Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part I: Finding and Choosing a Translator

Translators help power the global economy, working with businesses, governments, non-profits and individuals. They are an integral part of global communication. Translators work with the written word, adapting text from one language to another. The American Translators Association (ATA) has developed a Guide to Buying Translation Services as a resource to help clients identify, select and work with translators. 

Finding a Translator

ATA is here to help you find the right language professional. Translators work with written text, whereas interpreters work with spoken language. Both individual translators and language service companies are profiled in ATA’s Language Services Directory, a free online resource. 

Customize your search to find the right provider by filtering by language or service, as well as a number of other search options such as specialty, location, credentials and more. 

Choosing a Translator

Being a translator entails more than simply knowing two languages—just like knowing how to sing isn’t the same as being ready to perform at the opera. In addition to possessing excellent language skills, professional translators communicate complex ideas between languages and cultures. 

Membership in organizations such as ATA demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to a formal code of ethics. 

Translators come from a variety of different backgrounds, and choosing a translation provider involves considering several factors: 

Language Skills

• Professional translators typically translate into their native language. 
• Translators read and write at an advanced level in their working languages. 
• Effective communication between two cultures is an essential skill for translators. 

Education

• Some translators have degrees or certificates in translation studies. Others have degrees or life experience in other fields. 
• Professional translators typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have earned higher degrees at the master’s or doctoral level. 
• Translators develop and maintain their skills through continuing education. 

Translator Credentials

• ATA certification is available in a number of language pairs. Translators who pass a rigorous exam are classified as ATA-certified translators. 
• Various other entities evaluate translation competency using their own exams. 
• Credentials can be a helpful way of assessing a translator’s skills but are not required for a translator to practice the profession in the United States. 

Specialization

• Some professional translators specialize, while others work as generalists on a wide variety of texts and topics. Documents pertaining to a specific subject area may require a translator to have relevant, specialized knowledge, such as legal, marketing, medical, technical, literary or genealogical expertise. 
• Linguistic knowledge is often paired with other skills, such as localization, transcreation, transcription, subtitling, the ability to read historical script or other unique competencies. 
• Providing any available reference materials to a translator can help ensure content will be translated correctly for the intended target audience. 

Professional Experience

• For more information about a specific translator, review their profile in the ATA’s Language Services Directory or other information they may have published online. 
• A translator’s résumé, website or LinkedIn profile can provide more information about their background and relevant experience. 
• Testimonials or references from previous clients can also be useful in selecting a translation provider. 

Tools and Technology

• Professional translators may use specialized software to create and manage glossaries and translation memories.

• Many translators are familiar with computer-assisted translation, machine translation and artificial intelligence and can advise on the pros and cons of using them when appropriate. 
• Other specialized tools may be used for certain types of translation, including the localization of websites and software, subtitling or other areas of practice. 

Cost of Language Services

• The cost of translation services can vary considerably. 
• Factors that may impact price include the language pair, services requested, complexity, subject matter, deadline and volume of text. 

Additional ATA Resources

The ATA Compass Blog

ATA Media Kit

Press Releases

This is the first 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.

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.