Page 19 - The Medical Interprete

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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