Certification for Translation and Interpretation industry
Jan 17th, 2008 by admin |It happens in nearly every growth industry that depends on accuracy and the complete faith of the customer. Larger organizations and highly trained and educated individuals in those industries are always at the top of the list of facilitators toward regulation and certification. Is it an effective way to cull the competition or is it a way to standardize an industry? Valid points to take into consideration when this discussion inevitably arises in conversation amongst industry peers.
In the end it’s all about the consumer and end user of translation and interpretation services and how effectively they are being represented. Certification goes a long way in making sure that qualified individuals are being used when needed. For example when interpreting for the courts, this highly specialized skill can mean the difference between all information being disseminated by judge and jury accurately. Will some vital information be missed or left out of testimony because a court appointed interpreter isn’t up to the job?
When planning certification programs much can be learned from other industries that have gone through the process. Learning from previous failed attempts at certification or what has been proficiently garnered by the attempt should also be considered. What should be involved in the certification process i.e. training, specific segments of the industry and specialized services only being certified?
Certification should assess the level of training and education of its member’s skills and whether they have earned heir credentials. Level of experience prior to certification or regulation should be a contributing element. Many groups and services have developed excellent certification programs for their industries but not without quite a bit of development and trial and error. In that regard the translation and interpretation service industry are on track with the ongoing debates. Organization and planning would go a long way to determining the future of certification for ANY industry but leadership is imperative.
What constitutes a certified professional in this industry may not be what meets the requirements of certification for another. Just because someone graduates with a masters degree in languages doesn’t mean they have what it takes to be a good translator or interpreter. Skill is one thing but experience is King.
Perhaps a combination of skill, experience, a degree or diploma can be practiced for certification or regulation. When combined with an apprentice or work term with an organization utilizing the skills necessary to be a competent industry professional is the way to go. Many professional occupations require a period of articling or apprenticeship before an individual “gets their wings”
As usual the debate of whether or not certification is needed in the interpretation and translation industry ends with what the customer requires.
If clients have enough poor quality service to render complaints to an overseeing organization than that regulatory body must act to see that they are doing everything necessary to certify their industry professionals. Anyone practicing in that field had better get on board with the certification program or risk losing credibility or worse, their business.
First Translations Inc has over 16 years experience providing fast and accurate professional translation services, First Translations Inc. has dedicated itself to servicing all your translation needs. Visit their website now: www.first-translations.com