The Community Interpreter Course

The Community Interpreter® is a comprehensive 40-hour certificate program. It provides the prerequisite for national medical interpreting certification. It is Cross Cultural Communications (Maryland) ’s star program and is taught across the country. It is the leading national program. 

Sign up for The Community Interpreter® if you plan to launch or continue a career in:

• Medical interpreting;

• Educational interpreting; and/or

• Social services interpreting

The Community Interpreter® is an interactive, skills-based program. It’s never boring. It is also the

most up-to-date program in the field. The sessions ground you in what you need to know to work as a professional interpreter. The focus is on medical, school and government or nonprofit service settings. With this program, you receive a copy of the most comprehensive textbook and workbook in the field.

MODULE 1: THE PROFESSION

• An overview of medical and community interpreting today

• National ethics

• How to assess your performance

MODULE 2: PROTOCOLS AND SKILLS

• Basic protocols (such as positioning)

• Message transfer skills (how to interpret)

• Interpreting modes

• Memory skills and note-taking

MODULE 3: STRATEGIC MEDIATION

• How to make decisions

• Intervention skills

• The Strategic Mediation Model

• Cultural mediation

MODULE 4: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

• Who are you? Where do you fit in?

• Professional practice

• Introduction to legal interpreting

• Terminology

MODULE 5: THE INTERPRETER’S ROLE

• Managing your role

• Advocacy

• National standards of practice

• Self-care and professional development

Applicants must be able to attend all 40 hours.

Be 18 years of age or older. Have a high school diploma, equivalent certificate, or higher degree.

Complete the application packet and have or obtain proof of proficiency in English and one other language.