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In the world of translation, there isn’t room for error. You want to ensure that you are providing or receiving accurate, consistent, and quality work. This is what makes ISO 17100 translation qualifications so vital to both translators and those they work for.

ISO 17100 provides requirements for core aspects and processes of translation to ensure robust quality standards. Utilizing it helps organizations show that they are following industry protocols and providing high-quality translations.

Why the ISO 17100 Translation Standard Exists

The current ISO 17100 translation standard was first published in 2015 by the International Organization of Standardization, and standards are reviewed every five years to ensure they are still applicable to the field. Within ISO 17100, you’ll find information on:

• Resources – The standard lists the best practices for managing or using resources. It also breaks down the responsibilities or requirements for translators, revisers, and their managers.
   
• Pre-production processes and activities – This section focuses on the actions a translator and client should take prior to translation. It highlights the guidelines for handling inquiries, providing quotes, signing agreements, and more.
• Production process – This section of ISO 17100 defines the process of translation itself and what the workflow looks like. For each project, it requires an initial translation, a revision, and a final verification before delivery. It also lists the review and proofreading steps.
• Post-production processes – Lastly, this portion lays out the feedback and correction processes, which ultimately ensures that clients are satisfied with the final product.

These standards exist so that organizations can streamline their processes and provide value to anyone working with them.

ISO 17100 Requirements

Obtaining ISO certification may take some effort and money, but the end result of improving an organization’s processes and credibility makes it well worth it. To ensure quality results, a translation company that is certified has to follow these ISO 17100 requirements:

• Adherence to obligations toward clients and vendors
• Securing confidentiality of any information
• Utilization of appropriate resources, both technological and technical
• Cooperation with qualified and competent linguists
• Management of the translation process in accordance with everything mentioned in the ISO 17100 standard 
• Conducting regular surveys of customer satisfaction

In addition to following these guidelines, quality is also met by way of qualified translators and revisers. Translators, as well as revisers, must have the correct skills and knowledge in order to complete their tasks. This is why they must meet at least one of the following ISO 17100 translation qualifications:

• A recognized graduate qualification in translation from an institution of higher education
   
• Five years of full-time professional experience in translating
   
• A recognized graduate qualification in any other field from an institution of higher education plus two years of full-time professional experience in translating

While following this may not sound easy, it’s beneficial to the company and the client receiving the service. This certification is a true indicator to any outside source that you’re reliable and can provide the quality services they are in search of.

Get Started by Receiving Your Degree from Kent State

To become a recognized graduate and be on your way to meeting the ISO 17100 translation qualifications listed above, you can begin your journey at Kent State. With one of the oldest and largest translation programs in the United States, we strive to help our students explore a language that they are passionate about, such as French, German, Arabic, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

We offer both an online and onsite option for our M.A. in Translation program, so regardless of your schedule, you can reach your goals. Some benefits of choosing Kent State include:

• Small class sizes that allow for greater student-faculty interactions
   
• Extensive course offerings that help introduce students to a variety of career opportunities
   
• A faculty consisting of internationally recognized scholars in the field of translation studies and award-winning, practicing translators
   
• Opportunities to build language proficiency through extracurricular activities and elective coursework
   
• Upon graduation, Kent State students become a part of an extensive and supportive alumni network

You can also check out our admissions page for more program specifics. 

Contact Us Today

Whether you are considering entering the translation field or you have experience and want to further your education to meet the ISO 17100 translation standard, be sure to reach out to us today.