Home / Become Certified / How Do I Become A Translator or Interpreter? / Step 2: Submit An Application

All applicants will need to attach additional files with their online application. These files include things like photos, identity documents, academic transcripts, reference letters or other documents.

Photo and document files must meet the requirements set out below. Attachments that do not meet requirements may result in delays in processing your application.


Photo Requirements

Your photo is critical to the integrity of the application process. Photos submitted with your application must meet these requirements:

  • Good quality, less than six months old
  • Clear, focused image with no marks or ‘red eye’
  • Plain white background that contrasts with your face
  • Uniform lighting (no shadows or reflections) with appropriate brightness and contrast to show natural skin tone
  • Face looking directly at the camera and not tilted in any direction
  • Hair off the face so that the edges of the face are visible
  • Eyes open, mouth closed
  • Neutral expression (not smiling, laughing or frowning)
Source: Australian Passport Office

You must attach your photo electronically with your application. You cannot post or email your photo in separately. The photo file requirements for our online application system are as follows:

  • File format:jpg, jpeg or png
  • File size minimum: 500KB
  • File size maximum: 2MB
  • Photo size minimum: 900px wide by 1200px high
  • Photo size maximum: 2250px wide by 3000px high
  • Aspect ratio (width to height):4:3
  • Photo layout position: portrait

NAATI will hold your photo for a period of 6 years from your original application date. If you need to make another application to NAATI after that time, you will be asked to supply a new photo.


Identity Documents

Most NAATI application forms will ask you to attach an original colour scan of your passport or Australian driver’s licence. This scanned identity document does not need to be certified.

If you don’t have either of those, you will need to attach another form of government-issued photo ID. These include a:


Document Requirements

Any other files that you attach to your online application (eg. reference letters, academic transcripts, or completion certificates etc.) must be the electronic original or a scan of the original physical document. These files must also meet the following requirements:

  • In English (or an English translation of the original document should be included*)
  • Acceptable file formats: doc, docx or pdf
  • File size minimum (per file): 10KB
  • File size maximum (per file): 2MB
  • Preferred file format: .pdf

* Translations of your transcripts and other documents should be completed by a NAATI certified translator. NAATI will accept other translations in exceptional circumstances. Please include all relevant information in your application.

Recognised Practising

You will need to attach two work reference letters to your application. Each reference letter must address the following criteria:

  • Each reference letter must come from a different employer or organisation.
  • At least one reference must be from a translation and/or interpreting service provider, where you have been contracted, employed or engaged in translation or interpreting duties.
  • Each reference must demonstrate that you have worked in the language and skill for which you are applying for (i.e. if you are applying for a Recognised Practising Interpreter (English and Oromo) credential, your reference letter must show that you have work experience as an English and Oromo interpreter).
  • The references must demonstrate that the work experience is current, regular and ongoing (i.e. each reference must cover a period of at least three months). At least one reference must cover the three (3) months immediately preceding the application. Other references may cover work experience that has been completed no more than six (6) months ago.
  • Each reference letter must be on the organisation’s letterhead and be signed and dated by an individual authorised to provide this reference on behalf of the organisation.

NAATI will consider reference letters for voluntary or pro bono work as long as the reference letter meets the criteria outlined above.


Making Payments to NAATI

Unless specified during the application process, you will not be asked to make an upfront payment to NAATI with your application. NAATI will email you separately when it is time to make payment.

We prefer people to make an online credit card payment for our products and services.

If you cannot pay by credit card, the other types of payment method we accept include:

  • Direct Deposit
  • Debit Card (payable at any NAATI Office)
  • Cash (payable at any NAATI Office)

Third Party Sponsorship

NAATI is aware that some governments or other organisations will cover the cost of obtaining a NAATI certification by sponsoring an individual. There are two different scenarios:

  • A sponsored application where an individual applies to NAATI but a third-party pays for their test.
  • A sponsored application where there is a pre-approved special agreement (e.g. a scholarship from the Victorian Government).

If your application is being sponsored, you will need to provide the following details as part of your application:

  • Organisation Name
  • Contact Person Name
  • Contact Person Email
  • Evidence of sponsorship (you can attach a Purchase Order or other document approving this sponsorship)

Apply!

To apply, you need to register your email in our customer portal, myNAATI. After you have registered, you can make your application from the myNAATI portal.

Step 3 A: Ethical Competency