How do you choose the best translation certification for your career goals?

Be aware that certification does not exist everywhere for all languages. For example, in the United States, the American Translators Association offers certification for only about 18 languages. This means that if you work from a language like Czech or Burmese, certification is not available to you in the United States.

I believe that obtaining a translator certification is important, but working with language services goes beyond just certification. It is necessary to have a continuous growth and development of the language that you are working on.

Choosing the right translation certification involves aligning with your career aspirations and understanding the industry's needs. Membership in a professional board of translators is crucial, as it not only provides recognition but also assures clients of your adherence to professional standards. In an era where AI plays a significant role in translation, it's essential to remember that machines cannot certify documents or ensure the nuanced quality a professional translator guarantees. A certified translator brings cultural sensitivity, context understanding, and accuracy that AI struggles to match. When selecting a certification, consider one recognised by international organisations, ensuring it enhances your credibility

Je vais être désagréable (une fois de plus) 👇 → les certifications sont une photo d'un instant T → donc juste après la certification, en théorie, ton niveau diminue → toutes les langues ne sont pas certifiables → beaucoup en France trafiquent les certifications Voilà pourquoi quand qqun se pointe avec un TOIEC 990/990, → je commence par rire → puis on parle ensemble 5 min → et en général, le niveau est pas ouf

La certification en traduction joue un rôle clé dans le développement d’une carrière de traducteur, surtout dans des secteurs exigeants comme le juridique ou le financier, où la précision est cruciale et où les clients recherchent des professionnels fiables. Elle apporte à mon sens : - une preuve de différenciation et de compétence - la possibilité d'accéder à des ressources ainsi qu'à un réseau professionnel à haute valeur ajoutée - un gage d'éthique et d'excellence. Pour un traducteur, choisir la bonne certification revient pour moi à investir dans sa propre carrière de façon durable et valorisante pour façonner un profil tourné vers l'excellence et la reconnaissance professionnelle.

It's a good thing to check how hard it is to pass a certification exam. The harder it is the more valuable the certificate is. For instance, at ATA, where I manage the Slavic Languages LinkedIn group, the pass rate is around 20%.

In Australia, we have NAATI certification. When translators ask for career advice, I suggest that they specialise in a specific domain to excel in their work. For example, a NAATI-certified translator with experience in the medical-legal field should focus on providing high-quality services within that sector in Australia. There are various certification options available for translators based on language pairs, domains, and modes. Each option caters to specific regional or global needs, which can enhance translators' proficiency and market reach. Niching down in this AI age gives you a strong advantage over technology that can't offer real-time nuance, live sentiment, or insider sector information that might affect translations.

In Brazil, the most common certifications for translators include: 1. Associação Brasileira de Tradutores e Intérpretes (ABRATES) ABRATES certification is highly respected and recognized throughout Brazil. This certification can enhance a translator’s credibility and professional opportunities. 2. Sindicato Nacional dos Tradutores (SINTRA) Although not a certification body, being a member of SINTRA can be seen as a mark of professionalism, as the organization upholds high standards for translation and interpretation. 3. Diploma de Tradutor (DT) Offered by the Universidade Gama Filho, this diploma is a formal academic credential that provides recognition in the field of translation.

One certification I chose and find valuable is the Technical Translation Exam by Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary. ELTE is an internationally recognized institution, and this state-accredited certification has no expiration date, making it a long-term asset. It's available in any Hungarian–foreign language pair, which is rare and ideal for translators working between less common languages — like I do. Unlike many international certifications, it doesn’t require formal training, as it assesses real-life translation skills. It’s perfect for experienced translators who want to validate their expertise without a lengthy course.

Je vais nuancer ce qui j'ai dit au-dessus ☝️ → la certification c'est souvent de la fraude → mais quand tu n'en as pas, alors tu ne peux pas prétendre quoi que ce soit C'est un peu le piège de ce genre de métier très technique. Il faut avoir les papiers tamponnés, sachant que ces papiers pourraient juste être utilisés pour allumer la cheminée ...

Apart from the exam itself, translator certification costs can involve keeping the organization membership by paying annual fees and taking payable CPD courses. Otherwise, the certificate can become invalid.

When choosing the best translation certification for your career goals, it's also essential to consider the reputation and recognition of the certification within the industry and your region. Research how employers and professional organizations perceive the certification, and if it is widely accepted and respected in your target market. Additionally, look into the support and resources provided by the certifying body, such as access to continuous learning opportunities, professional networks, and job placement assistance. Evaluating the certification's alignment with your long-term career aspirations, and its potential impact on your professional credibility and growth, can provide a comprehensive approach to making an informed decision.

It's a good idea to check if you can take a pre-exam. E.g. The American Translator Association offers a practice test that costs $80 for members and $120 for non-members. It is a good chance to see if you are ready to take the $525 exam.

While translation certifications can be a way to show one's linguistic capabilities, they might not encapsulate the specialized expertise that truly sets a translator apart. It may be beneficial to choose specialization over certification: Specialization in a particular domain, be it legal, medical, or technical translation, amplifies your marketability and aptitude in handling complex translation projects. Specialized expertise often becomes a more compelling indicator of your proficiency to potential clients or employers than a generic certification.

If you plan to take a certification exam, try to talk to people (preferably in your language pair) who are certified. They can give valuable information. Certification bodies sometimes set up special study groups and provide useful tips on their sites.

Ne pense pas qu'en termes de certification. Passes-en mais ne te fie pas qu'à elles. À la place, → crée un porte-folio de tes travaux → fais parler tes clients pour toi → lance toi des challenges → communique