Translator : Training

Translation agencies and companies can vary in terms of what support is available for new staff. The opportunity to specialise in one area of translation, such as legal, technical or literary, may be offered. Occasionally, there are also opportunities to train in more foreign languages.

The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)  offers short courses and workshops aimed at developing the business, linguistic and technological skills of translators. Many translators become members of the ITI. There are several levels of membership but becoming a qualified member is a mark of professional recognition. For this level of membership, you would usually need:

• a minimum of three to five years' full-time experience (or a correspondingly longer period part-time);
• a successful assessment of work or a pass in the ITI Membership Examination.

Membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)  may also be helpful and can provide professional recognition as well as the opportunity to network at events, seminars and conferences.

Full-time employed translators may choose to work towards the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 Diploma in Translation, awarded by the IoL.