Top 11 Interpreter Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the interpreter job market because they demonstrate a professional level of expertise and experience. Certified interpreters are able to provide more accurate interpretations and build trust with their clients, which is essential for successful interpreting services. They also help to ensure that interpreters have the necessary qualifications and understanding of industry standards in order to provide the best possible service. Certifications can also help employers identify qualified interpreters who meet their specific needs, as well as provide reassurance that their interpreters have met certain criteria for competence and professionalism.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Interpreters and explains how they can help advance an interpreter's career.

What are Interpreter Certifications?

Interpreter certification is a process of qualification and credentialing for those who provide language interpretation services in professional settings. It is designed to ensure that interpreters have the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately interpret spoken conversations between two or more people who do not share a common language. Certification also serves as a benchmark for employers when hiring interpreters, ensuring that they are selecting qualified professionals who can accurately provide essential communication services.

Certification typically requires passing an examination administered by an authorized certifying body such as a state or national organization. The examination tests an interpreter’s knowledge of both the source and target languages, as well as their understanding of the specialized terms and concepts used in various types of professional settings. The exam also assesses their ability to accurately interpret spoken conversations and written documents between two individuals with different native languages.

By obtaining certification, interpreters demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary skills to provide accurate interpretation services in a range of professional contexts. This helps employers make informed decisions when hiring interpreters, and it also allows certified interpreters to stand out in a competitive job market. With certification, interpreters can also access additional resources such as continuing education opportunities and networking events which can further develop their skills and help them build successful careers in the field of interpreting.

Pro Tip: When pursuing interpreter certification, make sure to research the requirements for each type of certification and create a plan to complete them. It may be helpful to set deadlines for yourself in order to stay on track and ensure that you have all the necessary components completed before the application deadline.

Related: What does an Interpreter do?

Top 11 Interpreter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Interpreters today.

1. Python Institute Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP)

Python Institute Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the fundamentals of the Python programming language. It is an entry-level certification that validates an individual’s ability to write, analyze, debug, and execute basic Python code.

The PCAP certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as data types, variables, functions, classes, modules, flow control statements, and exception handling.

In order to obtain the PCAP certification, you must pass the PCAP exam with a score of at least 70%. You can take the exam online through Pearson VUE or at one of their testing centers located around the world.

The cost for taking the PCAP exam varies depending on your location and whether you are taking it online or at a testing center. In most cases, it costs around $295 USD for the online version and $395 USD for the in-person version.

Once you have passed the PCAP exam successfully, you will receive your certificate within 10 business days.

2. Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer Certification (OCJP)

Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer Certification (OCJP) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the Java programming language. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to develop, debug, and deploy applications using the Java language.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, collections, generics, concurrency, lambda expressions, functional interfaces and streams.

To get Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer Certification (OCJP), you must pass the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer Exam (1Z0-808). You can register for the exam online or through a Pearson VUE test center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $250 USD.

The certification is valid for three years after which you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Platform (MCSE: DP)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Platform (MCSE: DP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills in designing, implementing, and managing data platform solutions. The MCSE: DP credential is intended for individuals who are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of data platform solutions in organizations.

The MCSE: DP certification requires passing four exams. These exams cover topics such as database administration, data warehouse design and implementation, business intelligence development and management, and cloud data platform solutions. The exams typically take about three hours each to complete.

In order to get the MCSE: DP certification, you must first pass all four required exams. After passing the exams, you will receive your certificate from Microsoft.

The cost of the MCSE: Data Platform certification varies depending on which exam bundle you choose. A single exam bundle costs around $165 USD per exam while a four-exam bundle costs around $660 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees that may need to be paid separately.

4. Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE)

The Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of professional PHP developers. It is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and experience of a developer in the areas of web development, object-oriented programming, database design, and security. The certification is offered by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open source scripting language PHP.

To become certified as a Zend Certified PHP Engineer, candidates must pass an online exam that covers topics such as web development with PHP, object-oriented programming with PHP, database design and SQL queries, and security best practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, candidates must register on the Zend website and pay an examination fee. The fee varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official Zend Certified PHP Engineer certificate along with a digital badge for use on websites or social media profiles. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking another exam or completing additional training courses provided by Zend Technologies.

5. Ruby Association Certified Ruby Programmer Silver (RACRP-S)

The Ruby Association Certified Ruby Programmer Silver (RACRP-S) is a certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of experienced Ruby programmers. The certification is administered by the Ruby Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of the Ruby programming language.

The RACRP-S is an online exam consisting of multiple choice questions covering topics such as object-oriented programming, web development, databases, and software engineering. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $100 USD.

To become certified, applicants must first register for the exam on the Ruby Association website. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results via email within one week of taking the test. If successful, applicants will be awarded a certificate that can be used to demonstrate their proficiency in Ruby programming.

6. C# Programming Language Certification (C#PLC)

C# Programming Language Certification (C#PLC) is an industry-recognized certification that verifies a programmer's knowledge and proficiency in the C# programming language. It is designed to demonstrate a programmer’s ability to develop applications using C#, including object-oriented programming, Windows Forms, database access, web services, and other .NET Framework technologies.

It typically takes about six months of study and practice to prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must pass the C#PLC exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data types, classes and objects, inheritance and polymorphism, exception handling, LINQ queries, generics and collections.

To get certified you must register for the exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but is generally around $100 USD.

7. Microsoft Technology Associate: Database Fundamentals (MTA: DBF)

Microsoft Technology Associate: Database Fundamentals (MTA: DBF) is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge of core database concepts and skills. This certification covers topics such as relational databases, data modeling, Structured Query Language (SQL), and database administration. The MTA: DBF certification is designed for those who are new to the field of database technologies, or for those who want to validate their existing skills in this area.

