Professional Interpretation and Translation — Spanish/English Certificate

The Program
Interpreters/translators are language specialists who relay concepts and ideas between languages. They must also understand the subjects in which they work in order to accurately convert information. This program was designed in response to the increasing demand for certified interpreters in the fields of law, medicine, business, education, immigration and conference interpreting. The program provides the necessary educational preparation to enter the professional field of interpreting and formal translation.

Objectives
This program focuses on the acquisition of specialized terminology, Spanish to English and English to Spanish vocabulary, and translation skills used in criminal and civil court matters. Besides learning all modes of interpretation, the program and courses provide training in the development of listening and memory skills, as well as note-taking techniques, public speaking and building a wide range of vocabulary. The program provides preparation for examinations required for federal and state court interpretation and county agencies, as well as professional organizations.

Who Can Benefit
Coursework emphasizes the latest practices and updates in the field and is intended for:

• Professional interpreters and translators
• Those considering a career in professional interpretation and translation
• Individuals interested in becoming certified court interpreters
• Individuals with a high level of bilingual fluency developed through formal education or from interpretation-related work experience in business and community settings.

Industry Outlook
Demand for interpreters and translators is projected to increase over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

In addition to openings due to growth, higher demand for interpreters and translators results directly from the broadening of international ties and the increase in the number of foreign language speakers in the United States.

A number of interpreters and translators are self-employed, working freelance either directly for clients or through translation agencies.

Interpreter examinations for certification purposes are mandated for employment in courts, medical facilities and administrative agencies at the county, state and federal levels. Increasingly, attorneys in private practice use only certified interpreters for depositions, personal injury and workers' compensation cases.

Industry Connections
This program is listed at the California Judicial Council Court Interpreters Program Web site at: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/programs/courtinterpreters/.