Looking for more information about ATA Certification?
Watch this video for answers to the most frequently asked questions about the exam, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Is this Exam for You?
Who CAN take the exam?
Only ATA members can take exam. Join ATA!
Who SHOULD take the exam?
Only seasoned translators and interpreters with higher education and working experience should take the exam to assess their translation skills.
Who SHOULD NOT take the exam?
If you are a recent graduate without working experience, you should NOT take the exam.
This exam does not assess entry-level proficiency, and it is not a training program. This exam does not assess interpreting skills.
How can I prepare for the exam?
Take a Practice Test. Consisting of a passage from the actual exam, the Practice Test provides an affordable way to familiarize yourself with the format and difficulty level of the exam.
Am I ready to take the exam?
If you are a seasoned translator or interpreter with higher education and working experience, ATA provides resources to see if you're ready. See all resources.
If I fail the exam, can I take it again?
Yes, but NOT within the same calendar year. For this reason, it is critical to be fully prepared before taking the exam.
If I pass the exam, how do I maintain my certification?
You must maintain your certification by completing the continuing education requirement.
General Info about the Exam
How much does the exam cost?
The exam costs $525.
How can I register for an exam?
When do exams take place?
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In-Person Exams
ATA holds in-person exams during the ATA Annual Conference, but additional exams are held by other groups during the year. See exam schedule.
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Online Exams
You select the day and time to take the exam. After registering, you must take the exam within 30 days. Register Today!
What languages does this exam assess?
CLICK HERE to see what languages are offered and what to do if your language is not offered.
What skills does this exam assess?
This exam assesses translation skills only. It does not assess interpreting skills.
Taking the Exam FAQs
What is the difference between the online exam and the in-person exam?
The different types of exams have different technical requirements. Review the Exam Restrictions and Requirements before registering.
Do I need a computer?
For the in-person exam, you must bring your laptop. Handwritten exams are an option but you must contact ATA when you register.
For the online exam, you must have a computer with internet access and a webcam. See all software and hardware requirements.
Can I use the internet?
Yes. For the in-person exam, ATA provides internet access. For the online exam, you must have your own internet access. See all software and hardware requirements.
Can I use a tablet or smartphone?
For the in-person exam, no. Exceptions may be made for individuals with disabilities. Contact ATA for pre-approval. For the online exam, you must have a tablet or smartphone with a camera for exam security. See all software and hardware requirements.
Can I use reference books during the exam?
Yes. All printed resources are allowed, but only specific online resources are permitted. See the full list of permitted online resources.
While exams avoid highly specialized terminology, they do include terminology challenges that can be met with a good general dictionary.
Do I need to use a calculator to convert measures, distances, currencies, etc.?
No. You are not expected to make mathematical conversions. You will not be penalized if you choose to do the conversions, but incorrect conversions will be marked as errors and result in a lower score.
Why do I have to sign a confidentiality agreement?
Because exam passages may be used again, candidates are bound by a confidentiality agreement not to discuss or reveal the contents of the examination. Violation of this agreement may be grounds for loss of certification.
Practice Test FAQs
Do I have to take a practice test before I register for the exam?
No. The practice test is strongly recommended, but entirely optional.
When will I get my practice test?
If ordered online, you will receive instructions for downloading your practice test immediately in your confirmation email. Please fully read your confirmation email.
How long does it take the practice test to be graded?
You must allow 6-8 weeks for your practice test to be graded.
May I take more than one practice test?
Yes, but you must select a different test each time. You cannot take the same test twice.
Do I have to be an ATA member to take a practice test?
No.
Will the grader know who I am?
No.
If I pass the practice test, will I pass the exam?
There is no guarantee that you will pass the exam.
If I fail the practice test, will I fail the exam?
The chances are high that you will fail the exam.
What do I do if I fail the practice test?
Look for ways to gain more translation experience and improve proficiency skills. ATA provides strategies, articles, and advice from successful exam candidates and graders. Read more
Why do people fail the practice test?
Important causes of failure are major omissions, major mistranslations where the meaning of the original is lost, or an accumulation of target-language writing errors. Tests taken from the candidate’s mother tongue into a second language account for a high percentage of failures.
Continuing Education FAQs
I am certified in more than one language combination. Do I have to complete 20 CEPs for each?
No. Only 20 CEPs are required, regardless of the number of certifications.
Can I earn CEPs before I am notified that I passed the certification exam?
No. Your reporting period does not begin until you have received notice that you are certified.
Do I have to earn CEPs to keep my voting membership privileges?
No. If you do not meet the continuing education requirement, you will lose your certification but retain your voting member status.
How do I know when I need to report my CEPs?
Your CEPs due date can be found in your Certification Summary. ATA will also send you an email one month before you need to report.
Can I report CEPs and submit the required documentation as I gather them?
No. You are required to keep a record of your CEPs and documentation until it is time to report your total CEPs.