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Best freelance interpreter/translator certifications

Freelance interpreter/translator certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an freelance interpreter/translator to employers. However, not all freelance interpreter/translator certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a freelance interpreter/translator are Certified Translator, Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

Below is a list of the best freelance interpreter/translator certifications. Obtaining an freelance interpreter/translator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

6 best certifications for freelance interpreter/translators

6 best freelance interpreter/translator certifications

1. Certified Translator

ATA has established a certification program to enable individual translators to demonstrate that they meet professional standards. Translators who pass a written examination are certified by ATA in a specific language pair and direction (from or into English).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Translator
Certifying organization
American Translators Association

2. Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI)

To be granted a CMI credential individuals must meet all of the eligibility prerequisites and pass BOTH the written and oral examinations. The CMI credential is awarded in the specific language(s) for which the oral exam is passed (for example CMI-Spanish). The National Board only awards the CMI credential to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and successfully complete the written and oral examinations.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
The National Board of...

3. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

4. Certified Interpreter

Certified interpreters have passed the Administrative Office certification examination. To date, certification programs have been developed for Spanish, Navajo and Haitian Creole. In these languages, the courts will select interpreters who have met the Administrative Office's criteria for certification if the judge determines that certified interpreters are reasonably available.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Interpreter
Certifying organization
Administrative Office of the...

5. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...

6. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)

What is the best certification for a freelance interpreter/translator?

The best freelance interpreter/translator certification is Certified Translator. The Certified Translator is awarded by the American Translators Association. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this freelance interpreter/translator certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Translator, you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 3 year.
Best certifications

The most common combination of freelance interpreter/translator certifications include: Certified Translator, Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

Online courses for freelance interpreter/translators to earn certifications

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1. Introduction to Translational Science

coursera

Translational science seeks to speed up the process of moving research discoveries from the laboratory into healthcare practices. Numerous scientific and organizational roadblocks can act as obstacles along the path of translation and ultimately hinder the speed of progress in medical research. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) was established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to transform and accelerate the translational research process, with the...

2. Social Policy for Social Services & Health Practitioners

coursera

In the U.S., social policy accounts for two-thirds of government spending. Knowing how policies are constructed, what values underlie them, and how they succeed or fail makes everyone more effective at work or in their civic role. This specialization includes an HONORS track in which learners will complete a professional social policy analysis.\n\nTeachers, health care workers, police, and social workers interact with policy daily, but all of us should care about the impact and effectiveness of...

3. How to get hired as a Freelance Translator. Get more clients

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17. Outstanding Customer Service - The Ultimate Guide!

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18. Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Training

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Learn medical coding and prepare yourself for today's healthcare workplace...

19. ICD 10 & 11 Medical Coding and Billing

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20. Customer Service: Keep 'em coming back!

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