Like the true language professionals that we are, we start by defining what constitutes a profession. A quick search will show you that the number one definition is “a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.” (Oxford Dictionaries) A profession denotes employment, but it can also be categorized as “a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation,” according to Meriam Webster.

TotalProfessions.com goes a step further: “A profession is something a little more than a job, it is a career for someone that wants to be part of society, who becomes competent in their chosen sector through training; maintains their skills through continuing professional development (CPD); and commits to behaving ethically, to protect the interests of the public.”

Let’s just stop to think about some of the professionals whose services we use and from whom we expect a high level of specialized knowledge. One profession that comes to mind at this time is that of accountant. We generally pay accountants fees commensurate with the value we get from them. Are they knowledgeable and up-to-date with the most recent changes that inevitably occur in tax law every year? They don’t just keep up with the changes intuitively. Generally, an accountant would not adhere to the same criteria or even use the same technology for 10, 15, or 20 years. If an accountant goes about his work the exact same way using the exact same approaches that were in use 20 years ago, we’d run for the nearest exit. Why should it be any different for interpreters?

The current practice for interpreters in the United States is to enter the profession after passing a performance examination that verifies that they are at least minimally qualified to perform the tasks required of them. What each interpreter does after passing the certification exam is just as important, if not more, than the preparation they went through for their examinations. Unfortunately, we lack a national standard in this country, and each state has the discretion to set continuing education requirements or not for interpreters who have achieved certification. It is the position of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) and of its Board of Directors, that we as interpreters need to set those standards for ourselves. We want to be treated, respected, and remunerated as professionals, and therefore it is our responsibility to be at the forefront dictating what requirements an interpreter needs to meet to perform effectively and be considered a professional.