How To Become an Interpreter

I get a lot of querries from would be Interpreters about the
basic things.i.e. How do you become an Interpreter ? Where do
you start ? What are the requirements ?
So let me answer some of the basic questions about becoming an
interpreter today.
O.K; you can start by doing short courses in community interpreting.
But I think that is a roundabout way of doing it.Because if you start
that way, it would take you a long time to become an Interpreter who
would be able to work at any level of interpreting field.Let me expalin:
You can not get on the NRPSI(National Register of public service
Interpreters)register if you do not have a DPSI(Diploma in Public service
Interpreting)or a language degree and some other requirements.
Community Interpreting qualification is lower level than the DPSI.
DPSI is an NVQ level 4 qualification. Right, now if you are not on the
NRPSI register, you can not expect to get calls from the law courts or
police forces.So already your market is smaller and so your earning ability
is also less.That's why I think it is better to go for the DPSI course first
rather than doing it in satges.Yes, it is harder and would take longer to begin with but once it's done, it's done.Also if you are coming into the field of interpreting, you should be confident enough to do it.
Another thing.Do not expect the teacher/s to teach you the languages.You should already be good in both languages.The course would teach you Interpreting skills, not the language/s.And it may sound silly; but let me get it clear anyway.
You must be able to read and write both the languages.Yes, unless you can do that , you can not expect to become an interpreter.Simple as that.But that's no reason not to do it.Learn what you have to learn before starting the course if you are really keen to become an Interpreter.
OK; that's basically it. In a future post I will talk about other skills and qualities you would need to be a good and successful Interpreter.

You can contact me by email at : mognichoudhury@yahoo.com or my mobile on 07832371577
My Name is Mohammad Mogni Choudhury.If you are looking for an experienced and qualified Bengali/ Sylheti Interpreter for court interpreting, prison visits , Solicitors' office, Hospital, Doctor's surgery,Probation Service or any other Interpreting or Translation work, please feel free to contact me .