Translators can’t underestimate the benefits of getting a certification in the industry. It changes the state of things and adds a little bit of respect to their profession. American Translators Association (ATA) certification opens the door to global recognition. Thus, becoming an ATA-certified translator has been the goal of many language professionals.
Potential clients may not understand the fuss behind claiming to be a certified translator. However, results prove they are a step ahead of ordinary translators. But why does certification improve the standard? What does it take to get an ATA certification? Read this blog post to the end to get answers.
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Understanding the Role of a Certified Translator
A certified translator is a person who has gone through the necessary process to gain recognition as a professional translator. Certified translators receive recognition from a government agency or another organization for their translation skills and knowledge. Their skill set involves producing high-quality and accurate translations every time.
However, having experience as a language expert isn’t enough; a translator must have the right qualifications. This involves passing a certification test from a professional body and recognizing the responsibilities of certified translators. They must pass a test in their native and target languages.
In addition, they should be able to translate written documents and spoken words from one language to another. They must also prove their experience translating documents into and out of their native language. Becoming a certified translator allows them to include an official seal in translated documents.
What Is an ATA-Certified Translator?
An ATA-certified translator has a translator qualification from the ATA. If you are wondering what an ATA-certified translator is, it is all about the source of certification. The ATA is a recognized professional translation organization in the United States of America.
It is the most prestigious and accredited for experienced translators. The ATA recognizes professional translators for their expertise and knowledge to deliver high-quality translations. It prioritizes offering qualified evidence for a translator’s proficiency in a particular language combination.
Thus, its certification is a valuable measure of competence for translators in the U.S. Getting an ATA certification is a huge bonus to any translator in the U.S. and other countries. It gives a translator one of the most recognized and respected credentials for translators.
The ATA certification program proves a translator’s competence in translation. It also helps translators to polish their professional skills, delivery, and career advancement.
How To Become an ATA-Certified Translator
Applying for the certification program is the first step to learning how to become an ATA-certified translator. The translator must pass a rigorous three-hour invigilated examination. This exam tests the candidate’s skill as a language professional. It also looks out for major language attributes.
This includes the candidate’s comprehension of the source-language text, writing structure in the target language, and translation techniques. The translator will only get a certification status after passing the exam. Unfortunately, candidates can only take the exam for each language combination once yearly.
But, they may write an exam for a different language pair in the same year. This means the translator can get certifications for different combinations in the same year. So, simultaneously passing different combinations will help enhance your language professional credential.
In addition, you must be a native speaker of a language to apply for the position of a medical interpreter. Studying the language won’t help, but you can still use regular translation services.
How To Become ATA Certified: The Right Steps
The exam is a major stepping stone to becoming an ATA-certified translator. Thus, a lot of preparation goes into it. Candidates who want to understand how to become ATA certified must follow a standard procedure.
The process is complicated, and anyone can miss a few things. But don’t worry; we have outlined the perfect guide for you to follow.
1. Review the Available Languages
The ATA offers globally accepted certifications for translators. Therefore, there are different language combinations offered in the exam. You can get a certification for translating your target language into English and translating from the English language.
The available languages include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Croatian
- Dutch
- Portuguese
- French
- German
- Hungarian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Finnish
- Polish
- Romanian
- Russian
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Ukrainian
It is up to the candidates to choose their desired language pair.
2. Evaluate Your Eligibility
Candidates must be members of the ATA to apply for the exam. They must also pass the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) language proficiency exam. The ACTFL exam involves the target and source languages. More than this, candidates must meet qualification requirements to become certified.
They must meet one of these requirements to be eligible for the exam. Here are the necessary qualification requirements:
- A certification by the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs.
- A bachelor’s degree in translation and interpretation from an institute recommended by the ATA Education and Pedagogy Committee.
- A bachelor’s degree and two years of proven work practice as a translator.
- At least five years of verified work experience as a translator.
3. Understand the Examination
With a current passing rate of less than 20%, the ATA certification requires hard work. The exam contains three passages of 225 to 275 words each. The candidate must translate two of these passages. Although the passages are at a university reading level, you must avoid using specialized terminology requiring evaluation.
In addition, each passage contains translation instructions defining the context in which the translation will be complete.
This includes the text source and translation purpose, medium, and audience. These instructions are similar to real-life client’s expectations to test the translator’s competence.
The ATA will rank the candidate’s syntax and selection of words. It will also determine the completeness and accuracy of the translation. Fortunately, you can take practice quizzes on the ATA website to help you prepare better.
4. Maintain Your Certified Status
After successfully obtaining your certification, you will get an ATA seal. The organization will also register you in the ATA Translation and Interpreting Services Directory. This will help potential clients, companies, and translation services find you.
However, you must complete 20 continuing education points every three years to keep your certification.
How To Find ATA-Certified Translation Services
Finding ATA-certified translation services is easy; there is always one around you. Numerous companies and individuals offer these services to anyone who needs it. You can run a query on search engines to find certified translation agencies near you. You will surely get an extensive list of accredited translators.
Once you do, check additional online resources to ascertain their credibility. It is advisable to focus on their credentials and customer reviews. Alternatively, you can check the ATA directory for translators who have their certification. If none works, you can get quick solutions from online translation companies.
Several reputable companies offer ATA translations at affordable prices. If the quest to find an ATA-certified translator is becoming challenging, Rapid Translate can ease the burden. The company provides high-quality certified translations that ease your communication in any part of the world.
Rapid Translate removes the language barriers and helps you to explore internationally. Whatever your intention for going international may be, we’ve got the key to aid your communication. So, order now and experience the power of smooth communication!
