The major difference between translation and interpretation is the medium: interpreters translate spoken language verbally. Translators translate written language. While these are different skills, both skills are in demand.

Being bilingual is a wonderful skill, and it is definitely the first step in becoming an interpreter. However, simply being bilingual is not the same as being a professional interpreter. Professional interpreters receive extensive training in order to perform interpretation tasks in an accurate, comprehensive and ethical manner. Being an interpreter requires excellent listening and note-taking skills, the ability to multi-task, and a deep understanding of the nuances of verbal communication. Those who work in specialized settings, such as legal, medical or education settings must also learn complex vocabulary specific to those settings.

There are three courses: Legal Interpretation, Medical Interpretation and Education Interpretation.

No, you can choose to take one, two or all three courses. However, to earn the Spanish/English Interpretation Certificate, you will need to complete all three courses.

No. The Interpretation Certificate is an educational credential that shows employers you have learned professional-level interpretation knowledge and skills.

A certification indicates that you have passed a comprehensive exam offered by a certifying organization. Certification is available for medical/healthcare interpretation and court interpretation. There is no certification available for education interpretation.

You can learn more about certification options on the National Center for Interpretation (NCI) Certification Process page

Our instructors are experienced working professional interpreters with deep expertise in medical, legal and education interpretation. They are also experienced teachers.

To apply for the program, you fill out an application form and take a written entrance exam to test proficiency in English and Spanish. Once you are admitted to the program, we will provide you with the information you need to register and pay for classes. Start your application here.

No, we welcome students from all U.S. states and internationally. Because the Spanish/English Interpretation Certificate is fully online, you do not need to be located in Arizona or even in the United States.

You will receive two confirmation emails when you submit your application materials - one for the application form and one for the entrance exam. Please check the spam/junk folder in your email.

Applicants are usually notified of the results within 2-3 weeks.

No, this course is intended for bilingual English-Spanish speakers with no formal training in interpretation. Verbal (i.e. speaking) proficiency is required in both languages.

No, technically you do not have to have one. However, your educational record is considered in your application in conjunction with your other materials (resume, entrance exam, etc.).

This course is intended to put students on a direct path toward job market success. It accomplishes this goal by incorporating a curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of employers in the areas of Medical, Legal, and Education Interpretation.

Increasing globalization and a more diverse U.S. population has increased the need for skilled interpreters. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 69,400 Interpreter and Translator jobs in 2023. The BLS projects that there will be 20% growth in Interpreter and Translator employment between 2021-31, much faster growth than other occupations

There is not a national standard for interpreters, so there is no specific credential that will qualify you to work as an interpreter in the United States.

The University of Arizona Interpretation certificate is an educational credential that employers take as an indication of your level of skill and knowledge. A certificate from University of Arizona can set you apart because it shows employers you have the knowledge and skills to be a successful interpreter.

Individual employers may also require or prefer specific qualifications. Therefore, we always recommend that you search local job listings to determine which credentials will help you meet your career goals.

If you are interested in becoming a court interpreter, certification is often required. The National Center for Interpretation (NCI) Court Interpreter Training Institute offers intensive training that prepares you for the Court Interpreter Certification Exam.

You can also learn more about certification options on the NCI Certification Process page.

Currently, there are no scholarship, grant or fellowship opportunities available.

Yes. A payment plan is available for students registering for this program.