The Advanced School of Translators and Interpreters (ASTI) went operational in 1985 to fulfill national needs for translators and interpreters, with particular attention to the public service, and also to define the scope and objectives for the promotion of official bilingualism in the country. The School’s activities essentially comprised the following:

• Training of translators and translators/interpreters
• Research in translation, interpretation and terminology,
• Refresher courses for practicing translators and interpreters,
• Promotion of institutional bilingualism in Cameroon.

To fulfill the national needs for translators, interpreters and the promotion of bilingualism in the country, 3 divisions were created to handle and train students in those fields; Division I (Translation), Division II (Interpretation) and Division III (Bilingualism).