So finally you decided to become a court interpreter! Not a bad idea especially when you consider the flexibility of work and quite an attractive salary. But where to start and what needs to be done? In this article, we took some insights from a survey among 100 court interpreters conducted by a Facebook group to find out how they did and what advice they would give. Wait for handful information but more than that! You will learn how to find an abundance of interpreting jobs even if you are not certified. Intrigued? Let’s get started!
Exam, Exam, Exam
The best place to start to have an overview of the exams and required resources is the website of the National Center for State Courts. More than half of the surveyed said the consecutive interpretation was the most difficult. Scared a little bit? Leave everything aside and take NCSC practice test right now to grade your own performance.
The most interesting question was “how did you prepare for the exam?” Most said they used non-online resources like books and CDs. Just next to the majority of the answers was “work as an interpreter.” Yes, that’s true. Even before you apply for certification, you can work as an interpreter and this is how you will learn! Sounds fantastic? Just a second and you’ll get top news where to find such jobs.
Things No One Will Tell You
You are going to hear things they don’t write in exam resource sites! So, what was unexpected for those surveyed during the exam. Here are some of the answers.
- Sight translation was difficult
- The consecutive portion was too long (too long paragraphs)
- No breaks between each part for the oral exam
- Note taking is key
- Emotional aspect
- The scoring system.
Work and Learn to Become a Court Interpreter!
And now the big news! You can work as a professional interpreter, as a language interpreter in addition to certified interpreter with the mobile application called AppearMe (which I recommend to all interpreters!) in 40 and more languages: Spanish, Armenian, Russian, Haitian Creole, Navajo, Sign language, Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Cantonese, Foochow, etc. in 10 U.S. states: California, New York, Texas, Nevada, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona!
What is AppearMe, you may be asking. Good question! The answer is simple. It is a platform where attorneys and other professionals meet. The registered attorneys post job offers for court reporters, interpreters, and exchange jobs among themselves. Right now we have thousands of professionals as users! This is a huge resource place for jobs for attorneys, court reporters, and interpreters.
How does it work? Simple! Once you become a user (absolutely free signup!), you will get push notifications on your mobile and emails once an attorney posts an interpretation job. Your task? React immediately and take the offer (you’ll be assigned if you are the first to accept).
Simple as that! Now, hurry up to contact our friendly staff dialing (888) 900-3080 or email us at [email protected] with questions. Browse our website! Or simply sign up!
