Language Interpreter Training | Continuing Education

Please note:

Attend a virtual information session to learn more and ask questions about this part-time program designed for bilingual individuals wishing to work as spoken language interpreters in Ontario legal, health care, social service, and domestic violence prevention sectors.

We'll discuss admission requirements, including language requirements for both English and a second language, course requirements, and general program information.

Financial support is available to eligible applicants in the form of a leadership education grant and leadership travel grant. Apply online at ecegrants.on.ca.

About the program

This program is designed for bilingual individuals who wish to work as spoken language interpreters in the legal, health care, social service and domestic violence prevention sectors in Ontario. Integrating theory, principles and concepts with practical application and skills development, the program aims to assist individuals in developing the introductory level competencies, skills, knowledge and attitudes required for proficient practice as language interpreters. The program will benefit individuals who wish to begin a career in interpreting, as well as those already working as interpreters who wish to upgrade their skills and obtain a college credential.
This 180-hour program, consisting of six courses, provides an introduction to spoken language interpreting, with skills development practice in the major constituent tasks of interpreting - consecutive interpreting, sight translation and note taking, simultaneous interpreting, and a focus on setting-specific interpreting. Note: Students are required to successfully complete an interpreter's competency test (ILSAT: Interpreter Language and Skills Assessment Tool) administered by a Provincial Agency before eligible for graduation.

Admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older
Fluency in English as well as a second language

Admission procedures

Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
Attach proof of Admission Requirements.
Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

Attendance at a Program Information Session is highly recommended.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

Display, in a variety of typical interpreting settings, listening, memory retention and note taking skills which contribute to accuracy and fidelity in interpreting.
Incorporate setting-specific vocabulary and terminology in both languages of interpretation to support accuracy in a variety of typical interpreting settings.
Perform introductory level consecutive interpreting which preserves the meaning of the source utterance in a variety of contexts and modes.
Perform sight translation, in a variety of typical interpreting settings, which maintains the integrity of source information.
Perform introductory level simultaneous interpreting and whispered simultaneous interpreting from English to the other language in a group setting.
Comply with the professional standards of practice and ethical principles for spoken language interpreting in typical interpreting settings.
Apply appropriate problem solving and communication strategies in responding to typical challenges which arise in providing interpreting and sight translation services.

Program related resources

Student Program Handbook

Program contact

Liliana Pereira Melo
lpereiramelo@conestogac.on.ca

Continuing Education

Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.