Grading Procedure
Exams take up to 16 weeks to grade. Grading timelines are estimates, not guarantees.
The procedure for processing and grading exams assures anonymity, objectivity, and consistently applied error marking.
- Copies of the exam, identified by code number only, are sent to two graders.
- If the two graders agree, grading is complete.
- If the two graders disagree, the exam is sent to a third grader.
Pass or Fail
Candidates must translate two passages to complete the exam. Candidates must receive a Pass on both passages from both graders to receive certification.
- A passage with 0-17 error points is marked Pass.
- A passage with 18 error points or higher is marked Fail.
Candidates who fail the exam may apply for certification exam review.
Who Grades the Exam?
Graders are ATA-certified translators who passed the exam with superior performance. They participate in ongoing training sessions to maintain consistent practices and uphold program standards.
ATA facilitates communication between candidates and graders, but does not determine grading timelines or decisions.
Grading Metrics and Tools
Several tools have been painstakingly developed and are periodically revised to maximize objectivity and ensure grading is consistent and equitable across all language pairs and directions that are being tested.
Framework for Standardized Error Marking
Used to determine the kind of error in the translation.
Flowchart for Error Point Decisions
Used to determine the point value of an error; the greater the disruption, the higher the point value.
Explanation of Error Categories
Defines the various terms used in the grading forms.
Into-English Grading Standards
Set of language-specific guidelines used for all into-English exams.
Standard for Passing
The ATA standard for a passing exam is a level of obvious competence with some room for growth. Candidates can obtain an idea of what this means in practical terms by consulting the ILR Skill Level Descriptions for Translation Performance. A passing grade on the ATA exam is roughly equivalent to a minimum of Level 3 as described in the ILR document.
Certification Exam Review
If you feel that an error has been made in the grading of your exam, you may request an exam review. To request a review, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must request a review within two months of receiving your exam results.
- You must have scored 25 points or less on each passage.
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