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Interpreter - How to get into this job

Kaiwhakamārama Kupu

Entry Requirements

To become an interpreter it is useful to:

be fluent in two or more languages
do a basic interpreting training course before starting work.

To become a sign language interpreter, you need a Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting or an equivalent overseas qualification. People wanting to take the diploma course need to have prior knowledge of New Zealand Sign Language.

Sign language interpreting scholarships available from Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education offers sign language interpreting scholarships to students who intend to work with children in the education sector. Preference is given to applicants who are fluent in te reo Māori or a language in addition to English that is used by children who attend early childhood centres and schools in New Zealand.

Secondary Education

Useful secondary school subjects include English, languages, history and geography.

Get help with choosing school subjects

Tertiary Education

Although not essential, an international interpreting qualification from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Australia (NAATI) is useful.

NAATI accreditation can be obtained:

by successfully completing a course of study and exams through NAATI or an organisation approved by NAATI
through recognised prior learning.

The Diploma of Sign Language Interpreting is a two-year course. Currently, you can only do this diploma at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

Relevant courses

Training on the job

Interpreters gain many of their skills on the job. They usually attend workshops, seminars and conferences to keep up to date with interpreting techniques and memory training.

They may also attend refresher courses on subjects such as:

medical conditions and treatments
ethics and behaviours
court interpreting
NAATI preparation workshops.

Sign language interpreters may also attend courses on educational interpreting, deaf/blind interpreting, and minimal language skill interpreting (signing for deaf people with few sign language skills).

Interpreting New Zealand website - current training programme for interpreters

"I found Interpreting New Zealand, which has branches all over New Zealand, very helpful. They helped me to equip myself with all skills and ethics needed by professional interpreters and they’re also very supportive in terms of continuing professional development such as workshops, seminars and feedbacks."

Kyong Ju Kim - Interpreter

Registration

The New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters Incorporated (NZSTI) represents professional translators and interpreters in New Zealand. Registration is not compulsory.

New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) website - information on registration

Useful Experience

Useful experience for interpreters may include:

work with people from different cultures or new migrants
work in professional sectors, such as law enforcement, scientific, legal, technical or medical environments
living and working overseas, such as going on a student exchange programme
language study.

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Updated October 2009

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