How much does it cost to become a translator?

by Elsa Latheef
(Bloomfield, New Jersey)

Elsa asked: I speak, read and write Spanish and English fluently. My primary language is Spanish and I want to become a translator. I need information on training and costs to become a translator. I am not interested in any fancy college, only the most affordable way to get my certification, license, or anything that is pertaining to the matter.



The Spanish Translator: Thanks for your question, Elsa, on costs associated with becoming a Spanish translator. Really, becoming a Spanish translator with the most basic of equipment can be done with no money. There is no monetary requirement to become a translator. Even if you didn't have a computer, you could go to the library and use the computers there to send completed translations to your clients.

That being said, there are things you can do to better position yourself as a successful translator, and many of these things can cost money, but it's up to you to decide if these things are worth it for your translation business.

1) Certification - You specifically asked about certification costs, and this is something that changes depending on who you get your certification from. For example, if you take a certification test from the American Translators Association, you'll have to shell out $300 just to take the test, and with a pass rate of not even 20 percent, there is no guarantee that you'll pass. There are other schools and programs that do offer certification, but you'll have to pay similar amounts.

2) Website - Some translators (such as myself) find that having a website is essential to having a thriving translation business. You can use a free blog if you don't want to spend any money, but in the end, you'll be better served by having a professional-looking website. Click on the banner above if you're interested in this route.

3) Language Resources - Translators need to have the right resources to translate effectively, and this includes language dictionaries and glossaries. I like to use online resources that tend to be cheaper (free, sometimes) and more convenient, but other translators who like hardcopy books will have to pay premium prices.

4) Software - Many translators use translation memory tools in their work as freelance translators, and these tools don't tend to be cheap. There are free online versions, though, such as Google's Translator Toolkit, so you might want to try (free) before you buy (expensive tools).

Hope this helps, and good luck!