How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- volunteering
- specialist courses run by a professional body
University
You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- interpreting studies
- languages and interpreting
- translation and interpreting
- modern languages
Check the Institute of Translation and Interpreting for courses.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You can do a college course in community interpreting if you are fluent in English and another language spoken by people in the community.
These courses are often available from introductory level to advanced.
You'll usually need some experience of paid or unpaid interpreting work in community settings to move on to the higher-level courses.
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- an excellent standard of English
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Volunteering
You can find volunteering opportunities as a community interpreter with:
- local councils
- health and social services
- welfare rights organisations
- legal advice centres
- community organisations
Volunteering experience will be helpful if you want to apply to do a college course in interpreting, or to study to become professionally qualified.
Other Routes
You can do interpreting qualifications through a professional body, like the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
Courses include:
- Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)
- DPSI Law - for interpreters working in the justice system
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Career tips
To be fluent in a second language, you should:
- be able to communicate quickly, smoothly and accurately
- know and understand informal speech, slang and regional differences
- understand the culture of the country or communities where the language is spoken
Professional and industry bodies
You can join an industry association to help with your professional development and to build up your network of contacts.
Organisations include:
- Institute of Translation and Interpreting
- Chartered Institute of Linguists
- International Association of Conference Interpreters
- National Register of Public Service Interpreters
Further information
You can find out more about how to become an interpreter from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.