Language Interpreter

The Language Interpreter Certificate is designed for bilingual individuals who wish to work as spoken language interpreters in the legal, health care, social service and domestic violence prevention sectors in Ontario.

Integrating theory, principles and concepts with practical application and skills development, the program aims to assist individuals in developing the introductory level competencies, skills, knowledge and attitudes required for proficient practise as language interpreters. This program incorporates essential employability skills, the fundamental, personal management, and teamwork skills necessary to get, keep, and progress in a job-of-choice, or to enter further postsecondary studies.

This 180-hour program provides an introduction to spoken language interpreting, with skills development practise in the major constituent tasks of interpreting, consecutive interpreting, sight translation and note taking, simultaneous interpreting, and a focus on setting-specific interpreting. The final 30-hour capstone course concentrates on the integration of all these skills in typical settings encountered by spoken language interpreters. This final course also incorporates a module that addresses some of the competencies required to operate a small business. Participants who successfully complete the program will demonstrate compliance with the Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles and an ethical code appropriate to the language interpreting profession. This program also incorporates essential employability skills, the fundamental, personal management and teamwork skills necessary to get, keep and progress in a job-of-choice, or to enter further postsecondary studies.

This program is intended for individuals who have written and oral fluency in English and a second language.

This introductory 180 hour program is comprised of six 30-hour modules delivered online. Courses start January, May and September. This program is available on a course by course basis. Students may choose to complete one or more courses each semester. Students in this program are not eligible for OSAP funding. Courses within this program must be completed within 7 years, unless otherwise specified.