Professional translators, interpreters, linguists, member American Translators Association, Philadelphia, NJ, NY
   
Delaware Valley Translators Association: Professional translators, interpreters, linguists, member of American Translators Association.
 
 

WHAT IS AHEAD FOR PENNSYLVANIA’S INTERPRETER

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

By: Sylvia Asturias (DVTA Member)

 

The fall of 2008 was a time of change for users and providers of court interpreter services in Pennsylvania. 2006 brought the long-awaited passage of Act 172, creating a court interpreter certification program, during 2007 orientation seminars where held, and  beginning in 2008 the initial phases of a testing program were launched by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). Along the way, some 1,100 people have joined the process.

Now new rules of judicial administration taking effect that fall brought important changes to the judicial workplace itself, establishing parameters for the selection, appointment and use of interpreters, differentiating among various categories of interpreters, mandating which court activities each may engage in, and providing for their remuneration. These guidelines began a process which, over several years, will totally transform court interpreting in the state and have significant ripple effects on other categories of the profession. This is a guide to what is coming and when it is happening.

The new rules will create a tiered classification system based on interpreter certification test scores. Nationally, the introduction of interpreting standards has traditionally been a gradual process, and Pennsylvania is following this example. Consistent with the first phase of programs elsewhere, categories have been created permitting interpreters who fail to achieve passing scores to have a circumscribed and temporary role within the court system.

(To continue reading, click here)

 

  

About the Delaware Valley Translators Association

ABOUT DVTA

DVTA is a regional, not-for-profit association of professional translators, interpreters, linguists, educators, and other individuals interested in these fields and a chapter of the national American Translators Association. It has been associated with that organization since the early 1960s and acts as a regional talent bank for individuals, business and industry seeking assistance with translation and interpretation.

DVTA is dedicated to improving communications among translators and interpreters, and those interested in these fields, as part of an on-going program to promote the highest professional standards. It serves as a clearinghouse for information on literature and new developments concerning translation and interpretation. The association provides a forum for members to hear formal presentations and discuss current topics in the profession.

As a service to our members, DVTA maintains a private listserver at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/DVTA_org open to all members of the association to share information about upcoming meetings and other events of interest to translators/interpreters, to post job opportunities, terminology and other translation and interpretation-related questions.

Membership in DVTA entitles members to attend educational meetings of the association at a reduced rate.

 

A WORD ABOUT CERTIFICATION (Update! See article in left margin.)

Certification is offered by a number of agencies, for example, federal and many state court systems will certify interpreters who pass the required examinations. Some agencies such as the FBI and the U.S. State Department have developed their own qualification programs to determine the eligibility of candidates to work for these agencies. Some translators and interpreters have been certified by non-U.S. agencies.

The American Translators Association (ATA) awards certification to members of that association who have successfully passed a written examination in a specified language combination. The association also offers verification of professional competency of its members by a peer review process. ATA does not offer certification in interpreting.

 

 

DVTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS:

President: Anne V. B. Connor
Vice-President: Gerardo Konig
Treasurer: Alan E. Dages
Membership: Dorothy Evans
Listserv Moderators: Dorothy Evans, Helge L. Gunther

Board members:

  • Anne V. B. Connor
  • Alan E. Dages
  • Dorothy Evans
  • Antonio E. Guerra
  • Helge L. Gunther
  • Gerardo Konig
  • Claudia Krusch
  • María Weir

 

 
  Back to top of page Back to top
   
Home | About DVTA | Events Calendar | Online Member Directory | Membership Information | Contact DVTA
Copyright © Delaware Valley Translators Association•Phone: 215-222-0955•Administrator Log-In