How to become an interpreter

What are the skills, interests and values required to be an interpreter?
Personal qualities that are necessary for working as an interpreter include:
  • non-judgmental attitude
  • excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • flexibility
  • diplomacy
  • objectivity
  • self-discipline
Persons who work as interpreters share values such as:
  • a desire to work with, and be of assistance to people
  • creativity and flexibility
  • enjoy variety in work settings
  • attending professional development frequently and pursuing life-long learning
What are the educational requirements needed to become an interpreter?

Those interested in becoming interpreters will need a good command of English and American Sign language (ASL). ASL courses are taught in many communities through colleges, universities, agencies and continuing education departments.

To apply to a formal interpreter training program, one must first acquire a working command of American Sign Language (ASL). In addition, several other key skills and knowledge areas must be demonstrated to be eligible for admission.

For more information, contact the interpreter education program in which you are interested. Once formal interpreting education is completed, interpreters need to remain abreast of research and trends in the field. Interpreters should participate in professional development events, workshops and conferences annually. Higher education is encouraged and an advantage.

Membership with AVLIC and a local Affiliate Chapter is expected of all working interpreters.
What are the opportunities for employment and advancement?
Interpreters may be employed as staff members for educational institutions, for service agencies or interpreter referral agencies. Interpreters in educational settings may work in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools or in schools for the deaf. Many interpreters work on a freelance basis. Freelance interpreters may take part-time contracts from educational institutions or accept appointments referred by agencies or accept appointments directly from hearing or deaf consumers.
How much do interpreters earn?

Salaries for interpreters vary depending on the employment situation and the interpreter?s level of competency. Most freelance interpreters are paid an hourly rate, often by an interpreter service or agency. Earnings vary from region to region in Canada, depending on the local economy, interpreter?s qualifications and the supply and demand for service.

Generally, non-certified interpreters can earn between $20 to $35 an hour, while certified interpreters can earn between $30 to $45 an hour. Salaried interpreters working for agencies may earn $25,000 to $40,000+ per annum. The income for interpreters? working for school boards varies depending on seniority and duties assigned to the interpreter, as well as the region in Canada in which the school board is located.