Community Interpreter
The Community Interpreter Class is designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and ethical guidelines necessary to work as interpreters in community-based settings. This course, taught by Southwest ABE, serves as a bridge program to prepare participants for professional interpretation roles. As part of the training, Weaving Cultures, LLC provides an intensive one-week, 40-hour session, while ABE offers one-on-one practice for the Oral Proficiency Interview, an assessment conducted in both the interpreter’s native language and English. Participants undergo a proctored interview and receive a proficiency rating ranging from Superior to Novice, earning credentials in one of four levels. High-proficiency levels are often required in legal and medical settings, where accurate interpretation is critical.
Throughout the course, individuals develop essential interpreter skills, including ethics and conduct, cultural mediation, community service standards, confidentiality, and practical application through hands-on exercises. By the end of the program, students are well-prepared to bridge communication gaps and facilitate meaningful interactions in diverse community services and professional environments.
Duration
40-hour training. The bridge course is taught by Southwest ABE and includes a one-on-one oral proficiency interview. The assessment will be conducted in both the participant’s language and in English. (The exact duration of the assessment may vary.)
Cost
Free for eligible students.
Dates offered
Currently, there are no classes scheduled. However, you can call Southwest ABE to be added to the waitlist.
Registration
To enroll students in Career Pathways Programs, we partner with PIC/Careerforce. If you’re interested in enrolling in the Community Interpreter program, please start by contacting a representative from our office using the contact information below.
