How to join AIIC
If you are an interpreter based in Asia-Pacific and interested in joining AIIC, the Regional Bureau can help you understand the application process and how to find sponsors.
Admission criteria
The same admission criteria apply worldwide and all applications for membership are considered by AIIC’s Committee on Admissions and Language Classification (CACL).
Qualification as a conference interpreter and a certain level of experience are prerequisites for full AIIC membership. The applicant must be able to demonstrate 150 days of work covering all working languages. Furthermore, a number of existing members must vouch for the candidate’s qualifications and professional approach. The number of signatures required depends on the working languages applied for.
As a first step to membership, applicants may become pre-candidates for up to five years. This allows them to become familiar with AIIC, accumulate experience and find opportunities to be heard by potential sponsors. To become a pre-candidate, an applicant needs three AIIC members to simply confirm that (s)he works as a conference interpreter, without vouching for their language combinations or qualifications.
Dues and fees
Members pay an annual membership fee to the global association. This fee is reduced for pre-candidates.
Contact the Regional Bureau to ask what the current membership fees are for interpreters based in Asia Pacific.
There is also an administrative fee for new applications.
Application process
Full details of the application process and how to submit your application can be found here. You can also contact the Regional Bureau for advice.
It is important to read through all the information and links given, especially on AIIC’s Procedure and waivers page.
VEGA Network
The VEGA Network is AIIC’s outreach and mentoring network. It provides guidance on best practices in conference interpreting and has mentoring programmes for those studying to become interpreters and for new entrants to the profession. If you are not quite sure if you are ready to join AIIC or would like to learn more, then VEGA is for you. Read more here.