In a previous blog on being a Certified Interpreter in Canada we provided an overview of what it means to be certified and the steps involved, restated here:

Steps in the Process:

• Join the provincial CTTIC affiliate as an Associate Member
• Pay the application fee
• Gain admission to the Society as Associate Member
• Pay the full annual membership fee
• Sit for the certification exam provided by CTTIC (The Canadian Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters Council) – a national exam recognized by all provincial translation societies and associations in Canada.

How to Become a Certified Interpreter in Ontario 

The pathway to being a certified interpreter is the same regardless of which CTTIC-affiliated professional association is represented in your province: from STIBC in BC to ATIO in Ontario and ATINS in Nova Scotia – all the seven-member associations similarly administer the CTTIC exams. 

Achieving certification requires clearing the CTTIC examination. The creation of these examinations and supervision of the exam protocol is the responsibility of CTTIC; however, the actual delivery of the exams is not within their scope. This task is delegated to the provincial member agencies. 

Overview of ATIO (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario) Certification Process

While many provinces possess a member agency affiliated with CTTIC, this is not the case for every province. In Ontario, that membership body is the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario or ATIO and those seeking to take the CTTIC examination should direct their applications to these member agencies at the provincial level.

While it’s possible to sit for the CTTIC exams, in certain cases, with no formal training going in the field, this can lead to unsuccessful attempts and could end up being a costly gamble without the payoff you’re hoping for. The smart move is to start with building a solid foundation by acquiring the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies through a reputable education and training program. This preparation will fortify your professional capabilities. Educational institutions and organizations are crucial in providing the resources and support you need for this stage.

Sometimes however you simply need a refresher or some preparation with a skilled mentor, rather than retaking a course. At The Interpreter’s Lab we offer both short-term courses that teach the foundational skills tested in the CTTIC exams, as well as exam preparation packages where you get to work one-on-one with a skilled mentor and coach. 

Note also that the pathway to certification includes first becoming an Associate member, and some of the Certified titles may also require a minimum number of hours of experience working in the designated setting. 

Tips to Prepare for The Interpreter Certification Exam

You may also consider taking an assessment of your language and interpreting skills through other measures in the interim, for example, the CILISAT, the Community Interpreter and Language Interpreting Skills Assessment Tool. Since 1994, the CILISAT was established as a proprietary-owned assessment tool that is administered by authorized testing centers across Canada. The CILISAT focuses primarily on sight translation and dialogue or consecutive interpreting in both of an interpreter’s working languages. 

While it only measures the interpreting and language skills associated with community interpreting, it can be a very good tool to have in your interpreter toolkit. You can take the CILISAT at any point during your practice, or even before you begin your journey as a measure of your current skills. 

The Interpreter’s Lab, as an authorized testing center, offers the CILISAT at competitive rates to support interpreters and your successful completion of the CILISAT is accepted in all provinces, including Ontario. 

Why is Certification Important?

Whichever is your pathway, certification is an important element of any profession. Having a certification process provides the consumer with a measure of confidence in the skills and abilities of the professional with which they are working. But certification is only one part of the professional profile, and all the other important components should also be acknowledged: education, experience and continued competence. The pathway does not end at the certification. 

If you are interested in our examination preparation packages, you can find out more by contact us at admin@209.182.202.254 or you can attend one of our free monthly information sessions by booking your spot here: The Interpreter’s Lab Individual Programs Information Session.