On The Social Recognition Of CATTI Interpreting Certificates And The Possibility Of Accreditation Sub-division

In the context of globalization, there has been a rising demand for interpreters in recentyears in China. Quite a few certification tests are set up to assess the proficiency ofprofessional interpreters and student interpreters. However, according to the author’s personalexperience, these certificates, which are supposed to enhance the holders’ competitiveness,are not widely recognized by translation companies and other employers in the interpretingmarket. Some professional interpreters do not hold these certificates or even have not takensuch tests.Generally speaking, most of the existing certification tests in China are all-embracingwithout distinction of the specific types of interpretation. The only two specialized tests,Liaison-Escort Interpreting Accreditation Test and Business Interpretation Accreditation Testare still in their infancy. The author holds that the limited recognition of these certificates ismainly due to the above two facts.Therefore, taking the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI)for an example, the author conducts a survey of interpreters and agencies hiring interpreters tofind out whether or not the CATTI interpreting certificates are widely recognized.Questionnaires are distributed to survey subjects and then an online interview with some ofthe respondents is carried out. If the survey result shows that the certificates only gain limitedrecognition, the author intends to find out whether the all-embracing feature of CATTI is oneof the reasons. While if the certificate enjoys wide recognition, the survey would explorewhether more diversified and specialized certification tests, for example, certification tests formedical interpreting, tests for court interpreting, will help to improve the value of interpretingcertificates and the quality of interpreting service.On the basis of the data collected by questionnaires and information revealed byinterview, the author will put forward some suggestions on the improvement of interpretingaccreditation in China.