Can I be certified even if I still haven't graduated?

by M. Juarez
(TN)

M. Juarez asked: I have a question about translation certification. I'm a junior in high school and was wondering if I can still get certified as a translator? I plan to graduate, but I was wondering if I can get certified before I graduate?





The Spanish Translator: That's a great question about translation certification. Most of the online translation certificate programs I've outlined assume the applicant has a high school diploma, but some explicitly require it while others don't make it a requirement.

In terms of the American Translators Association, you are required to have a an adequate combination of work experience and/or education. For those with less than a bachelor's degree, ATA requires the person have at least 5 years of professional translation service. Yet another reason why I'm not impressed with the ATA membership is generally not worth it.