The Importance of CPD for Translators14 May 2019 - by Hélène Walters-SteinbergWhat is CPD? CPD stands for Continuous Professional Development. It is a
process of intentional learning, through which learning and development is
recorded and reflected on. Why do translators
need CPD? Translators need to refine and expand their existing
translation skills and subject knowledge to continuously produce high quality
translations. This can be done by taking courses (online and in person),
attending conferences and language shows, learning new technologies, reading
reference books and subscribing to news from industry experts to keep up to
date with commercial and linguistic developments. Are all translators
required to undertake CPD? While there is no specific obligation to undertake CPD, the Institute of
Translation and Interpreting recommends that all its members undertake 30
hours of CPD. The training platform eCPD webinar has published a CPD
manifesto for freelance translators that sums up the fundamental
commitments they should make towards CPD:
What is your stance
on CPD? I firmly believe that CPD is necessary for all professional
translators as it is the only way to continuously provide high quality
translations. The CPD manifesto is included in Authentic Translation’s Code
of Conduct. Click here to download a list of the CPD activities I have personally undertaken for 2018-2019. Why do translators
need a CPD plan? A CPD plan allows translators to outline their goals for CPD
over the upcoming year. For instance, last year my CPD plan focused largely on technology and
my objective was to master new tools to make my business more efficient. This
year, my CPD plan focuses on legal translation as I will be undertaking a
ten-part webinar series on legal translation as well as attending in-person
training for legal translators. How can translators
prove they have undertaken CPD? Translators who are members of the Institute of Translation
and Interpreting will receive a CPD Award if they log 30 hours or more of
CPD in a financial year (April to April). You can download mine here. |