Become a Certified Freelance Interpreter Today!

Who We Are

Central Eastern Ontario Translation and Interpretation Services (CEOTIS) is a division of Quinte United Immigrant Services. We are a not-for-profit, community based organization, providing interpreting services to the social services, health, justice and law enforcement sectors in Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, Prince Edward County, Belleville, Quinte West, Bancroft, Cobourg, Peterborough, Lindsay and the surrounding areas.

Due to the standardized testing, training, and clearance that all interpreters must complete, agencies are able to share interpreting resources.

We offer 24 hour, 7 days a week, on-site and telephone interpretation. Our clients expect high quality, professional and timely service.

Interpreters Associated with CEOTIS

Interpreters associated with CEOTIS are independent, self-employed individuals who are called upon by CEOTIS on an as-needed basis. CEOTIS does not employ interpreters but has an agreement with interpreters who meet the standards as set out by the province.

Interpreters may work for other agencies and independently as long as they do not work independently in an interpreting capacity with clients of CEOTIS.

Interpreters are chosen based on:

The candidates performance during the interview
Successful completion of the language assessment test (CILISAT)
Enhanced police clearance check
Successful completion of training, and final examination
Current language needs

How Do I Become an Interpreter?

Step 1
Book your Proficiency Language Test in our Belleville office
Cost $200.00 Plus HST
The Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tool (CILISAT) is a provincially recognized testing system that allows potential interpreters to acquire professional accreditation and certification in 44 languages and dialects. The test was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. The test is an oral test and is administered by a tester employed by CEOTIS. Candidate's responses are taped and forwarded for evaluation by two independent evaluators. The results take 2 -3 weeks to be received.

Step 2
Once you receive your marks and your average is above 75%
You can request a certificate for successfully completing the CILISAT Test (this is a great document to have many agencies request to see this certificate)
Cost is $10.00 Plus HST
If you do not agree with your results and you would like to appeal the CILISAT test results. (Cost of $150.00 Plus HST)

Step 3
If your grade point average is 75% or higher you qualify to continue with the Interpreter training you will need to register for the online (E-Book) Community Interpreter Program with our agency. (You will have 4 months to complete the online program)
Cost $350.00 Plus HST
Candidates who successfully complete the CILISAT will be encouraged to attend the online (E-Book) Community Interpreter Program, which is required for all interpreters, and is approximately 70 hours of study time in length.

Step 4
After you have successfully completed the online program, you will book your Community Interpreter Exam with our agency in Belleville
Cost $200.00 Plus HST
If you successfully complete the final exam you are than a certified free-lance interpreter

The overall costs to complete the Interpreter Training Program is $760.00 Plus HST (not including an Appeal Process)

*Coming March 2012: We will be offering online training for Medical, Court and Video Conferencing Interpretation.*