When choosing an interpreter to perform a translation that is widely accepted by the agency or organisation requesting the service, engaging a professionally certified interpreter is widely regarded as a reliable choice. This is because recognised certification assessments involve structured and rigorous evaluation before an individual interpreter is considered competent to undertake interpreting work for Australian contexts such as courts, healthcare settings, education, and other public and private authorities. These environments often require accurate communication between English speakers and people who use other languages, including refugees, asylum seekers, new migrants, and their families.
Professional Certification Systems
Professional interpreter certification has been developed to assess whether an individual can demonstrate the skills required to practise as an interpreter within the Australian market. Certification assessments are designed to evaluate language proficiency, interpreting techniques, ethical awareness, and contextual understanding. This provides confidence to anyone engaging an interpreter to support communication between English and non-English speakers that the interaction can proceed clearly and effectively. Certification frameworks are typically informed by consultation with professionals across multiple industries, ensuring that minimum performance standards are established across key competency areas. An interpreter is only certified once they have successfully completed formal assessment processes relevant to their field.
There are several pathways available for interpreters who wish to work in professional interpreting roles. Applicants are generally required to demonstrate that they meet eligibility and skill requirements for a specific certification type before undertaking formal assessment. These requirements are commonly referred to as certification prerequisites.
Professional certification allows interpreters to clearly demonstrate their competence to clients and agencies. Different interpreting settings, such as medical or legal contexts, have distinct competency expectations that interpreters must meet before accepting assignments in those areas. Below is an example of the types of competencies commonly expected of a professionally certified interpreter.
Certified Interpreter
To be recognised as a professionally certified interpreter, an individual is generally expected to demonstrate the following:
-
The ability to transfer complex but non-specialised messages accurately between a source language and a target language using spoken or sign language.
-
The ability to understand and produce two languages across different contexts using appropriate, non-specialised language, including both common and less common expressions.
-
An understanding of how language and culture interact, with the ability to identify meaningful nuances and culture-specific information in spoken or signed language, and apply this understanding during interpreting tasks.
-
Familiarity with a wide range of complex but non-specialised situations, subject areas, and current events, including scenarios where a specialist communicates with a non-specialist audience.
-
A strong understanding of relevant codes of ethics and the ability to apply ethical principles to situations commonly encountered in interpreting work.
Many organisations in Australia expect interpreters to hold recognised professional certification. Once an interpreter meets the required standards and successfully completes the relevant assessment, they are awarded certification as an individual practitioner. Certifications are typically time-limited, and interpreters are required to meet ongoing criteria if they wish to maintain their certified status beyond the initial period.
International Professional Certification
In addition to Australian-based certification pathways, there are also international professional certification systems that assess individual translators and interpreters. These certification processes are designed to promote high professional standards and to identify individuals who can demonstrate strong translation or interpreting skills in specific language pairs. Assessment formats may include timed examinations or other structured evaluations. Not all language pairs are available for formal testing, particularly where demand is limited, in which case translators may demonstrate competence through alternative professional evidence.
Overall, anyone seeking a translator or interpreter should consider engaging individuals who hold recognised professional certification, as these frameworks are designed to uphold standards of competence, ethics, and professional practice.