The MTA: DBF exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. Candidates must score at least 700 out of 1000 points on the exam in order to pass.

Candidates can register for the MTA: DBF exam online through Microsoft's Learning Portal. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $99-$115 USD.

8. Perl Institute Certified Professional Programmer (PICPP)

The Perl Institute Certified Professional Programmer (PICPP) is a certification program offered by the Perl Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of the Perl programming language. The PICPP is designed to provide a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of a programmer’s proficiency in Perl. It is intended for professional programmers who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in the language.

The PICPP consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project. The online exam tests knowledge of core concepts such as syntax, data types, functions, operators, control structures, and object-oriented programming. It also covers topics such as database access, web development, and security. The practical project requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to create a working application using Perl.

The entire process takes approximately six months from start to finish. Candidates must first register for the exam and then complete the online portion within three months of registration. After successfully completing the online exam, they must submit their practical project within three months of completing the online portion. Once both parts have been completed satisfactorily, candidates will receive their PICPP certification.

The cost for taking the PICPP varies depending on where you take it; however, typically it costs around $500 USD for both parts combined.

9. Bash Scripting Certification (BSC)

Bash Scripting Certification (BSC) is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become proficient in writing Bash scripts. Bash scripting is a powerful tool used to automate tasks and manage system processes. It can be used for a variety of purposes, from automating simple tasks to managing complex systems.

The BSC program consists of an online course that takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as basic Bash syntax, variables, functions, conditional statements, loops, and more. Once the course is completed, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get your BSC certification you must first register for the online course on the official website. The cost of the course varies depending on the package chosen but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive your BSC certificate via email within 3-5 business days.

Overall, getting your BSC certification is a great way to demonstrate your proficiency in Bash scripting and make yourself more marketable for jobs that require this skill set.

10. Tcl/Tk Certification Program (TTCP)

The Tcl/Tk Certification Program (TTCP) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of experienced Tcl/Tk developers. The program is administered by the Tcl Core Team and is open to any individual who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the Tcl language, its syntax, and its application in software development.

The TTCP consists of two levels: Level 1 (Foundation) and Level 2 (Advanced). To obtain Level 1 certification, applicants must pass an online exam that covers basic Tcl concepts such as command syntax, variables, data types, control structures, and more. Once this exam is passed, applicants are eligible for Level 2 certification which requires a hands-on project demonstrating proficiency in developing advanced applications using Tcl/Tk.

The entire process typically takes around 6 months to complete depending on the applicant’s experience level and how quickly they can complete their project. There is no cost associated with taking the exam or obtaining certification; however, applicants may need to purchase books or other resources to help them prepare for the exam.

11. Node.js Foundation Certified Developer Program (NCDDP).

The Node.js Foundation Certified Developer Program (NCDDP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to demonstrate your expertise in developing applications with Node.js. The program is designed to help developers prove their skills and knowledge of the Node.js platform and its associated technologies, such as npm, Express, and MongoDB.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the program and become a certified developer. To get started, you must first take a self-assessment test to determine if you have the necessary skills to become a certified developer. If you pass the assessment, you can then enroll in the program and begin taking courses from a variety of online learning providers. Once you have completed all required courses and passed all exams, you will receive your certification from the Node.js Foundation.

The cost of the program varies depending on which provider you use for course materials and exams; however, most providers charge between $400-$600 for the entire program. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for certification costs as part of their employee development programs.

Do You Really Need a Interpreter Certificate?

The short answer to this question is yes. If you are considering a career as an interpreter, then having an interpreter certificate is essential. A certificate will provide the proof that you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the profession.

When it comes to interpreting, there are many different types of language services that can be provided. From medical interpreting to legal interpreting, having a recognized and accredited certification is important for any interpreter who wants to be taken seriously in their field. The certification also helps employers know that you have a certain level of expertise and experience in the subject matter.

Having an interpreter certificate also gives you credibility with potential employers and clients. It shows that you have been trained by a reputable organization or institution, and that you understand the laws, regulations, and ethical standards associated with the job. It also helps demonstrate your commitment to quality work, as well as your ability to provide accurate translations for both written and spoken material.

Finally, having an interpreter certificate can open up opportunities for higher pay rates and more desirable assignments, since most employers prefer certified interpreters over those who lack certification credentials. For those individuals wanting to make a living from interpreting or translating languages, obtaining an interpreter certificate is often one of the best ways to do so.

Related: Interpreter Resume Examples

FAQs About Interpreter Certifications

1.What qualifications do I need to become an interpreter?

Answer: To become an interpreter, you will typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in interpretation or a related field, such as linguistics, foreign language or translation studies. You may also need to have experience in the specific language you wish to interpret and pass a certification exam.

2. What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

Answer: Interpreters convert spoken words from one language into another while translators convert written words from one language into another. Interpreters must be able to understand and interpret both languages at the same time while translators work with written documents.

3. What certifications do interpreters need?

Answer: Depending on the type of interpreting being done, different certifications may be required. In general, interpreters should obtain certification from organizations like the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).

4. How much does it cost to get certified as an interpreter?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on which organization you are getting certified through and what type of interpreting you are doing. Generally speaking, costs range from $300-$400 for medical interpreting certifications and around $200-$300 for other types of interpreting certifications.

5. How long does it take to get certified as an interpreter?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on which organization you are getting certified through and how quickly you can prepare for and pass their certification exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 2-6 months depending on your level of preparation and the complexity of the exam content.