Home / Become Certified / How Do I Become A Translator or Interpreter? / Step 1 A: Training

The NAATI certification system has been designed to ensure that individuals complete relevant training before sitting a certification test.

Qualification requirements are benchmarked against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Training requirements differ depending on what type of certification you are applying for.

The below information indicates the minimum training requirements for direct entry into a certification test. For other pathways, please see the Certification Scheme Design Summary.

Certified Translator

Preferred:

  • Advanced Diploma of Translating or higher (AQF Level 6 or comparable overseas qualification)

Alternative Pathway:

  • Minimum 40 hours AQF units in translating theory and/or practice assessed by NAATI as meeting prerequisite
Certified Advanced Translator

Master’s Degree or higher in translation (AQF Level 9 or comparable overseas qualification)

Certified Provisional Interpreter

Preferred:

  • Diploma of Interpreting or higher (AQF Level 5 or comparable overseas qualification)

Alternative Pathway:

  • Minimum 40 hours AQF units in interpreting theory and/or practice assessed by NAATI as meeting prerequisite
Certified Interpreter

Advanced Diploma of Interpreting or higher (AQF Level 6 or comparable overseas qualification)

Certified Specialist Health Interpreter

No direct path – must pass Certified Interpreter test before applying for Certified Specialist Health Interpreter. See Certification Scheme Design Summary for pathways.

Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter

No direct path – must pass Certified Interpreter test before applying for Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter. See Certification Scheme Design Summary for pathways.

Certified Conference Interpreter

Master’s Degree or higher in Conference Interpreting (AQF Level 9 or comparable overseas qualification)


Where NAATI is not able to offer testing, you can apply for a Recognised Practising credential.

Recognised Practising Translator

Preferred:

  • Advanced Diploma of Translating or higher (AQF Level 6 or comparable overseas qualification)

Alternative Pathway:

  • Minimum 40 hours AQF units in translating theory and/or practice assessed by NAATI as meeting prerequisite
Recognised Practising Interpreter

Preferred:

  • Diploma of Interpreting or higher (AQF Level 5 or comparable overseas qualification)

Alternative Pathway:

  • Minimum 40 hours AQF units in interpreting theory and/or practice assessed by NAATI as meeting prerequisite


If you have not already completed a relevant qualification (as outlined above) you can find information about available training options here.

Step 1 B: English Proficiency