The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) is an association of certified translators and interpreters established in the province of Alberta, Canada. Members of the association may be freelancers, independent translators, employees of translation or interpretation firms, or in-house translators for the government or a corporation.
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The main goal of ATIA is to facilitate the process of finding a professional translator or interpreter and to promote visibility of professional translators and interpreters in Alberta.
ATIA is affiliated with the CTTIC.
History
ATIA was founded in 1979. As of 2011, there were 151 members in the association.
Certification process
ATIA offers membership in the categories of translator, court interpreter, community interpreter, and conference interpreter. These memberships are offered in two levels: associate and certified. To become an associate member, translators must pass a multi-part exam held in the spring and fall. The exam consists of a test in comprehension of ATIA’s code of ethics and a proficiency test in English or French, as well as a translation exam. To become a certified member, translators must participate successfully in the certification process within six years of becoming an associate member, whether through the national exam administered by the CTTIC or a portfolio review. Failure to pass the certification process will result in the loss of associate status as well.
The process for becoming a court interpreter or a community interpreter requires an exam testing the comprehension of ATIA’s code of ethics, and an application to be reviewed within one year of completing the code of ethics test. The CTTIC also administers national exams for court interpreters who wish to be certified.
There are no exams set by ATIA to become a conference interpreter. In order to become a certified interpreter, a person must either have passed the national interpretation exam set by the CTTIC, be an interpreter in the AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) or another association acceptable to either the CTTIC or ATIA, be recognized by the federal government translation bureau as a simultaneous or consecutive interpreter, or have worked at least 200 days as a conference interpreter.
Services
ATIA provides translating and interpreting services, which include court interpreting, community interpreting, and conference interpreting services. ATIA also provides a directory of members which includes language specializations and contact information for clients wishing to hire a translator or interpreter.
For its members, ATIA offers professional development programs as well as workshops.