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Skills, Education and Experience

Skills for Translators

  • excellent language skills
  • good attention to detail
  • ability to concentrate and perform well under pressure
  • proven writing skills
  • extensive intellectual curiosity
  • significant use of memory
  • maintain high standard of professional performance
  • good computer skills

Skills for Interpreters

  • excellent language skills
  • excellent listener
  • ability to communicate ideas
  • good attention to detail
  • maintain high standard of professional performance
  • good interpersonal skills
  • a good memory
  • able to concentrate and think fast

Education and Experience

Most employers require:

  • University degree in translation with a specialization in translation or interpretation in two languages (including at least one of the two official languages)
    OR
  • University degree in a related discipline such as languages or linguistics and two years’ experience as a full-time translator
    OR
  • Five years of experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language
  • Certification from the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council may be required
  • Membership with the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia may be required

If you work in an international context, fluency in three languages is usually required.

Qualifications

This occupation is not regulated in British Columbia.

There are no mandatory requirements for licensing or professional certification in order to work as a translator or interpreter in BC.

However, you cannot use certain titles, including “Certified Translator” or “Certified Interpreter” unless you have passed a certification examination through the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia.

Further information about certification is available at: