How to apply for on-dossier certification
(for court interpretation)

You will find below complete details on the eligibility criteria, what should be included in your application package, and pricing.

ATTENTION

We no longer accept on-dossier submissions by postal mail.

Emailed applications should have the attached files numbered with the prefix 01, 02, 03 etcetera for them to be sorted correctly (if the candidate is unable to combine their files into a single document). submit your email to dossier@atio.on.ca. ATIO Staff is not responsible for the correct order of dossier submissions; it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure a coherent presentation of their package. 

*PLEASE NOTE: Prior to submitting your on-dossier application package, you must successfully complete the language proficiency exam. For more information, please visit our Prerequisite Exam webpage.

 On-dossier is an ongoing process that is available for Candidates for Certification with ATIO.

To submit a request for certification by dossier, you must first obtain the status of a candidate for certification in the relevant category. Click here for more details on our application process and to learn more about the admission criteria.

As a candidate for certification in court interpretation, you must first meet ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA to be eligible to apply for certification on-dossier:

Eligibility Criteria – Option A:

Hold a degree recognized by the Association either in court interpretation or conference interpretation AND submit proof of at least 1000 hours of court interpretation experience in Canada over the last 5 years in the language pair for which you are applying.

 
– OR –
 
Eligibility Criteria – Option B:

Be accredited as a court interpreter by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General AND submit proof of at least 1500 hours of court interpretation experience in Canada over the last 5 years in the language pair for which you are applying.

 

– OR –
 
Eligibility Criteria – Option C:
Be able to substantiate 3000 hours of experience as a court interpreter in Canada within a five-year period.
How can you provide proof of your experience?
  • Your experience must be attested to by one or more letters of experience from employers and/or clients.
  • Such letters must be signed originals and must clearly establish that you have been practicing your profession, in the same language pair for which you are applying, for the requisite number of years in an autonomous manner, without the need for supervision.
 
If you are an ATIO Candidate for Certification in court interpretation (in good standing with the Association) and you meet at least one of the above criteria, we encourage you to apply now to get your certification using the on-dossier evaluation process.
 

When assembling your application for certification on-dossier, each section MUST be clearly identified, and your submission must include the following:

All components of your submission must be included in the same application package.
  • Your completed ATIO certification by on-dossier application form.
  • A cover letter that explains why you should be considered for on dossier certification.
  • Your resume should include courses of study, experience, positions held, publications, awards, etc. Make sure to enclose proof of the education and/or experience required as part of the ‘eligibility criteria’. Copies are accepted.  
  • Reference letters from three (3) of your clients or employers which confirm that you have the experience required in the eligibility criteria. These individuals must be different from your sponsors. Copies are accepted.
  • Sponsor letters from three (3) certified court interpreters who have accepted to support your application, if possible.
    • Each sponsor must be a certified court interpreter in the same language pair for which you seek to become certified.
    • Each sponsor must be a member of ATIO or be a certified member of another provincial association under CTTIC or with OTTIAQ. 
    • Information in each sponsor letter must include the number of years they have known you and details about their knowledge of your professional activities.
    • If you are unable to find three (3) individuals to sponsor your application, you must explain the steps you took to search for sponsors and the reason(s) why you could not secure the required number of sponsors.
  • Optionally, if you have successfully passed a professional proficiency evaluation (usually administered by an employer), you may submit proof thereof along with your on-dossier submission package, with information as to the nature of the assessment, its role in the overall process, the level of achievement, etc. Examples include the Translation Bureau exam, MAG-accreditation exams, AIIC membership.
  • Make use of the on-dossier application checklist to ensure a complete application package and enclose it with your submission package.
 
Above instructions are based on Appendix 4 of the ATIO Bylaws.
 

Click on the following links to access the 3 documents which will help you in assembling a complete application submission package:

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