ATA Certification Program
Certification Exam
The certification examination is a three-hour, open-book, proctored exam in a specific language pair (i.e., one specific source language and one specific target language). The exam presents three passages of approximately 225-275 words. One is a general passage and is mandatory for everyone. The candidate must also choose one passage from either the domain of science/technology/medicine or the domain of law/business/finance. Both passage translations must meet ATA certification standards for a passing grade.
Before taking the exam, candidates must sign a statement acknowledging that they know they will be informed only of the final result of the exam, without comments from graders, and that the exam will remain the property of ATA.
Candidates who fail the examination may apply for certification exam review. Details of the certification exam review procedure are located on this web site.
Except for persons with disabilities, who may use non-memory typewriters, the exams must be written by hand. No electronic equipment of any kind is permitted at the exam sitting.
How the Exam is Graded
Copies of the examination, identified only by code number, are sent to two graders. Graders mark errors on a scale of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 error points. (Up to 3 quality points may be subtracted from error points.) A passage with a final score of 18 or higher is marked Fail. Candidates who receive a Pass on both passages from both graders will receive certification. In cases where the graders disagree on the outcome, a third grader is asked to grade the passages in question.
Examination Sittings
New certification test passages are introduced at the beginning of each calendar year. Sittings are offered throughout the year by ATA chapters and other local groups. Scheduled sittings are published monthly in The ATA Chronicle and updated regularly; see upcoming exam sittings.
Candidates with documented ADA recognized disabilities may take their exams in individual sittings. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Certification Program Manager.
How to Prepare
The certification exam is challenging with an overall pass rate below 20%. To prepare for the exam, candidates are encouraged to take a practice test.
ATA offers an optional practice test program that is designed to provide a practical introduction to the nature of the exam and how the exam is graded. Taking a practice test can also indicate whether a candidate is adequately prepared to pass a certification exam. Practice tests are available from ATA Headquarters for $50 per passage. Each practice test consists of one passage from a previous year's certification exam. The translated passage will be graded and returned with comments from a grader in the certification program. Please allow a minimum of six to eight weeks to receive the results of your graded practice test. To order a practice test, complete and fax the Practice Test Request Form
How to Apply
Arrangements for taking a certification exam are made through ATA Headquarters. The fee of $300 includes all administrative and grading expenses. Candidates must provide proof that they meet the eligibility requirements. They may register for an exam at the same time they apply for membership. ATA Headquarters must receive a completed registration form with payment of $300 at least two weeks before the test is administered. Late registration depends on whether there is space available and whether exams can be delivered in time. Eligible candidates may register by paying an additional late fee for a total of $345.
Warning: each sitting has a maximum capacity and exam sittings in major metropolitan areas frequently fill up weeks or months in advance.
Candidates will be provided further information on test administrator and location once they have registered for an exam. To register, download and submit the Certification Registration Form.
Refunds
No refunds will be made if written notification is received at ATA Headquarters after the sitting. All requests for refunds must be made in writing and are subject to a $25 administrative fee. Requests should be sent to the Certification Program Manager.
