Methods to become a certified translator in Canada
Whether you want to be a certified translator or you’re just interested in learning more about this profession, here are some interesting facts that you may want to know.
The translation industry in Canada in 3 numbers:
- Per capita, Canada has the highest number of university programs in translation
- The average translator salary in Canada is around $54 000
- A Bachelor’s degree is often required (language major preferred)
What is a certified translator?
Certified translators are language professionals whose translations are considered valid and accepted as official documents by all governing authorities in Canada, regardless of the province or territory where they obtained their certifications. Certified translators are often specialised in one or two fields. They comply with provincial and/or territorial translation associations’ standards. These associations grant this title according to several criteria.
How do they get their certifications?
All certified translators, interpreters and terminologists have their title granted by provincial or territorial regulatory bodies. Each has its own evaluation methods and works independently.
However, there is a national regulatory council responsible for the application of uniform standards for the professional certification to ensure translation quality and protect the public. The Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) represents all certified translators, interpreters and terminologists in Canada. Most provincial or territorial regulatory associations in Canada are members of this council.
In order to be eligible for certification, all translators have to be accepted as members of their respective provincial or territorial associations. Each provincial or territorial association uses different processes to select its members. These processes are well described on their websites but here are the most important requirements that you may want to know.
The certification application according to provinces in Canada:*
Alberta (ATIA)
Requirements and Procedure
To become a member:
-Take the Code of Ethics Examination
-Pass the English Proficiency Examination
-Pass the Associate-Level Examination
To become a certified translator:
-Show sufficient experience
-Pass the national exam by the CTTIC
Or
-By portfolio certification
Fees:
Annual membership fee: $240
Useful Link:
https://www.atia.ab.ca/membership/translator
British Columbia (STIBC)
Requirements and Procedure:
To become a member:
Have one year’s experience
To become a certified translator:
By Exam:
-Make admission
-Pass an English Language Proficiency Exam
-Take an Admission Translation Exam
-Pass an Ethics exam
Or
On Dossier:
-Present additional documents as required
– Make admission payment and pass Ethics exam
Fee:
Annual membership application fee: $273
Admission payment: $115.50
+ $94.50 (tax included)
Useful links:
https://www.stibc.org/page/application%20process.aspx#.WyLPke4vyM8
Quebec (OTTIAQ)
Requirement and Procedure:
To become a member:
-On dossier application (experience.)
To become certified:
-Complete Ethics and Professional standards of practice training
+
Mentorship
Fee:
-Mentorship application fee: $160
-Training : $179
Annual membership fee: Around $150
Useful links:
Saskatchewan (ATIS)
Requirement and Procedure:
To become a member:
-Pass the admission exam (translation)
To become a certified translator:
If the candidate has a Translation degree: 1 years’ experience
If the candidate does not have a translation degree; 4 years’experience
-Provide proof of work
+
-Pass the national exam (CTTIC)
Or
-On dossier application (provide 10 or 12 translation samples)
Fees:
-Admission exam fee:$200
On dossier evaluation fee : $225
CTTIC exam: $225
Annual membership fee: 125$
Manitoba (ATIM)
Requirement and Procedure:
To become a certified translator:
-On dossier application:
The candidate must:
-Have a degree in translation or a related field + least 2 years’ experience
or
-No degree + 5 years experience
– Pass the Ethics examination
-Submit the documents required
Or
-Certification by exam:
The candidate must:
-Have degree in translation or a related field + 1 year’s experience
Or
No degree + 4 years’ experience
– Submit proof of experience
Useful links:
http://atim.mb.ca/become-a-member
New Brunswick (CTINB)
To become a member:
–Holds a degree in translation or a related field,
or
-Has two years’ experience,
or
-Passes an admission examination
+
-Fill out the membership application form
-Provide a CV
To become a certified translator:
-Pass the national exam:
The candidate must have a degree in translation or a related field + one year’s experience.
If he/she doesn’t have a degree, he/she must have 4 years ‘experience.
Or
-On dossier application: proof of experience, copies of diplomas,
Or
-Mentorship
Fees:
On dossier application fee: $375
Certification examination fee: $225
Useful link:
https://ctinb.nb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=39&lang=en
Nova Scotia (ATINS)
Requirement and Procedure:
To become a member:
-On dossier Application
-Pay the fee
To become certified
-Pass the national exam (by the CTTIC)
Or
-On dossier application
Fees:
Application review: $100
Annual membership fee: $110
Useful links:
https://www.atins.org/join-atins
Ontario (ATIO)
Requirement and procedure:
To become a member:
-Prove sufficient experience: Translation degree or,
a degree in any fields + 2 years’ experience or,
no degree + 4 years’ experience.
+
-Pass the entrance exam
-Pay the fee
To become a certified translator:
-On dossier application: the candidate must prove 5 years’ experience (or 2 years) + submit a professional portfolio
Or
-Pass the certification exam
Fees:
-Application fee: $75
-Entrance exam: $220
-On dossier application fee: $380
-Certification exam: $265.55
-Annual membership fee for certified translators: $378.55
Useful links:
https://atio.on.ca/membership/certification/
*June 2018
Depending on their locations, these associations grant certification titles based on different criteria. However, these conditions are relatively similar from one province to another thanks to the official organisations. They ensure translation practice consistency such as the CTTIC (Canada) or the FIT (Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs / International Federation of Translators).
Certified Translations Services Canada
LingoStar has been providing clients with certified translation services for more than 15 years. Our certified translators are specialized in immigration, medical and administrative fields and have the required qualifications according to their respective provincial or territorial organisations.
Whether you need a translation for immigration, education, medical or legal purposes, we have a certified translator who can help you out. Check our website for more information or to get a free quote, or call the following number: 1-604-629-8420.
