Interpreter : Training

While a relevant first and/or postgraduate interpreting degree or diploma provides the required academic training, many of the core practical skills needed in interpreting are gained on the job.

To ensure a standard of professionalism, full membership of the main professional bodies requires references (often from existing members), successful completion of tests and specific levels of experience. For example, membership of the Association Internationale des Interprètes de Conférence (AIIC)  requires 150 days' experience and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)  requires 200, usually freelance. Gaining this practical experience can be challenging and may take several years.

The Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) and the Metropolitan Police Test are qualifying examinations for membership of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) . Both examinations can be taken through the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)  and there is information about them on the CIOL website.

The NRPSI was developed for those working in the context of public services, such as court hearings, police interviews, other legal contexts, health and government-related services and is an independent regulatory body. However, in August 2011, the Ministry of Justice awarded the agency Applied Language Solutions  a four-year deal to provide translators and interpreters, with services commencing in October 2011. The new Ministry of Justice (Legal Interpreting & Translation) register is compiled by Applied Language Solutions via their site, Linguist Lounge . The NRPSI still services other parts of the sector, including health and local government.

BSL/English interpreters who satisfy the entry criteria can become Members of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI), overseen by the National Registers of Communication Professionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) .

Keeping up to date with developments in your particular area of work is vital, especially in business and politics. The key professional bodies provide training courses and networking opportunities to support continuing professional development (CPD). The ITI interpreters' network, for example, offers support and training on subjects such as note-taking skills, marketing and networking. Intensive courses are available through the CIOL to enable interpreters to build up their professional skills in areas including conference and court interpreting. The Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI)  in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Scottish Association for Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI)  provide support and CPD opportunities to BSL interpreters.