British Sign Language Translation As a Career

Sign language translation is a specialised field within thesome professional indemnity insurance, they may work
interpretation and translation industry. In order toin certain restricted settings. Junior trainees with an
become a qualified sign language translator, traineesNVQ4 level may apply to become Trainee Interpreters
have to prove their competence on a number ofand can work in a wider variety of settings than mere
levels, all of which can be attained at a number ofjunior trainees.
tertiary institutions. The road to becoming a fullyOnce an approved course has been completed and
qualified translator can be a long and complicated one.the NVQ4 level has been successfully attained,
When it comes to British Sign Language translation,trainees can become a Member of the Register of
aspirant translators have to apply for Junior TraineeSign Language Interpreters (MRSLI), and they can
Interpreter status, but only after they have completedwork in all interpretation and translation settings,
some basic sign language education courses. Onceincluding job interviews, conferences, courts of law and
they have passed a Level III or NVQ3 - Advancedmedical appointments. Continuous Professional
assessment (accredited by the Qualifications andDevelopment (CPD) is still a requirement of the job,
Curriculum Authority), have enrolled in a recognisedhowever.
interpreter training programme, and have acquired