For those passionate about communication, culture, and making a difference, interpreting is a rewarding and impactful career. Whether you’re interested in ASL, Spanish, or another language, becoming a certified interpreter opens the door to opportunities in healthcare, education, legal, and community settings.
At Spot On Interpreting, we’re always excited to work with emerging interpreters and support their professional growth—especially in high-demand cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and Long Beach.
Step 1: Choose Your Language and Field
- American Sign Language interpreters often aim for certification through RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf).
- Spanish interpreters may work toward court certification, healthcare certification through CCHI or NBCMI, or community interpreting credentials.
You’ll need to decide whether you want to work in legal, medical, educational, or community settings—or gain qualifications for all.
Step 2: Get the Right Training
- ASL students often begin with community college or university ASL programs, followed by interpreter training.
- Spoken language interpreters may benefit from certification programs or bilingual training institutes.
Some of the best programs can be found in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, but many are now available online as well.
Step 3: Certification Exams and Practice
For ASL, the NIC Certification process includes performance and knowledge exams. For Spanish and other spoken languages, different states and industries have their own tests and standards.
Practice is key—many interpreters volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in the field before taking on paid assignments.
Why Certification Matters
Certification shows employers and clients that you are qualified, ethical, and committed to your craft. It also opens doors for better pay, more responsibility, and long-term career growth.
📩 Reach out if you’re an aspiring interpreter looking for guidance—or a new graduate ready to work!
