Certification
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- ATA History
- The American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation
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- Translation: Getting It Right
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- MEMBERSHIP
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- CERTIFICATION
- About ATA Certification
- ATA Certification Exam
- Overview
- Steps to take the ATA Certification Exam
- Tips for Candidates
- Computerized Certification Exam
- Into-English Grading Standards
- Framework for Standardized Error Marking
- Explanation of Error Categorizes
- Flowchart for Error Grading
- Certification Exam Review Procedure
- Procedure to Appeal Certification Exam Review
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Want to be ATA Certified?
- Already ATA Certified?
- Benefits of Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Looking for More Information?
- EVENTS
- PRESS ROOM
About ATA Certification
What is ATA certification? >>
The ATA Certification Program's mission is to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify translators who demonstrate professional level translation skills. The program was established in 1973.
How to become ATA-certified >>
ATA certification is earned by passing a challenging three-hour exam designed to assess professional level translation skills in a specified source-target language combination.
CT designation >>
The CT designation is used by translators to reference their ATA certification. Where possible, the language pair(s) and direction(s) of their certification should also be noted.
Translators without certification
Are translators without ATA certification "bad"? Not at all! In some cases, there is no certification exam available in the individual's language combination. And often the translator is well-established and does not need the additional confirmation of skills.
Certification Benefits
Client recognition
ATA certification is a voluntary demonstration of translation skills. As such, it reflects a strong commitment to the profession and its ethical practice—a distinction that can attract clients and open doors to new business.
Certification seal >>
The seal is a way for translators to identify their ATA certification. In addition to the translator's name and language combination, it provides the information needed to verify certification online.
Directory listing >>
An individual's ATA-certification is designated in ATA's Directory of Translators and Interpreters.
Voting member status >>
Voting membership offers ATA members a direct voice in the governance and activities of the association. It's also an opportunity for individuals to expand their involvement in the profession.
Steps to ATA Certification
1. Become an ATA member >>
A certification candidate must be an ATA member.for at least four weeks prior to the exam date.
2. Complete ethics statement >>
As part of the exam registration, the candidate must sign a pledge to abide by ATA's Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
3. Register for the exam >>
A completed registration form, along with payment of $525, must be received by ATA Headquarters at least two weeks before the exam.
A note about the practice test >>
While there is no requirement to take the exam practice test, it is strongly encouraged. It's an excellent way to measure your readiness for the exam.