COMMUNITY INTERPRETER CORE TRAINING PROGRAM (CICTP) 2026/2027
This entry-level course is designed for individuals, who have a high proficiency in English and at least one other language and who wish to work as freelance Community Interpreters in the legal, healthcare, and social services sectors including for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking.
This course will provide you with the skills and tools to start your freelance career as a community language interpreter. Successful completion of the Community Interpreter Core Training Program, along with passing a language skills assessment (ILSAT or CILISAT) will make you a professional interpreter qualified to work anywhere in Ontario.
Students will be taught core interpreter competencies, providing them with knowledge, skills development, and practical application so they can successfully provide consecutive interpretation for service providers and their clients in a variety of settings, contexts, and modes of interpretation.
Training components include:
Fundamentals of Interpretation
Interpreting in Legal Settings
Interpreting in Healthcare and Medical Settings
Interpreting in Community and Social Service Settings
Interpreter’s Self Care and Safety
The training curriculum is delivered under the auspices of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and in partnership with:
Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre
Thunder Bay Counselling
Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Ministry of Attorney General
TRAINING FORMAT:
Online instructor-led classes and small group practices
Guided field trip to Thunder Bay Courthouse
COURSE DETAILS:
Fee: $100.00 plus HST = $113.00 (does not include ILSAT/CILISAT test fee or Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check fee)
Duration: 90-150 hours over the course of 12 weeks
Weekly time commitment: approximately 10-15 hours per week (includes class time, small group practices, field trip, homework and study time)
Course Dates:
Classes run from September 17, 2026 to January 14, 2027 followed by post-course evaluation
Instructor-led classes are scheduled from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
There will be no classes December 19th to January 13th.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
High proficiency in English and at least one other language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing)
Access to computer and reliable internet service
Basic computer knowledge
Familiarity with video platforms (E.g. Zoom)
Submission of negative Vulnerable Sector Police Check by September 10, 2026
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Cash, or personal cheque
E-transfer to finance@thunderbay.org. Please reference CICTP in the transfer notes.
*Due to limited space, priority will be given to local candidates, particularly women and individuals fluent in high demand languages (or languages considered rare in Ontario due to lack of interpreters) who are accepted into the training program after an interview.
2026/2027 training spots are currently available for Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Hindi, Cree, and Anishinaabemowin speakers
Questions? Please contact Terril Chessell, Language Interpreter Services Coordinator at 807-345-0551 or by email at terrilc@thunderbay.org.
Disclaimer:
Your potential to receive interpreter work will depend upon several factors including demand for your language(s), your level of training, ILSAT/CILISAT certification, and any additional credentials or experience you may have, and how well you market your services. Therefore, successful completion of this course alone cannot guarantee you work. However, it will provide you with what you need to get started!