Test to become a Spanish translator

by Elsa
(Bloomfield, New Jersey)

Elsa asked: I am fluent in both Spanish and English, and Spanish is my first language. I am interested in taking a test to become a licensed translator, but I have no idea about where to go or who to call in order to accomplish it. I do not have a particular area of expertise but I am good at tranlsating work from writers.



The Spanish Translator: Thanks for your question, Elsa. Believe it or not, yours is a common question that aspiring translators have. They are not sure on what steps to take to become a professional translator. The thing to remember, and what I tell everyone else who asks this same question, is that no one thing in particular will label you as a professional translator. There are tests you can take that will prove you can translate well and pass a test but just because you pass, that does not make you a professional translator. There are also classes that you can take that will help you on your road to be a professional, but just because you take a class does not mean you are automatically converted into a professional translator.

If you want to become a professional freelance translator, you need to make sure you know how to translate. Translation is not the same as being bilingual, as I'm sure you know. Once you have critically examined your translation ability and feel that you can translate professionally, you can then call yourself a professional translator. I repeat, you don't need to take a test in order to become a Spanish translator. If you treat your translation business as a real business, then that is sufficient to be a translator and start translating for outside clients. If you'd like more info, here is a page I wrote on forming your own Spanish translation company.

Hope that helps, and good luck!