Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best interpreter and translator certifications
The best certifications for an interpreter and translator are Certified Translator, Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).
Interpreter and translator certifications demonstrate your competency as an interpreter and translator to employers. However, not all interpreter and translator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best interpreter and translator certifications. Obtaining an interpreter and translator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for interpreter and translators
| Rank | Interpreter and translator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Translator | ATA |
| 2 | Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) | NBCMI |
| 3 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 4 | Certified Interpreter | Administrativ... |
| 5 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Russian | National Boar... |
| 6 | Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | NHA |
| 7 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 8 | Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) | CCHI |
8 best interpreter and 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).
- 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)
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.
- 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)
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.
- 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.
- 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?
5. Certified Medical Interpreter - Russian
- 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)
6. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.
- 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)
7. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- 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 2 year(s)
8. Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI)
CCHI Certified Healthcare Interpreter™ certification consists of a two part examination that covers the basics of healthcare interpreting and a demonstration of interpreting skills in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
- 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 4 year(s)
What is the best certification for an interpreter and translator?
The best interpreter and 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 interpreter and 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.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for interpreter and translators?
The most in-demand interpreter and translator certification is Certified Translator based on all active job postings. Having this interpreter and translator certification will give you access to more interpreter and translator jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an interpreter and translator career and salary?
The Certified Translator certification will help you to secure an interpreter position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An interpreter's average salary is $40,024 whereas interpreter and translators make an average salary of $43,870.
The most common combination of interpreter and translator certifications include: Certified Translator, Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).
Online courses for interpreter and translators to earn certifications
1. Translational Science
An introduction to the field of Translational Science and its applications to improve patient and community health through the four stages of translational research.\n\nTranslational science is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and populations.\n\nAs the translational research enterprise — both in the United States and internationally — continues to expand, there is a growing need to increase...
2. Introduction to Translational Science
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...
3. Work From Home in Translation Upwork Translation Course
Master Translation Cat Tools, Be a Freelance Translator on Upwork, and Find Work From Home Jobs!...
4. How to Become a Translator without a Degree
Step-by-Step guide to Starting a Location-independent Freelance Translation Career without a Translation degree...
5. Miracles of Human Language: An Introduction to Linguistics
Everywhere, every day, everybody uses language. There is no human society, no matter how small or how isolated, which does not employ a language that is rich and diverse. This course introduces you to linguistics, featuring interviews with well-known linguists and with speakers of many different languages. Join us to explore the miracles of human language! The Miracles of Human Language introduces you to the many-faceted study of languages, which has amazed humans since the beginning of history...
6. Data Analysis and Interpretation
Learn SAS or Python programming, expand your knowledge of analytical methods and applications, and conduct original research to inform complex decisions.\n\nThe Data Analysis and Interpretation Specialization takes you from data novice to data expert in just four project-based courses. You will apply basic data science tools, including data management and visualization, modeling, and machine learning using your choice of either SAS or Python, including pandas and Scikit-learn. Throughout the...
7. How to get hired as a Freelance Translator. Get more clients
Earn a Living in Freelance Translation: A Step-by-Step Course with Expert Guidance. Get hired for translation jobs...
8. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience
Customer service, customer support, and customer experience training. Loyal clients through world-class customer service...
9. Website Localization For Translators
Learn how to to translate and localize websites to specialize as a website translator and localizer...
10. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives
Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...
11. Customer Service Fundamentals: Putting People First
Customer Care Listening Great Customer Service Concern for Others Company Culture Engaging People Responding...
12. Customer Service Foundation
An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...
13. Customer Service
How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...
14. Learn the Ancient Hebrew Alphabet and Language
Learn the cultural background of the Hebrew language and how to read and interpret ancient Hebrew texts and Inscriptions...
15. Start Improving Customer Service
Creating a Customer Service advantage in Your department or business through communication and Customer Management...
16. The Customer: Build a Customer Service Strategy (BITE SIZE)
For you and your team to be successful in providing great customer service, start by putting your customer first...
17. Best Practices in Document Management
Develop your cost-effective and future-proof documentation strategy...
18. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer
Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...
19. Legal English
Legal language and communication skills...
20. Customer Service Basics: Improve your Service now
The basic golden rules to kickstart your service...