Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part III: ATA Certification and Legal Considerations

This is the third article in a series of articles introducing the American Translators Association’s Guide to Buying Translations Services, which was created to help those in need of translation services find the best provider for their project and work efficiently with the chosen translation provider. For the full guide, click here.  

ATA Certification

Respected Credential

ATA certification is one of the global translation industry’s most respected and recognized credentials. It is also the only widely recognized measure of competence for translators in the United States. 

Professional Competence

ATA certification offers qualified and independent evidence that a translator possesses professional competence in a specific language pair. It recognizes translators who have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality translation services. 

Earning Certification

To earn ATA certification, a translator must pass a rigorous proctored exam. The exam assesses the language skills needed to be a professional translator: comprehension of the source language text, translation techniques and written proficiency in the target language. 

Credentialed Interpreters

The Credentialed Interpreter (CI) designation in ATA’s Language Services Directory acknowledges interpreters who are certified by certain ATA-approved entities in fields such as medical, legal, and conference interpreting. 

Certified Languages

ATA certification is available in over 30 language pairs. While the number of language pairs changes over time, certification is not available for all possible language combinations. 

Certification is not a requirement to offer translation services in the United States. 

Not Just a One-time Test

To maintain ATA certification, a translator must fulfill ongoing continuing education requirements. All members of ATA are required to abide by the organization’s code of ethics.

Certified translators may use the designation “CT” after their name and can apply their seal to documents they have translated. 

Legal Considerations

Language Requirements 

Some entities are required by law to provide translated materials. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin, which means that any program or activity that receives U.S. federal funding must provide services in a person’s native language. 

Be Aware 

You should consult an attorney to determine whether you are legally obligated to provide language services. In addition, you should be aware of laws or regulations related to translation or interpreting in any countries in which you do business.

Additional ATA Resources

The ATA Compass Blog

ATA Media Kit

Press Releases

About the Authors

Eve Bodeux is an ATA-certified French to English translator specialized in tech marketing, commercial communications, marketing research and official documents. She is the Secretary of the American Translators Association and serves on the ATA Public Relations Committee.

Jamie Hartz is an ATA-certified Spanish to English translator and transcriber specialized in legal and commercial translations. She currently serves as the Chair of the ATA Public Relations Committee.