CertificationsCertifications and their relative importance
Certificates are important in determining an interpreter’s skill level. They can provide some indication as to whether the interpreter is well-trained and professional. A qualified interpreter is likely to be a member of their local association. They should also be a member of the ATA (http://atanet.org/). However, ATA fees are higher, and ATA leads tend to be for out-of-state work. Therefore, some interpreters may not have an ATA Certificate due to either cost or unwillingness to travel. Another source of “certificates” is Continuing Education. Continuing education is certainly crucial (and frequently mandatory, to maintain a license), so any full-time interpreter who is actively working should be able to show a lot of C.E. slips.
Below is a sampling of Certifications and C.E. slips for Stephanie Mann. The C.E. slips are too numerous to upload since she is a full-time interpreter and is constantly attending training sessions on code and conduct, legalities, sight translations, changes in the law at the state and federal level, advanced training in simultaneous interpreting, etc. Please feel free to peruse this sampling of certificates.