About STIBC Membership

All candidates must be Canadian citizens, or permanent residents living within Canada at the time of application.

Language professionals who wish to join the Society must pass an admission examination that assesses their translation skills, or alternatively, be admitted upon evaluation of their credentials and experience. When successful, candidates then become Associate Members of the Society. Members of STIBC agree to abide by the Code of Ethics, and pay annual membership dues.

Associate Members have many benefits with the Society, including:

• Reduced rates for professional development workshops,
• Health and dental insurance,
• Errors and omission insurance,
• Opportunities for networking and working with a mentor.

Most importantly, only Associate Members of STIBC are permitted to apply for national certification as a translator, terminologist or interpreter.

Certification

Associate Members who succesfully pass the national CTTIC exam, or the Certified "On Dossier" process are granted the title of Certified with regards to translation, interpretation, and/or terminology. (For details on becoming Certified, please see certification).

Types of Certified Members

Translators
are certified by passing a written examination in a specific language combination, e.g., French to Italian, Korean to English; alternatively, their skills and experience can be assessed by the “on dossier” certification procedure.

Court Interpreters
are certified by passing written and oral examinations in a specific pair of languages, e.g. German/English, and on their knowledge of Canadian law. Alternatively, their skills and experience can be assessed by the “on dossier” certification procedure.

Conference Interpreters
are certified by passing an oral simultaneous interpreting examination, also in a specific language combination, e.g. English to Spanish, Russian to English.  Alternatively, their skills and experience can be assessed by the “on dossier” certification procedure.

Community Interpreters
are certified by passing written and oral examinations in a specific pair of languages, e.g. Spanish/English, and on their knowledge of general community services. Alternatively, their skills and experience can be assessed by the “on dossier” certification procedure.

Medical Interpreters
are certified by passing written and oral examinations in a specific pair of languages, e.g. Punjabi/English, and on their knowledge of healthcare practices and terminology.  Alternatively, their skills and experience can be assessed by the “on dossier” certification procedure.

Certified language professionals also benefit from title protection.