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Often, the terms interpreter and translator are used interchangeably, but it’s critical to know the difference. Professional interpretation services involve an interpreter who is trained to change spoken or signed messages from one language to another, while translators are trained to work on documents and change written text from one language to another.

For court interpreters to be certified in California, they must pass the Court Interpreters written and oral State Exams, and complete additional Judicial Council requirements. There is no oral exam for some languages. In this case, an interpreter is required to pass only a written exam in English to become a registered interpreter.

Consecutive interpreting is a mode of professional interpretation services where someone is speaking, and meanwhile, an interpreter takes notes. The interpreter then must reproduce what the speaker said in the source language, converting it to the target language for the audience. During consecutive interpretation, there are pauses between sentences when the different parties are speaking.

Another of the most commonly requested professional interpretation services, simultaneous interpreting is when the interpreter converts the spoken or signed message from the source language into the target language in real-time. This interpretation mode allows the source-language speaker to talk uninterrupted and makes for a faster and smoother listening experience for the audience. 

Bilingual people serve as interpreters every day for their friends and family. However, specialized content requires specialized interpreters. Furthermore, when it comes to legal matters, interpreters are required to have extensive training, education, and knowledge, and pass the State’s Judicial Council’s test t to become certified.

When it comes to professional translation services there are various key terms to look out for:

• In the legal field, a certified translation should only be performed by a certified translator or interpreter by either the ATA or the California Judicial Council. These translations must include a statement from the translator that the content is translated faithfully and accurately. Other states might have different criteria. 
• A notarized translation doesn’t require the translator to be certified, but it does require them to go in front of a notary and sign an affidavit stating that the translation is true to the original document.
• The meaning of a sworn translation varies by country but usually it can only be done by a translator who has taken an oath in the court of law under penalty of perjury. Therefore, it’s important to check with the entity requesting the sworn translation. On the other hand, some people consider a sworn translation simply to be one with a statement from the translator stating that the text is a faithful and complete translation of the original. 

At Spectrum Translations, we specialize in English to Spanish language translation services. However, we can also provide translation, transcription, and localization services in various other languages upon request. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.