Certification Process

On-Dossier Certification Process

(Updated April 15, 2025)

S.T.I.B.C. offers two methods for its members to become certified:

1) Passing the examinations as offered by the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC), and

2) The On-Dossier certification processed by the provincial agencies.

The on-dossier certification does not replace the standardized CTTIC exams.

Indeed, although these exams have a role to play in assessing the professional skills of future members of S.T.I.B.C., they do not necessarily suit everyone. Here are a few details regarding the on-dossier certification process.

What is on-dossier certification?

On-dossier certification is a certification method that allows candidates to apply for the

title of certified translator, court, community, medical or conference interpreter, or

terminologist without sitting for the standardized CTTIC exam. Candidates must

submit a dossier detailing their qualifications and professional achievements. Each

dossier is assessed by a peer committee, which reports to S.T.I.B.C. The fee for

application through the on-dossier process is $700+Tax.

Who does on-dossier certification target?

This certification method targets professionals who have the equivalent of at least four

years of attested fulltime experience in their professional sphere, and who have at least a

diploma in translation, interpretation or terminology.

Who is eligible for this process?

1. If there is an examination offered by CTTIC in a particular language combination, candidates MAY NOT pursue the on-dossier process and MUST write the CTTIC examinations in order to become certified.

2. On-dossier candidates are required to secure three sponsors who are certified in the SAME LANGAUGE COMBINATION by STIBC who can attest to the candidate’s language abilities and professional competence. If the candidate can demonstrate that they have made a good-faith effort to find certified sponsors among STIBC translators / interpreters but they are unable to, they may use sponsors who are certified by other CTTIC sister organizations (ATIO, ATIA, etc.). Similarly, if the candidate can demonstrate in writing that they have made a good-faith effort to secure three sponsors but were unable to, then two sponsors are sufficient. As such, candidates are advised to verify that there are enough sponsors who are willing to support them BEFORE they begin the process.

Are there other pre-requisites for an on-dossier certification?

Any translator who would like to submit a dossier to get certified in translation has to

pass a practice exam first.

Is this new method “easier” than the standardized exam?

No. Criteria for on-dossier certification were designed to be as rigorous as the criteria for

certification by examination. In fact, they may well be perceived as more demanding. By

adopting this method, the purpose of S.T.I.B.C. is not to create two classes of certified

members, i.e. those who got in the hard way and those who used a fast track.

Are standards for on-dossier certification the same for all categories of the

profession?

Yes. Standards for on-dossier certification are similar for all categories. Furthermore, in

order to submit a dossier, the candidate has to be admitted as an Associate Member of

S.T.I.B.C., and must therefore meet the minimum criteria for admission.

What should the dossier contain?

The dossier must contain the application form and curriculum vitae including the names of the sponsors (mentioned above) AND of three referees (not the same as the sponsors; see below). It should include copies of diplomas, certificates and transcripts, certified true to the originals. To establish experience, the candidate must submit confirmations of the periods of employment from employers or clients, substantial and varied examples of work, as well as proof and testimonials from employers and clients showing that the candidate is indeed the author of the work. The candidate can also submit proof of success in professional exams and copies of any documents that could support his application. Language professionals who have been practicing for a number of years should be able to obtain such documents, confirmations and supporting letters.

What is the procedure for submitting a dossier?

To submit a dossier, the applicants should first review all of the documents on the

website in the folder “Certification on-dossier”. This includes the application form, and a

file called “Procedure to apply for Certification On-Dossier”.

What is the difference between a sponsor and a reference?

Sponsors, who are certified members of a recognized association (S.T.I.B.C. or another

member association of CTTIC), formally demonstrate, among other things, their

knowledge of the candidate’s professional activity and qualities. A reference is an

employer, reviser or client who is closely familiar with the candidate’s work and who can

confirm its nature and quality.

In rare language combinations, or in the case of a professional recently arrived in Canada,

sponsors may be difficult to find. In such situations, applicants are encouraged to be

proactive and to establish a relationship with potential sponsors. This process, which

might delay the compilation of a complete dossier, has the added advantage of contributing to the integration of these applicants into the professional community. Candidates are encouraged to look through our listing of STIBC certified members (or sister organization members) and reach out to them. For example, for court interpreters, you might invite them to observe you personally in the court room, or arrange for them to observe a remote hearing. Public access to court proceedings is an important principle in Canada; as such, most jurisdictions make it easy to attend hearing remotely either by telephone or online. Candidates who are interpreting in court are encouraged to thoroughly research such opportunities and invite potential sponsors to attend.

Couldn’t applicants just present work that is not their own?

On this point, the provisions are clear: It is up to the applicants to provide evidence that

they are indeed the authors of the work provided. If the evidence is deemed insufficient,

the dossier process will be deferred until adequate evidence is provided.

Attestation of a work colleague could not be deemed sufficient. Also, any supporting

evidence which is not directly sent to the office or verifiable will cause the dossier to be

sent back.

How does the new method ensure the maintenance of high professional standards?

First of all, the applicant is sponsored by three members of S.T.I.B.C. or another CTTIC

member association, who are certified in the same category and in the same language

combination as the applicant. These sponsors declare their knowledge of the applicant’s

professional activities (quantitative and qualitative evaluation). In other words, sponsors

are not simply “good friends”, but certified professionals who attest formally to certain

facts and certain qualities about the applicant.

Once complete, the dossier is forwarded to the certification committee, who will evaluate

the components on the basis of the criteria — more specifically the scope and nature of

experience, diplomas, the relevance of attestations from customers, employers and

supervisors, the advice of the sponsors and of the referees, the work samples submitted

— before making its overall judgement, supported by explanations.

The fact that a complete dossier is submitted is no guarantee that the outcome will be

positive. In fact, it is reasonable to expect that on-dossier certification will result in the

same pass rate as the examination process, which is usually around 20%.

How long will it take to get an answer from the committee?

An application is only considered once the dossier is deemed complete and the fee has

been paid. Dossiers are reviewed by a committee made up of certified S.T.I.B.C.

members, who agree to devote time and energy to the Society, and, where necessary,

CTTIC will assist in the review. Of course, sponsors or references will not be called on to

study the dossier of a candidate they sponsored or whose application they supported.

When a dossier is considered complete, it can take several months before the committee

renders its decision. Once the committee has accepted a candidate’s application, it

recommends certification to S.T.I.B.C.

Assessment Criteria

The On-Dossier Certification assessment seeks to recognize aptitude and competence, not potential. A candidate is judged competent if:

• The translation provided is faithful, idiomatic, and requires no revision.

• The interpretation proof points are impeccable.

The same marking criteria apply as for the CTTIC exam.

Administration

The process is administered by STIBC. STIBC members can find the necessary files on the “For Members Eyes Only” page on our website (login required). This means that on-dossier candidates MUST FIRST BE STIBC ASSOCIATE MEMBERS, having duly followed the relevant admission process.

If candidates are rejected despite a complete dossier, they can apply again, filling in the

gaps noted by the committee and paying the fee again, or sit the exam. There is no appeal

option in an on-dossier process. Thank you for your interest!