Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting
- Start date(s): September
- Centre(s): Online
- Course duration: 37 weeks
Course details
Do you speak English and another language fluently? Would you like to use your language skills to help people access vital public services and build a rewarding career as a community interpreter?
The Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting is designed for bilingual adults who want to develop the knowledge, skills and professional standards needed to work as a community interpreter in public service settings. Throughout the course, you will learn how to interpret accurately and professionally between two languages, support communication in real-life situations, and understand the responsibilities of working with service users and professionals.
You will study a range of topics including:
- The role and professional responsibilities of a community interpreter
- Two-way interpreting techniques and communication skills
- Sight translation of public service documents
- Working within codes of conduct, confidentiality and safeguarding requirements
- Interpreting in public services such as health, education, housing and social services settings
- Developing specialist terminology and glossaries
- Reflecting on and improving your professional practice
This qualification is delivered online. Learners will attend live online classes for one full day each week, so you will need:
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer or laptop with camera and microphone
- A quiet, private space where you can participate fully in lessons and practical interpreting activities
For this course, you will be required to create a portfolio of evidence meeting the assessment criteria for the qualification.
You will also be assessed by a qualified external assessor on your ability to translate/interpret.
To be successful on the course, you should have high-level skills in both English and your first language. As a guide, learners should be working at approximately Level 3 English and have strong literacy and communication skills in their community language.
You will also need good digital skills, the ability to study independently, and confidence participating in online learning.
Everything was perfect and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Career and progression routes
Successful completion of the course can help you progress to higher-level interpreting qualifications such as a DPSI.
Many former learners have also gone on to achieve paid or voluntary employment as a interpreter/translator.
Courses such as the Level 3 Education in Training could boost transferable skills used in interpreting such as communication and presenting.