How to Become a Certified Spanish Translator

How To Become A Certified Spanish Translator

 

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again.

 

Being a certified Spanish translator is not just about understanding and knowing how to speak another language. The job of a certified Spanish translator is one that requires specialized skills, training and experience—criteria that requires time and effort to achieve.

 

Interested in becoming a certified Spanish translator?

 

Here are four to-dos that you should be able to cross off your list.

 

1. Certification. There are professional certification programs specifically for aspiring translators. A good place to start is the American Translator’s Association website. You can also consider checking with your state if they offer certification programs. The advantage of going through the state route is that you can be listed in their directories after you complete the certification program. While a certification is not always required, it definitely gives aspiring translators an advantage because it proves that their translation skills are vetted by a professional organization.

 

2. Tests. Another non-mandatory but extremely helpful job booster is to take language proficiency tests. Again, the goal of this is to “make official” the fact that you are native speaker-level in another language.

 

3. Experience. A recurring challenge for new translators is the task of acquiring experience to test their skills. Instead of competing with veteran and established translators, a good way to gain valuable experience is by doing internships or taking on volunteer work in your local school, church or hospital. Remember that, as in other industries, experience is, oftentimes, more highly valued than trainings and academics especially for skill-based jobs like Spanish translation.

 

4. Promotion. Once you have the certification, the tests, and the experience, you can now begin promoting your service. Some translators opt to join language agencies for guaranteed work and pay, while others prefer to work as freelance translators. Either way, it is important to put your work out there so potential clients know what you can offer. Invest in a website or join translation groups for networking opportunities.

 

Certified Spanish Translators in California

 

In California, clients who require the services of a certified Spanish translator go to The Spanish Group because of its established reputation as a professional, reliable and cost-effective Spanish translation group.

 

The Spanish Group guarantees customer satisfaction and document validity, as well as legal confidentiality, speed, and of course, precision and experience.

 

“Our team of translators are all certified Spanish translators with a wealth of experience in speaking, writing and teaching the language,” Alfonso Martinez, The Spanish Group general manager said. “We focus only on Spanish to English translations, and vice versa, so our work is focused, and our output topnotch.”

 

Lorenzo Saavedra is a San Francisco-based Colombian writer. He has a degree in Journalism and Economics from the University of Miami where he graduated with Latin honors. He is fluent in Spanish, English, Italian, and also speaks “some Arabic.”

 

During his time in the university, he wrote about Cuban-American population and relations, and the incorporation of Cuban-Americans into mainstream American society.

 

Lorenzo juggles his time between working as a freelance writer and travelling which is also a source of inspiration for many of his works. His favorite topics are politics and social issues, literary and film criticism, and business.

 

Lorenzo enjoys going to the beach and learning about new languages.