Become an interpreter or translator
You can apply to be an onsite interpreter or translator with the Interpreting and Translating Service NT (ITSNT).
Visa requirements
You must meet specific requirements to be an interpreter or translator.
Interpreter
To apply to be an interpreter, you must:
- be living in Darwin and be an Australian resident
- hold a valid Australian work visa.
Translator
To apply to be a translator, you must:
- be living in Australia and hold Australian residency
- hold a valid Australian work visa
- be a member of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
Read below for more information.
Apply to be an interpreter
Interpreters work in situations where people who do not speak the same language need to understand each other. They interpret spoken words from one language into another language.
Before you apply
You can only apply to be an interpreter if you live in Darwin and meet the above visa requirements.
How to apply
To apply to be an interpreter, follow these steps.
Step 1. Fill in the online interpreter expression of interest form. The ITSNT will contact you to organise an interview.
Step 2. After your interview, you must pass a language fluency assessment in English and your chosen language.
Step 3. You must attend an introductory workshop.
Step 4. If you pass your language fluency assessment, you will also need to get a police history check and a working with children clearance.
About the language fluency assessment
The assessment is done at the Interpreting and Translating Service office.
The aim is to find out if you are fluent in English and the other languages, whether the language you use is current and whether you use the correct grammar.
If you don't pass your language fluency assessment, you will be given training to help you improve and reapply.
Apply to be a translator
A translator provides translations in written form.
Before you apply
To apply to become a translator, you must:
- meet the above visa requirements.
To become an accredited translator contact NAATI on 1300 557 470 or email info@naati.com.au.
For more information go to the NAATI website.
How to apply
To apply, fill in the online translator expression of interest form.
ITSNT will contact you to organise an interview.
Last updated: 28 February 2019