How to Become an Interpreter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Posted by Applied Lingo | Language Careers
Are you bilingual or multilingual and passionate about helping people communicate across language barriers? Becoming an interpreter might be the perfect career path for you. At Applied Lingo, we understand how crucial interpreters are in today’s globalized world—from courtrooms and hospitals to international summits and community centers.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to become an interpreter, from developing language skills to earning certifications and landing your first job.
What Does an Interpreter Do?
First, let’s clarify the role. Interpreters convert spoken language in real time from one language to another, while translators work with written texts.
Interpreters typically work in fast-paced, high-stakes environments such as:
- Courtrooms and legal offices
- Hospitals and clinics
- Conferences and global meetings
- Government and immigration agencies
- Schools and community organizations
Step 1: Master Your Languages
To succeed as an interpreter, you’ll need near-native fluency in at least two languages. That includes:
- Strong grammar and vocabulary
- Understanding of idioms and cultural nuances
- Ability to comprehend various dialects and accents
If your skills need improvement, consider formal language study, immersion programs, or working with a language tutor.
Step 2: Choose a Specialization
Interpreting is not one-size-fits-all. Specializing can help you find your niche and stand out to employers or clients. Popular interpreting fields include:
- Legal Interpreting – Courts, depositions, and law enforcement
- Medical Interpreting – Hospitals, clinics, and mental health settings
- Conference Interpreting – International organizations and diplomatic events
- Community Interpreting – Schools, social services, and housing authorities
- Sign Language Interpreting – American Sign Language (ASL) and other forms
Each specialization comes with its own training and vocabulary.
Step 3: Pursue Interpreter Education
While a college degree is not always mandatory, formal education boosts your skills and employability.
Suggested paths:
- Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, foreign language, or communication
- Interpreter training programs or certifications
- Graduate-level programs in interpretation or conference interpreting
Many universities and community colleges offer certificates in interpretation, which include hands-on practice, ethics, and industry standards.
Step 4: Get Certified
Certification validates your skills and can open doors to better job opportunities. Depending on your area of focus, here are some common certifications:
Legal Interpreting
- State Court Certification – via the National Center for State Courts (NCSC)
- Federal Court Interpreter Certification – for Spanish interpreters
Medical Interpreting
- Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) – National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
- CoreCHI™ or CHI™ – Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
Conference Interpreting
- Membership or accreditation from the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
Even when not required, certification builds trust with clients and employers.
Step 5: Gain Experience
Start small and work your way up:
- Volunteer at clinics, schools, or legal aid centers
- Offer freelance services through platforms like Upwork
- Intern with interpretation agencies
- Work in bilingual customer support roles
Real-world practice builds confidence, improves your listening and memory skills, and exposes you to diverse settings.
Step 6: Sharpen Your Skills
Great interpreters do more than speak two languages. They also:
- Listen actively and process speech in real time
- Retain and recall information under pressure
- Take clear, efficient notes for consecutive interpreting
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Adapt to different cultural norms
- Remain neutral and confidential
You’ll develop these skills with practice, feedback, and continued education.
Step 7: Build Your Portfolio
To land your first job or contract, you’ll need a strong resume and supporting materials. Include:
- Language pairs
- Specializations and certifications
- Work or volunteer history
- Letters of recommendation or client reviews
A professional portfolio helps you present your credentials to courts, hospitals, or interpreting agencies.
Step 8: Start Your Career
Now it’s time to launch! Interpreters can work:
- Freelance – Work independently with agencies or clients
- In-house – Be employed by hospitals, courts, or corporations
- Remotely – Offer services via phone or video interpreting platforms
Professional associations like ATA and NAJIT offer networking, job leads, and continuing education.
Conclusion
Becoming an interpreter is a meaningful and dynamic career that connects people and opens doors across cultures. With the right mix of language fluency, training, certification, and real-world experience, you can thrive in a wide range of industries.
At Applied Lingo, we’re proud to support aspiring interpreters with insights, resources, and opportunities to grow. If you’re already certified and looking to join a professional language services agency, contact us today to explore career opportunities.
