Professional Interpretation and Translation — Spanish/English Certificate
Entrance into this certificate program requires completion of the Qualifying Admissions Exam. For more information contact the Arts and Humanities Department.
Learn more about the Professional Interpretation and Translation – Spanish/English Certificate.
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Professional Interpretation and Translation — Spanish/English Certificate
Interpreters/translators are language specialists who relay concepts and ideas between languages. They must also understand the subjects in which they work in order to accurately convert information.
UCR Extension's Professional Interpretation and Translation certificate program was designed in response to the increasing demand for certified interpreters in the fields of law, medicine, business, education, immigration and conference interpreting. The program provides the necessary educational preparation to enter the professional field of interpreting and formal translation.
Besides teaching all modes of interpretation, this program focuses on:
- Spanish-to-English and English-to-Spanish vocabulary
- Acquisition of specialized terminology
- Translation skills used in criminal and civil court matters
- Training in the development of listening and memory skills
- Note-taking techniques
- Public speaking
- Building a wide range of vocabulary
The program also provides preparation for examinations required for federal and state court interpretation and county agencies, as well as professional organizations.
Who Can Benefit?
This certificate program is designed for:
- Professional interpreters and translators.
- Those considering a career in professional interpretation and translation.
- Individuals interested in becoming certified court interpreters.
- Individuals with a high level of bilingual fluency developed through formal education or from interpretation-related work experience in business and community settings.
Course Schedule
| Required Courses (17 units) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The U.S. Court System: An Overview for Legal Interpreters | 3.0 |  | | ||
| Sight Translation: English to Spanish | 4.0 | | |||
| Consecutive Interpretation | 4.0 | | |||
| Simultaneous Interpretation | 4.0 | | |||
| Professional Interpreting: Protocol and Ethics | 2.0 | |
Completion Information
Completion Requirements
To earn this certificate, all five required courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better and in the sequence indicated for a total of 17 units. Students receiving a grade lower than a B- will be given the opportunity to retake the course as soon as it is rescheduled. If a student continues to receive a grade below a B-, they will be asked to wait until the following year to continue with the program.
Completion Time
Generally, certificate candidates may complete the program in nine months.
Admission Requirements/Qualifying Examination
To be admitted to this program, candidates must:
- Pass the admissions examination to determine mastery in both languages.
- Submit an audio tape for review by the instructor.
- Have completed two years of college-level work, or have prior approval from the department.
Cost
The cost for the certificate is approximately $2,700, including textbooks and materials.
Instructors
Instructors
Alan Green, J.D., Deputy County Counsel, San Bernardino County, is a member of the County's litigation unit representing the County in personal injury claims. In addition, Green serves as legal advisor to San Bernardino County's Public Health Department, and provides legal guidance to the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency.
Olivia Johnston, Olivia Johnston Enterprises, Inc.; Coordinator and Lead Faculty, UCR Extension Professional Interpretation and Translation Certificate Program; Member, Court Interpreters Advisory Panel, California Judicial Council, San Francisco. Johnston has over 30 years of professional experience as an interpreter.
Instructor Opportunities
Interested in becoming an instructor at UCR Extension? Find out how.
Additional Information
Textbook Information
If a textbook is required, information is provided in the course listing when scheduled, on the confirmation you receive after enrolling, or by e-mail for an online class.
Contact Information
Leanna Mojado
(951) 827-5801
arts@ucx.ucr.edu
