Resources

certification

• American Translators Association (ATA): ATA certifies translators in specific language pairs (from or into English) through a three-hour, open book proctored exam given throughout the year in cities around the country. Exam sittings are available in person and online from April to October. Additional exam sittings will be posted as they are confirmed. 
• California Court Interpreters Program: This website offers a variety of resources for those interested in legal interpreting.
  
• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI): This Australian organization's mission is to set and maintain high national standards in translating and interpreting to enable the existence of a pool of accredited translators and interpreters responsive to the changing needs and demography of the Australian community.
  
• National Center for Interpretation Testing, Research and Policy: Part of the University of Arizona, and home to the Agnese Haury Institute for Court Interpretation. Contact them via email at ncitrp@u.arizona.edu.
  
• Washington State Court Interpreter Certification: This site explains the requirements for Washington State Court Interpreter Certification and provides resources for self-study and terminology development. You may also contact the Administrator for the Courts, P.O. Box 41170, Olympia, WA 98504-1170, or +1 (360) 753-3365 for more information.
  
• Washington State DSHS Language Testing and Certification (LTC): Language Testing and Certification Services (LTC) certifies medical and social services interpreters and translators.
  
• Interpreter & Translator Continuing Education Credits for Different Agencies (members only) 
• Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI): CCHI certifies medical interpreters with the CHI credential for Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin interpreters, and with the CoreCHI credential for interpreters of other languages. 
  
  

Client education

The American Translators Association (ATA) provides helpful information about translation and interpretation and how to find the right translator and interpreter for your needs:

• Translation: Getting it Right – multilingual mini guides help you navigate the process of hiring and working with a language professional
  
• Interpretation: Getting it Right – multilingual mini guides help you navigate the process of hiring and working with a language professional
• Translation – Buying a Non-Commodity
  
  

The ATA Compass: A periodic publication designed specifically to help buyers of translation and interpretation get the most for their money 

ASTM STANDArds

The American Translator's Association (ATA) has helped to develop nationwide standards for translation and interpretation. Browse the resources below to find more information:

• ASTM F2089-15: Standard Practice for Language Interpreting, available for purchase
  
• ASTM F2575-14: Standard Guide for Quality Assurance in Translation, available for purchase 
• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed and published Guidelines for Community Interpreting 
• More resources, laws, discussions, and presentations (clicking this link will prompt an automatic download)
  
  

ethics

• Code of Professional Responsibility for Judiciary Interpreters 
  
• Standards of Practice and Ethics for Washington State Judiciary Interpreters: This manual is a practical guide to assist interpreters in fulfilling their professional and ethical responsibilities. It also serves as a valuable resource for judges, attorneys, schedulers, court personnel, and anyone else who works with interpreters or wishes to study the field.
• ATA's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility: In their words, "ATA's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility is intended to inspire and guide the ethical conduct of all ATA members in the performance of their professional duties."
• Department of Social and Health Services’ Code of Professional Conduct for Interpreters, Translators, and Licensed Agency Personnel (WAC 388-03-050)
• National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC) - National Standards of Practice
• International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) - Code of Ethics
  
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) - Code of Professional Conduct (in English and ASL)
  

Model Contracts

• ATA Model Contract: A good, basic agreement for translation services from the American Translators Association.
• PEN Model Contract: An annotated model contract for literary translators is published by PEN-American Center in their Translator’s Handbook, available for download free of charge, or you may view it online.
  
  

Interpreter Advocacy

Guidance from The U.S. National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC)

• A useful chart to help you decide when and when not to advocate
• More detailed NCIHC guidance on the important topic of Interpreter Advocacy
  
  

LGBTQI+ Resources

A list of valuable resources, compiled by the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC), in an effort to support healthcare interpreters and interpreter trainers in incorporating LGBTQIA issues into interpreter training and practice. View the comprehensive list here. 

NOTE: Many of these resources will be of value to translators and legal and community interpreters as well.