Page 19 - The Medical Interprete
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1. An Overview of Medical Interpreting

                Language proficiency certificates


            Language proficiency cannot be verified by a
            person saying “I’m bilingual!” The only way to
            be sure that someone is truly bilingual enough
            to interpret is to test that individual.


            A language proficiency test should be well
            researched and recognized as a valid test.
            It should also be given by qualified raters.
            The test should be based on a national or
            international scale of proficiency levels that
            is widely recognized, such as the U.S. federal
            Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign
            Languages (ACTFL) scale in the United States or the Common European Framework of Reference
            for Languages (CEFR) scale in Europe.

            Credible testing organizations usually issue a letter, certificate or other document showing the test results.
            Tests that are not scientifically reliable are typically meaningless (and usually a waste of money). Look
            for a test that is widely accepted and recognized. For example, Language Testing International offers
            validated ACTFL language proficiency tests in more than 100 languages (www.languagetesting.com).




                Certification

            Certification is a credential that shows that a professional (such as an interpreter) has demonstrated
            a certain degree of professional skill, usually through an exam created by professionals in that field.
            For interpreting in the United States, certification is a formal process that typically involves an
            application process followed by a written test of knowledge (including terminology), then an oral
            exam of interpreting skills.


            Certification may be awarded for general interpreting or for a specialization, such as medical or
            court interpreting. Think of certification as a “professional skills test.” Certification for medical
            interpreters is so important that it is discussed in more detail later in this chapter.





                Licensure

            Interpreter licensure, or licensing, is not the same as certification. Licensure gives you the authority
            to practice a profession. For example, in many countries such as the United States, doctors, lawyers
            and other professionals can only legally practice after passing a state licensing exam.

            Interpreter licensing exists in some countries, but it is still uncommon. Typically, licensure is granted
            by a government agency. The state of Washington, for example, has licensure for interpreters who
            work there in publicly funded medical and social services.


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