What is the difference between certified and qualified?

IL Interpreters understands that many businesses and corporations that require interpreting and translating services are not aware of specific qualification requirements or contracting laws; there are many interpreting agencies that do not follow strict guidelines in providing professional and proficient services. A report done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics for 2008-2009 found that 22 percent of interpreters and translators are self-employed. If that is true, are agencies requiring them to verify a business license, qualifications and certifications?

IL Interpreters would like to explain a few things about this particular industry in order to help potential clients make the right choice in choosing an interpreting services company.
 

What is the difference between certified and qualified?

IL Interpreters has established a contract, with characterization for these terms that correlate directly with a definition given by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. “Certified interpreter” is a person who has passed the California Court Interpreter certification Examination and who has fulfilled the corresponding Judicial Council requirements are referred to as certified interpreters. The state personnel board also provides a certification test for medical and administrative hearing interpreters for California. “Qualified interpreter” is a person who is not a certified interpreter and who speaks the language to be translated into English fluently and who speaks English fluently and that poses a minimum of 2 years of interpreting experience. 

Different rates are established by the court system and interpreters themselves based on their experience and the amount of years they have been in the industry. Unfortunately, many interpreters will increase their rates based on a fellow interpreters increase. Businesses must recognize rates should be based on certification, qualifications and also whether or not the client requires a certified interpreter vs. a qualified interpreter.  In most cases a certified interpreter is not required; therefore businesses should NOT have to pay a certified rate.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics wrote “There is currently no universal form of certification required of interpreters and translators in the United States.” Although different states have implemented oral and written tests to verify capabilities, there are still many interpreters that base their experience and qualifications from translating for family members and having grown up in a bilingual household.

IL Interpreters would also like to point out that the term “certified” can be misused by the interpreters and many will claim they are certified to gain a higher rate of pay. When IL Interpreters searches for their information in databases to verify certification, we are unable to locate their name.  There is a list available to the public with the names of persons who are deceased, retired, or de-certified – no longer certified to interpret in the court systems. Often times interpreters will continue to claim they are certified, maintain a high pay rate, and agencies are unaware that they are using an interpreter that is not capable of providing excellent service.

As the industry continues to grow with the diversity of our nation, IL Interpreters has implemented a strict screening process for interpreters and translators that will push this industry into a level professionalism it deserves. A teacher within their first year of teaching does not have the same rate of pay as a tenured instructor; the same should be established for interpreters and translators. If there are counties that require a business license for independent contractors then it should be implemented and not overlooked by agencies, businesses, doctors, lawyers, etc. - Why? Because just like employees, there is more and more "Independent Contract Interpreter both Certified and Qualified", claiming to be Employees of the agency or the contracting party, meaning that more and more Law Suit abuse is occurring within this industry. That is why setting standards is very important to our agency, although management takes high measures in implementing these steps "employees" will not always adhere, causing problems for the agency.  We try our best to be an agency who will NOT overlook requirements just to attain an interpreter for an assignment. We go the extra mile to ensure that our clients receive what they deserve.                                

We are IL Interpreters, Inc. and We Speak Your Language.

Different Benefits Offered By IL Interpreters

Interpretation generally refers to the conversion of any message or idea generally in oral form from a source language to a target language. However, the entire task requires lots of challenges and skills and it might not be possible for a simple person to carry out this task. Therefore, the IL Interpreters are required in this case. When communication between two different parties take place in two different languages, it becomes difficult for the parties involved to interact. In such a case, the interpreters understand the source language, and consequently translate it to the target language. In the recent days, this service has acquired lots of importance and popularity.

Well, the services offered by the IL Interpreters are associated with plenty of benefits. First of all, it promotes in the exchange of language and culture from one to another. People with different cultures and different backgrounds can easily communicate with each other with the help of these interpreters. This in turn, promotes and encourages greater cultural exchange. In addition to that, these interpreters also offer tremendous benefits to the travels who are frequently associated with traveling from one place to another. With the abilities of interpretation along with geographical barriers, they can also overcome cultural barriers.

There are many companies that offer efficient and effective services in IL interpreters. These industries not only earn good revenue, but at the same time, they also prove to be a good source of revenue for many other companies. It facilitates different companies to form international client base and thereby facilitate growth and development of the business. With effective socio-political exchange it can also prove to be a great employment opportunities for many youths across the country.

Apart from the promotion of trade, it has also facilitated different commercial activities, the transfer of technologies from one country to another, medical treatments and even promotion of tourism and culture across the world. This in turn, has resulted in huge economic benefits not only to the source country, but to the target country, as well. Thus, it can be seen that in today’s date, there are plenty of benefits offered by the IL Interpreters. The interpreters not only make a good source of job opportunities for themselves, but at the same time, they can also get the benefit of traveling from one country to another. The first hand access to cultures and exchanges can really be beneficial for all.

A Career as Independent Contractor with IL Interpreters Can Be Really Great

When it is time to choose a career there are plenty of options available. The most beneficial career choice will combine your skills with your personal interests and passions. Harvey Mackay once said, “Find something to do that you love and you will never work a day in your life”. If you enjoy other languages and different cultures, a career as an IL interpreters is ideal for you. In choosing this course  you will learn the different ways to effectively interpret and translate from one language to another. 

Fluency in at least two or more languages (including English) is essential for the role of an IL Interpreter. In addition to fluency, a bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, may be required. In today’s day and age, this career offers a multitude of job opportunities because there are different industries for which interpretation and translation is needed. In today’s multicultural, multinational business climate, the demand for international language interpreters is growing and the need for more professional interpreters increases each day. 

There are many companies who employ language interpreters in either a part time or full time capacity. In addition to employed positions, many interpreters choose to be self-employed and offer services to a wide range of industries. It is expected that with the progression of time, job opportunities in this field will definitely exceed the national average, causing an increase in salary and charges for interpreting services. The greatest benefit of this market growth will be to those interpreters who specialize in certain services or languages. Learning about and becoming a specialist in medical or legal interpreting, among other disciplines, will set you apart as a professional and create a greater demand for your services.

As an IL Interpreters, your job will be to enhance cross-cultural communication that is essential in today’s society. The basic concept of interpretation and translation goes far beyond the simple conversion of one language into the next. While translating words and sentences is essential, it is also your responsibility to relay the existing concept and, if necessary, the meaning of those words between the two languages. Ensuring that all parties understand and not just hear the words in their own language is the ultimate role of an interpreter. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the subject matter as well as how the subject matter relates in both languages, is very essential. Along with all of these duties, a professional interpreter should also be very sensitive to each and every culture associated with any language.

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