Who Is A Licensed Translator?
Licensed Translation
You’ve probably heard the term licensed translator thrown around before, but do you really know what this term means?
You might be surprised by the number of people who translate and interpret that aren’t actually licensed or certified to do so—but these individuals should not be confused with those who have passed an exam, earned certain credentials, and obtained licensure to practice their trade.
Let’s take a closer look at the concept of licensed translators and see how they differ from their non-licensure counterparts in translating documents from one language to the target language.
Just because you studied abroad doesn’t mean you qualify
It may surprise you, but not all students in language studies are eligible to become certified translators. To start the certification process, you have to apply and then take the certification examination.
You need both professional experience and fluency in your original and target languages for certification. If you meet these requirements, check local translation agencies or their websites for certification courses.
If you’re unsure about certification requirements, consult an interpreter from the American Translators Association (ATA-CI).
They can help answer any questions you may have about the application process and whether or not you qualify for certification.
Translators translate text (sometimes video, music, web pages etc.)
The process of translation involves taking content from one language and translating it into another language. Translators, translators, interpreters, localization specialists, transcribers and other related professionals can do the translation work to a target language.
A person who performs this work is called a translator. To become a translator an individual has to complete specialized training in both the source and target languages, either through formal education or on-the-job experience.
Many translators specialize in one field such as law or international trade. Certification status varies by country and company, but ATA-certified translators widely meet industry standards for competence and reliability.
Your employer may require English translation certification for certain jobs. Always have a qualified professional translate birth certificates and legal documents before submitting them to any government agency or organization.
Some people use translation companies like Language Service Providers (LSP) because they provide multiple types of translation services under one roof.
The demand for translators outstrips the supply
First, an original document needs to be created. This can either be done by hiring someone to translate it or as it’s being written.
Once translated, two types of translators are involved: one translating source to target, and another translating back to source. The second translator may not be bilingual and can rely on dictionaries or other resources for unfamiliar terms.
Like any specialized field, translation offers opportunities for those with the right skills, especially in areas like finance rewards will depend on where they’re practicing their craft and which area of law they choose to specialize in. Do you need a Drivers’s license translation services? You must check that link.
For instance, patent translation lawyers often work independently while criminal defense attorneys work at private firms.
Some translators may find success specializing in specific fields like law or medicine while others do general translation jobs such as website localization.
Getting Started as a Translator – Do your research before approaching any company or individual
As an aspiring translator, you may find yourself wondering: who is a licensed translator? The best person to answer that question might not always be someone with formal training; hiring managers might provide the best insights.
What employers want to know when they’re looking for someone to translate their work isn’t so much whether you have the credentials, but how good your translation skills are and whether or not they need someone with those skills.
That’s why it’s important to learn about who hires translators before getting started as one. These days, there are many different kinds of jobs out there for translators – some of which you might never have imagined.
For example, did you know that doctors often employ medical interpreters (a type of translator) to help them communicate with patients who speak languages other than English?
Or that lawyers rely on legal interpreters (another type of translator) during trials to ensure fairness between themselves and the plaintiff? It’s also worth noting that even though being a bilingual person makes you more qualified than anyone else, having formal training in translating doesn’t hurt either.
The translation industry is constantly changing, which means that the best way to keep up with these changes is by keeping up-to-date on what’s happening in translation circles.
Some universities offer programs focused solely on translation – so if you plan to make a career as a medical interpreter or any other type of translation, then checking into these programs would be wise.
One last thing to remember when embarking on a career as a translator: never underestimate the value of networking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some translations require certification, especially for revenue-generating work like contracts or translations being sold. Others may not.
Translators come from diverse educational backgrounds, often in translation, linguistics, or language, and receive rigorous training before public work.
To become a certified U.S. translator, you must complete an accredited program, pass ATA exams, and meet English proficiency requirements.
No specific requirements exist to become a translator, though two years’ experience and a degree in languages or translation are beneficial.
“Licensed” and “certified” translators vary by country; authorities authorize licensed translators, while certification requires meeting specific professional standards.