TRAINING PROGRAM
Interpreter Training & Certificate of Completion Program
To become part of the NYC Community Interpreter Bank, any interested participants with no prior formal training must go through a free interpreter training program that prepares them to support their communities in real-life settings like clinics, legal offices, and public events. The training program is composed of several trainings which include: The 40-hour Community Interpreter Training, two optional legal and medical training tracks (12-hours each), and the final 40-hour Practicum. These trainings are offered throughout the year based on demand and availability. The entire program contains up to 104 hours of instruction, depending on the track/s you follow.
The Training Journey
All participants start with a 40-hour Community Interpreter Training. This course teaches you the basics of community interpreting; including ethics, confidentiality, how to interpret clearly and accurately, and how to support people in medical, legal, and community settings. All participants must attend at least 90% of this training to receive a certificate of completion, be eligible for a stipend, and be able to move forward with the rest of the training program.
After completing the core training, participants have the opportunity to choose to take one or both optional 12-hour trainings to build more skills:
- The 12-Hour Medical Interpretation Training Track teaches participants how to interpret in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Participants get the opportunity to practice using medical words, learn about patient privacy (HIPAA), and do role plays to prepare for real-life situations.
- The 12-Hour Legal Interpretation Training Track teaches participants how to interpret in legal scenarios like USCIS immigration cases, legal aid clinics, and some courtrooms. They learn legal terms, understand courtroom procedures, and practice handling sensitive cases.
Finally, participants complete a 40-hour practicum. This is where they apply what they learned and build their confidence. They practice different styles of interpreting like consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation in both online and in-person settings. They also receive feedback to help them grow and feel ready for real interpretation jobs.
These trainings are made possible through strong partnerships with Hostos Community College, Algarabia and Cross-Cultural Communications.
COHORT MODEL
The NYC Community Interpreter Bank uses a cohort-based training model, meaning selected interpreters move through the program as a group, attending the same info sessions, training classes, and group activities. This approach strengthens learning, accountability, and community building.
How It Works:
- Language-Based Cohorts: Each cohort is organized by language pairings (e.g., Spanish-English, Haitian Creole-English, French-English), allowing interpreters to train alongside others who work in the same or similar language combination.
- Seasonal Scheduling: Much like a college semester system, we aim to launch one cohort per season Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer offering multiple entry points throughout the year- However, the training program calendar may vary based on demand and availability.
- Shared Learning Experience: Cohort members participate in live sessions, role plays, and collaborative exercises, fostering strong peer networks and shared growth.