their grammar and word choice, as well as the overall quality of their translation.

Success Tip:

Take a practice test. The ATA certification exam is a difficult exam with a failure rate of approximately 80
percent. Translators can prepare for this challenging test by taking practice tests, which are available
from the ATA (www.atanet.org).

Step 3: Build Professional Experience

Some employers prefer to hire translators who have up to 5 years of practical experience. In areas with few
opportunities for professional translators, this experience can be found through volunteer work. The Red Cross,
hospitals and international sporting events all offer excellent volunteer opportunities for aspiring translators, who
may also seek out internships and mentorship opportunities to build experience.

Success Tip:

Compile samples of translation work. Keeping a portfolio of translation work can be beneficial for
translators seeking to gain experience. Any type of samples, even of work completed for practice, may
help translators find new opportunities.

Ashford University

School Info

Minimum eligibility requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older

Programs offered by Ashford and listed below may not be related to the topic covered by the above article.
School locations:

Online Learning

Program Info

Online Programs

Bachelor
o

BA in English Language Learner Studies

o
 BA in Applied Linguistics

Colorado State University Global

School Info

Minimum eligibility requirements:

Undergraduate applicants must be a high school graduate or have completed GED and completed some
college

Master's degree applicants must have a bachelor's or higher.

School locations:

Online Learning

Program Info

Online Programs

Bachelor
o

BS in Communication

Regent University

School Info

Minimum eligibility requirements:

Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED

School locations:

Online Learning

Program Info

Online Programs

Master
o

Master of Arts in Communication

 Master of Arts in Communication - Political Communication

Master of Arts in Communication - Strategic Communication

Master of Arts in Government - Political Communication

Bachelor
o

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies - Rhetoric and Public Culture

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies - Strategic Communication

Bachelor of Arts in English - Communication

Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies - Communication Studies

Bachelor of Arts in English

ASHFORD

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Enrollment Advisor will contact you to discuss the details of our programs, and to learn more about your specific goals.
Questions To Ask When Contacted
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Advisor. We want you to receive all the information you need about attending school and earning your degree at
Ashford University.
1. What are the admissions requirements for Ashford University?
2. Which degree programs are offered in my areas of interest?
3. Is Ashford University accredited?
4. What are the specific courses for my degree?
5. How long does it take to complete a given degree program?
6. What is the cost of tuition and other fees?
7. Does Ashford University offer financial aid?
8. How does the online learning format work and is my computer compatible?
9. What services do you offer new students to help them adapt to coursework?
10. What days and hours are classes held?
11. Can I take a break for personal or career commitments if needed?
12. What support team does Ashford University offer while I am in school?