Certified Interpretive Trainer™
Our Certified Interpretive Trainer certification is a professional level certification for those who regularly train interpreters. If you are someone who trains staff, students, and/or seasonal staff, then this is the certification for you.
The Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT™) has multiple options. You can be certified as a CIT only, or you can earn your CIT and the sanctioning to teach our Certified Interpretive Guide™ courses (CIGT™) or our Certified Interpretive Host™ courses (CIHT™).
If you just want your CIT, then you can proceed to the below section “How do I get certified as a CIT?”.
If you are wanting to earn the sanctions as well as the CIT, then you need to attend one of the CIG™ or CIH™ Train the Trainers courses listed on our Certification and Training Calendar. Your registration will take the place of the application process. For more information on the sanctions, click on the links to learn about the CIGT and the CIHT.
What are the benefits of being a CIT?
- Certification helps you cultivate and build a professional self-image.
- Being recognized by your peers as a professional trainer in the industry.
- Certification makes you more competitive and may improve your chances of being hired or getting a promotion.
- The process of becoming certified and maintaining the designation provides incentives to continue your professional development.
What are the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities I need to have to earn a CIT?
You will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
- history of the interpretive profession
- principles of interpretation
- current literature in the interpretive field
- training opportunities available in the interpretive field
- facilitation of training sessions
- evaluation and coaching
- writing measurable objectives
- planning and administration of training sessions
What are the Prerequisites for earning the CIT?
In order to apply for professional certification, the applicant must demonstrate their eligibility either through academic study, work experience or a combination of both.
- Academic experience: the completion of a bachelor’s degree in science, business, arts or an area relevant/related to the field of interpretation.
- Work experience: the completion of a total of four years (8,000 hours) experience in the category for which certification is requested.
- Combination/hybrid: the completion of an Associate’s degree in science, business, arts, or performing arts and 5,000 hours of experience in the category for which certification is requested
For more information on Eligibility.
What do I submit for the peer review process of CIT certification?
- 50 question, open book literature review
- Answer four of six essay questions (500 words or less)
- Two examples of training outlines/lesson plans with student evaluations from a original training you have created
- 20-30 min video of an entire segment of interpretive training you have conducted
How much does the CIT certification cost?
Please see Fees page for this information.
How do I get certified as a CIT?
If you would like to apply to be a Certified Interpretive Trainer only, gather your proof of eligibility and apply using our online application.
If you would like to become a Certified Interpretive Trainer and be able to teach our Certified Interpretive Guide or Host curriculum. You may go to our course listing to register for a course near you!
NAI Courses or Trainings to help prepare you prior to attempting this certification:
For more in-depth information, please see our Certification Handbook & Study Guide’s section on the Certified Interpretive Trainer.