A certified translator is a professional who has met specific standards and qualifications to verify their ability to accurately translate text from one language to another. Certification serves as formal recognition of a translator’s skills, offering assurance of quality and accuracy in their work. Certified translators are often employed in fields such as legal, medical, and technical services, where precise translation of documents is essential. Certification processes and requirements can vary by country and organization, but they generally include exams or assessments to confirm language proficiency and translation expertise.

We’ll cover what it means to be a certified translator, the requirements for certification, the steps involved, potential earnings, exam costs, available languages, and how to prepare for certification exams.

What Is a Certified Translator?

A certified translator is a professional who has proven their ability to accurately translate texts between languages through a formal certification process. This certification is often granted by organizations that assess a translator’s language proficiency and translation skills. Certified translators are recognized for providing reliable translations of official documents in fields such as legal, medical, and governmental services.

Certification standards differ by country and organization, with the American Translators Association (ATA) being a widely recognized certifying body in the United States.

Certified Translator Questions

What Are the Requirements to Become a Certified Translator in the US?

To become a certified translator in the U.S., candidates must pass an exam from a recognized certifying body, such as the American Translators Association (ATA). The main requirements include:

• Passing the ATA Certification Exam: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in translating texts between a specific language pair.
• ATA Membership: Candidates must be current members of the ATA to take the certification exam.

The requirements focus on ensuring that translators can accurately convey meaning between languages.

Can I Become a Certified Translator Without a Degree?

Yes, it is possible to become a certified translator without a degree. Most certifying organizations, including the American Translators Association (ATA), do not require candidates to hold a degree in translation or any specific field. Instead, certification focuses on demonstrating proficiency in translation through the successful completion of an exam. While formal education in languages or translation can be beneficial, many certified translators gain their skills through professional experience, language immersion, or self-study.

Although a degree is not mandatory, having strong language skills and a deep understanding of both the source and target languages is essential for certification.

How to Become a Certified Translator? (via ATA)

To become a certified translator in the United States, follow these steps:

1. Develop Language Proficiency

Gain a high level of fluency in both the source and target languages. This includes mastering grammar, vocabulary, cultural nuances, and idiomatic expressions in both languages. Language proficiency can be developed through formal education, self-study, immersion, or professional experience.

2. Gain Translation Experience

Practice translating a variety of texts to build your skills. Work on translating documents from different fields, such as legal, medical, or technical, to improve your ability to handle specialized content. Volunteering, internships, or freelance work can provide valuable experience.

3. Join the American Translators Association (ATA)

Membership in the ATA is required to take the certification exam. Visit the ATA website to join and become part of the association. This also grants access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education.

4. Prepare for the Certification Exam

Study for the ATA certification exam by reviewing sample exams, taking practice tests, and refining your translation skills. Focus on accuracy, proper terminology, and maintaining the meaning of the original text. Some candidates also attend workshops or courses to better prepare for the exam.

5. Pass the ATA Certification Exam

Register for the ATA certification exam, which tests your ability to accurately translate between a specific language pair. The exam consists of translating two texts from the fields of your choice (legal, technical, or general). You must pass the exam to obtain certification.

6. Maintain Your Certification

Once certified, stay updated with ATA membership and follow any continuing education requirements to maintain your certification. Certified translators must renew their certification periodically to ensure their skills remain current.

How Much Does the ATA Certification Exam Cost?

The cost to become certified by the American Translators Association (ATA) involves several fees. The primary expenses include:

• ATA Membership Fee: To take the certification exam, you must first become an ATA member. As of 2024, the annual membership fee is $220.
• Exam Fee: The fee to sit for the ATA certification exam is $525 per attempt.

Additional costs may arise if you choose to invest in preparation materials, courses, or workshops to help you pass the exam. It’s important to budget for these costs when pursuing certification.

What Languages Are Available for Certification?

The American Translators Association (ATA) offers certification in a range of language pairs. As of 2024, the ATA provides certification in 17 language pairs, including both commonly spoken languages and less frequently studied ones. 

Certification is typically offered for specific language pairs, meaning candidates must pass an exam translating between a source language and a target language, such as Spanish to English or English to French. Not all language pairs are available, and offerings may change over time based on demand.

Language that are currently available for certification from English include:

• Spanish
• Chinese
• Arabic
• French
• German
• Korean
• Russian
• Portuguese
• Italian
• Polish
• Japanese
• Ukrainian
• Romanian
• Dutch
• Swedish
• Croatian
• Hungarian

For translation into English, exams are available for Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, French, German, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Japanese, Ukrainian, Romanian, Dutch, Swedish, Croatian, and Hungarian.

How Can I Prepare for the ATA Exam?

Preparing for the ATA certification exam requires focused practice and thorough knowledge of both the source and target languages. Key steps for preparation include:

1. Review the ATA Exam Guidelines

Understand the exam format and what is expected. The ATA provides information on the structure of the exam, including the types of texts you will be asked to translate. Reviewing these guidelines will help you focus your study efforts.

2. Practice Translation

Regularly translate texts from a variety of fields, such as legal, technical, and general subject matter, to familiarize yourself with the types of content used in the exam. Practice maintaining accuracy, consistency, and appropriate tone while translating.

3. Use Sample Exams

The ATA offers practice tests that mimic the exam conditions. Completing these practice tests will help you understand the level of difficulty and improve your timing and translation skills. Reviewing feedback from practice exams can highlight areas where improvement is needed.

4. Study Translation Techniques and Terminology

Learn proper terminology and translation techniques for the language pair you are testing in. Specializing in fields such as medical or legal translation requires knowledge of industry-specific terms, so reviewing glossaries or terminology databases can be helpful.

5. Attend Workshops and Courses

Many language organizations and translation schools offer workshops, courses, and webinars designed to help candidates prepare for the ATA exam. These can provide targeted practice and expert guidance.

Are There Courses or Programs for Online Translation Certification?

The American Translators Association (ATA) now offers the certification exam online in addition to the traditional in-person format. While the ATA does not provide courses or programs for certification, it allows members to take the exam remotely, providing greater accessibility for candidates worldwide. The online exam is proctored through a partnership with a remote online proctoring service.

You can learn more about the online exam here.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified translator involves developing strong language proficiency, gaining translation experience, and successfully passing a certification exam such as the one offered by the American Translators Association (ATA). Certification not only verifies a translator’s skills but also opens doors to professional opportunities in various industries. Although the process requires preparation, practice, and investment, certified translators benefit from increased credibility, potential for higher earnings, and the ability to work in specialized fields.

By following the outlined steps, preparing for the certification exam, and utilizing available resources such as online courses, individuals can pursue a career as a certified translator and contribute to the global need for high-quality translations.