The costs of ATA membership
by Marta
I am looking on the possibility of starting my own translation and interpretation agency. I looked into the ATA because I thought that it would give my translations more credibility. But you are correct when you mention the costs. I am a professor looking to retire early so money is a major concern. It is definitely an issue if you plan to make a living out of one's language skills and nothing else. Would it be so important to have this certification? Would my skills be undermined if I don't have it? I have authored scholarly articles in both English and Spanish and three books in Spanish. I guess my written communication skills are appropriate in both languages. I scored "native superior" in both languages in the ACTFL exam. I have also worked for the Judicial System both as freelance and as an official court interpreter and translator. I have taught graduate and undergraduate courses in translation and interpretation. Is the ATA certification going to substitute for my already proven skills? or my education? I don't think so. And yet, if I would want to teach in the public schools, I would have to go through the expense and the inconvenience of passing the "certification" hurdle. Is it all about money? Before you can even take a look at the "sample" test, the ATA requests $300. I don't even know what other expenses come after that? The idea is to be able to make a living our of our language skills not paying so that we can work. This is how I feel about the ATA. Now my question to you is, with my qualifications, could I work without their certificate?
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