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.
I found the course challenged me appropriately and was a step up from Stage 2. I learnt a lot and feel more confident about my interpreting skills and using them professionally or as a volunteer.
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.