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Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming A Certified Translation Service Provider
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Do you have strong written communication skills in a language other than English? Are you interested in a career in translation? With our growing global economy, there is a very high demand for translation service providers. If you have strong written communication skills in languages such as Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, French or any other language, a career in translation service might be right for you. |
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Read over this selection of frequently asked questions about becoming a translator to find out more about becoming a certified translator.
- What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter? – Translators work with written materials while interpreters deal with the spoken language. A translator takes a document written in one language and rewrites it in another while interpreters listen to spoken words in one language and repeat the same message in another language.
- Do I need a translation degree to become a certified translator? – Having a formal education as a translator is not necessary, but it will certainly make it a lot easier to find your first job. Finding your first job can be difficult because agencies will ask for translators with experience, but how do you gain experience if no one will hire you?
If you have a recognized translation degree, translation service agencies are more likely to take a chance on you even if you have no experience. Once you are in the field for a few years, your education will have less significance and the focus will change to your work experience and ability to provide good references. - What are the requirements to become a certified translator? – Unlike some foreign countries, the United States has no required examinations for certified or sworn translators. Many translators choose to attain accreditation from the American Translators Association.
How can I become an American Translators Association (ATA) certified translator?
- Become an ATA member. As an ATA member, you can purchase practice tests, which provides a practical introduction to the nature of the exam and how the graders mark the test.
- Satisfy the eligibility requirements. You must provide proof of a combination of education and work experience in order to qualify to take the examination.
- Register for an upcoming exam. The certification examination is a three-hour, open book, proctored exam in a specific language pair. If you pass the exam, you will then be eligible to identify yourself as a certified translation service provider.
As a translation service provider, you may be looking to work for an organization that provides excellent pay, a good working environment and challenging translation assignments. One company offering each of these elements is Verbatim Solutions, a trusted provider of translation services to small and Fortune 500 companies around the world. They are always interested in certified translators that can enhance their translation services portfolio. Check out their website to learn more about the vast selection translation services that they provide.