Introduction to Translating and Interpreting Skill Set

Introduction to Translating and Interpreting Skill Set - 0037S0174

VOCATIONAL

This online short course has been developed to help you prepare for the NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter and Certified Translator test.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Other
Fees:

AU$2,500 (2025 total)

Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Online

Overview

This course is designed for people who already have work experience as an interpreter and translator and wish to meet the eligibility requirements to sit the NAATI Certified Translator test and NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter test or apply for NAATI Recognised Practising credentials.

You will complete five subjects, covering:

  • ethics in interpreting and translating
  • preparation for an interpreting or translating assignment
  • communication and interpreting techniques
  • reading and analysing special purpose English texts to be translated
  • building glossaries.

Throughout this course, you will learn and apply the professional codes of ethics as a translator and interpreter, prepare work plans, read and analyse English texts before translation, manage discourse and prepare glossaries for translating and interpreting assignments. The course will expand on the ethical implications and practical skills required for interpreting and translating or language-related roles within a workplace or community, when candidates wish to practise as professionals.

Why study translating and interpreting skills at RMIT?

Expert educators

Learn from experts with plenty of practical experience and contacts in the field.

Training prerequisite

Gain eligibility to apply for further credentials in the fields of translating and interpreting.

Professional accreditation

The skill set is recognised by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The Introduction to Translating and Interpreting Skill Set creates a range of opportunities for you to apply your knowledge and skills.  

You will participate in online live sessions and learning activities including scenarios, role plays, online moderated forums, group discussions and practical demonstration, reflective journals and simulations of real-life job assignments. Other activities will include interactive e-learning, learner- directed reading and practice, and online and library research.

Assessment methods

Successful completion of this skill set requires you to demonstrate that you are competent in five units of competency. Assessment includes written work such as questions and answers, assessment reports and self-reflections, presentations and interpreting demonstrations.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

These skill sets have been developed with extensive input from industry to ensure your learning prepares you effectively for current and future industry needs. 

At RMIT, we liaise with an Industry Advisory Committee, representing a broad cross-section of the translating and interpreting industry as well as key stakeholders including government. It advises on training and assessment, ensuring this course produces graduates with the skills needed in the field.

All teaching staff are NAATI-qualified translators or interpreters with current experience to ensure you are equipped with the most current, relevant skills and knowledge. 

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this skill set and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

During this online short course, you will take five subjects covering range of introductory skills within translating and interpreting.

You'll learn to how to prepare to translate or interpret, build glossaries for translating and interpreting assignments, manage interactions in general settings, read and analyse special purpose English texts to be translated and apply codes and standards to ethical practice.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Introduction to Translating and Interpreting Skill Set
Program code: S0174
National curriculum code: 0037S0174
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Introduction to Translating and Interpreting Skill Set
City Campus
15 weeks
S0174
Location
City Campus
Duration
15 weeks
Plan code
S0174
CRICOS
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

This course will help you to develop knowledge and practical skills required to work as a translator or interpreter.

Once you have passed the NAATI Certification test, you will be qualified to seek work as a translator or interpreter.

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The skill set is recognised by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The skill set meets the training prerequisite for translators and interpreters who wish to sit the NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter test and NAATI Certified Translator test or apply for NAATI Recognised Practising credentials.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. 

Applicants must meet the prerequisites.

All applicants must meet the English language requirement specified below.

English Language Requirements

Successfully completed an approved English proficiency test undertaken no more than two years prior to the commencement date of the program you are applying for, achieving:

  • Versant English Placement Test: minimum score of B1 in listening, speaking, reading and writing, or;
  • IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 5.5 in listening, speaking, reading and writing, or;
  • results in another English proficiency test deemed to be equivalent. 

OR

Successful completion of a recognised year 12 equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or post-secondary education equivalent to an Australian Certificate IV level qualification or higher where the language of instruction was English, and the qualification was from one of the RMIT recognised English speaking countries.

OR

If you are unable to provide evidence for any of the requirements listed, RMIT can arrange for you to complete the Versant English Placement Test at no cost (maximum one test sitting per applicant per intake). To access this online test, please complete and submit your application and RMIT will contact you to arrange the test.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Currently there are no formal or direct pathways to other qualifications. 

Graduates of this course may choose to continue their studies in, and may be eligible for credit towards, RMIT’s Diploma of Interpreting.

Fees

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2025 fees

This program is only offered as a full-fee program.

  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$2,500* total

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025. 
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

Note: SSAF will be charged per nominal hour at a rate of $0.51 per hour in 2025.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information