As mentioned in a previous posting, I recently passed the highest level certification exam for translation of Korean into English. Until now, I only had the online confirmation, but today I picked up the original certificate at the office of the Korean Society of Translators.
Steven S. Bammel, PhD
Hi, I came across your blog while searching for some information about becoming a translator in Korea. I was wondering, do you have to earn this certificate to become a qualified professional translator in Korea? Also, how is the industry like for translators there? Thanks!
No, you don’t have to have this certificate to practice as a translator. It’s just a way to differentiate oneself in a crowded market. Steven
Hello. I got a question about it, since I’d like to get a certificate like this (but from Korean to Spanish). Is it necessary to be a Korean citizen in order to apply for this certificate?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Korean citizen or not; anybody can take the test and get certified. But you’ll have to check if they offer a Korean to Spanish test. I bet they don’t.
Hi Steven, belated congratulations for your certification.
Could you tell me about the conditions for taking the test? Were you allowed to use a dictionary?
Can one take the test online or outside of Korea?
Or could you provide a link to the website?
Thank you,
Stephen
Hi Steven. Wondering how you prepared for the test. As I browsed, I found some Korean institutes offering ITT certificate program. Did you go through a certain program or self-studied then took the test? Thanks.
I didn’t do any preparation, but I’d been a student of Korean for a long time before I took the test. If you don’t feel confident, then taking a Korean program at an institute could be a good way to fill in any blind spots in your Korean proficiency so that you can be prepared for the test.