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.