This course is for bilingual persons interested and committed to working as an interpreter and building an interpreter career

The Course

The Interpreting for Professionals 60-hour Course helps you become a qualified interpreter in medical, educational, and social services interpreting. The course consists of 40-hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of hands-on interpreter skill-building practicums.  The curriculum used in the classroom is the most up-to-date program in the field, skills-based for spoken and sign language interpreters. This course is in English using the internationally recognized Cross-Cultural Communications curriculum “The Community Interpreter International” available online or onsite when possible.  Once the course is completed and the final exam passed, VCI offers 20 hours of hands-on interpreter skill-building practicums with support from VCI language coaches.  After completing the course, you will become a Qualified Interpreter and ready to start working.

Interpreter Work

VCI helps you gain the interpretation skills you will need to become a professional interpreter, understand the language service industry, and how to work in this field.  Most interpreters work as independent contractors for the language service industry, mostly with out-of-state companies, and with some local organizations who may offer employment.  Working as an independent contractor offers you the opportunity to set your own schedule and work from home. The pre-course Financial Literacy and Small Business Development training helps you understand and prepare to start working as an interpreter.  After completing the 60-hour course, VCI offers one on one consulting to help you develop your professional portfolio (resume and credentials), prepare work applications, and set up your independent contractor business.

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Prerequisites

  • Be age18 or older
  • Be bilingual and pass the VCI reading comprehension, the VCI language screening, and the Language Testing International (LTI)  language proficiency test.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Complete two pre-course professional trainings in Financial Literacy and Small Business Development.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Complete the skills assessment CoreScore that evaluates six areas of professional skills: Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Leads People and Drive for Results.

Registration Steps                                           

Complete, sign, and submit the registration form. Once VCI receives your registration, VCI will contact you by email.

VCI will request the required copy of your high school diploma and any other professional education credentials. We accept education diplomas from other countries that are translated and notarized.

Pay the $650 registration fee.  The registration fee includes all course books and materials, the assessments and the pre-course trainings

Once VCI receives your registration fee, we will schedule the online reading comprehension, language assessments, the language proficiency test, and the CoreScore evaluation.

VCI will provide you with the schedule and process for the pre-course Financial Literacy and Small Business Development training.