Being ATA Certified is definitely a plus in our industry because it gives you legitimacy, but it’s not a ‘must’.

Q: Is Certification a Pre-Requisite for Work as a Freelance Translator?

Translator certification in the United States is controlled by the American Translators Association, but this is not a requirement for setting up your own freelance business. Being ATA Certified is definitely a plus in our industry because it gives you legitimacy, but it’s not a ‘must’.

Other points to note are that ATA Certification is not offered in language combinations that don’t involve English, and it’s not offered in every language combination.

If you do intend becoming ATA Certified, you’ll be required to meet certain eligibility requirements: besides maintaining your ATA membership this will involve passing the written test and doing Continuing Education. Our advice is that it’s well worth being ATA Certified because it can help you stand above others in popular language combinations, but again, this is a personal decision.

Some of the benefits of being ATA Certified include –

ATA-Certified Translator Seal

The purpose of the ATA Seal is that it provides you with a quick visual identification of your Certification. The Seal includes specific information such as your personal Certification number, your name, and your language combination. Clients can confirm your Certification with a link to an online ATA verification system.

Using the Seal

The Seal comes in the form of a .JPG image, which means that you can use it to prove your Certification in documents related to your translation work. Basically, how you use the Seal is up to you: some have had the Seal created into an embosser while others simply use it as a statement of accuracy.

It Reflects Your Commitment to the Translation Profession

Because ATA Certification is a voluntary credential it shows your commitment to the ethical practices of your profession. This distinction is a great tool for opening doors to new direct clients and thus higher compensation.

Certification Status

Translators who are ATA Certified are able to use the letters CT as a designation of their certification status - and what better way of identifying yourself as a serious and professional translator!

Online Search Results

Clients and colleagues using the ATA’s Interpreters and Translators Directory are able to define their search results to only those members who are ATA Certified – again, this gives you a definite edge over other translators.

Continuing Education for Translators

Continuing Education has become a very important aspect of many industries today, and translation is no different. In fact, it’s become a vital part of every professional’s career. Because there’s a Continuing Education requirement for every Certified translator, clients can be assured that their translator’s knowledge and skills are always up-to-date.

ATA Re-Certification

ATA Certification is not a one-off thing: it’s just one part of a program that ensures translators continue learning and expanding their professional skills and knowledge. ATA Certified translators are able to demonstrate their commitment to their career by Re-Certification through Continuing Education. The requirement for recertification is that, in order to retain ATA Certification, every three years the translator must submit 20 hours of Continuing Education credits.