ATA Certified Translation Services: What They Are and How to Choose the Right Provider

If you're in need of translation services, you want to make sure that you're getting high-quality, accurate translations. One way to ensure this is by using ATA certified translation services. ATA stands for the American Translators Association, and it's a professional association for translators and interpreters in the United States. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about ATA certified translation services, including what they are, how to find them, and their benefits.

Table of Contents

• What are ATA Certified Translation Services?

• Who are ATA Certified Translators?

• Why Choose ATA Certified Translation Services?

• How to Find ATA Certified Translation Services?

• How Much Do ATA Certified Translation Services Cost?

• The ATA Certification Exam

• Tips for Working with ATA Certified Translators

• Frequently Asked Questions about ATA Certified Translation Services

  • What is the difference between ATA certified and non-certified translations?

  • How long does it take to get an ATA certified translation?

  • What languages does ATA certify?

  • Are ATA certified translations accepted by the USCIS?

  • Can I get my own documents ATA certified?

What are ATA Certified Translation Services?

ATA certified translation services are translation services provided by translation companies like Idiomatic USA and translators who have passed the American Translators Association certification exam. The ATA certification exam tests the translator's language proficiency and translation skills in a specific language pair. If the translator passes the exam, they become certified by the ATA and can provide certified translations in that language pair.

Who are ATA Certified Translators?

ATA certified translators are professional translators who have passed the ATA certification exam. They are members of the American Translators Association and adhere to the ATA's Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. ATA certified translators have demonstrated their proficiency in their language pair and their ability to provide high-quality, accurate translations.

Why Choose ATA Certified Translation Services?

There are several benefits to choosing ATA certified translation services, including:

• Accuracy: ATA certified translation companies have demonstrated their proficiency in their language pair and their ability to provide accurate translations.

• Quality: ATA certified translators are professional translators who adhere to the ATA's Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, ensuring high-quality translations.

• Credibility: ATA certification is recognized and respected in the translation industry, providing credibility to the translator and their translations.

• Acceptance: ATA certified translations are accepted by many organizations, including government agencies and academic institutions.

How to Find ATA Certified Translation Services?

To find ATA certified translation services, you can search the ATA's directory or get in touch with Idiomatic USA directly for a free quotation.

How Much Do ATA Certified Translation Services Cost?

The cost of ATA certified translation services can vary depending on several factors, including the language pair, the length and complexity of the document, and the translator's experience and credentials. Generally, ATA certified translation services can range from $0.10 to $0.30 per word, but it's best to get in touch with your translation company for an exact quote.

The ATA Certification Exam

The ATA certification exam is a three-hour exam that tests the translator's language proficiency and translation skills in a specific language pair. The exam consists of three parts: a passage translation, a multiple-choice exam, and a test of the translator's ability to translate idiomatic expressions. To pass the exam, the translator must receive a score of 80% or higher. Idiomatic USA works with ATA-certified translators to provide top results and accuracy.

Tips for Working with ATA Certified Translation Companies

• Provide clear instructions: Provide the translation company with clear instructions for the translation project, including the purpose of the translation and any specific terminology or formatting requirements.

• Provide reference materials: Provide the translation company with any reference materials or glossaries that may be helpful for the translation project.

• Communicate any changes: If there are any changes to the project scope or timeline, be sure to communicate these changes to the translation company in a timely manner.

• Respect the translation company's expertise: Trust their judgment when it comes to linguistic and cultural nuances.

• Provide feedback: After the translation is complete, provide the translation company with feedback on the quality of the translation. This can help the translation company improve their skills and provide better translations in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about ATA Certified Translation Services

What is the difference between ATA certified and non-certified translations?

ATA certified translations are translations provided by translators who have passed the ATA certification exam. Non-certified translations are provided by translators who have not passed the exam or who are not ATA members. ATA certified translations are generally preferred for official documents and for documents that require a high level of accuracy and quality.

How long does it take to get an ATA certified translation?

The turnaround time for an ATA certified translation can vary depending on the length and complexity of the document, as well as the translator's workload. Generally, ATA certified translators can translate around 2,000-2,500 words per day. For urgent projects, some translators may be able to provide expedited services for an additional fee.

What languages does ATA certify?

The ATA currently offers certification exams in over 30 language pairs, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, among others.

Are ATA certified translations accepted by the USCIS?

Yes, ATA certified translations are accepted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas.

Can I get my own documents ATA certified?

No, ATA certification can only be obtained by passing the ATA certification exam. However, you can have your documents translated by an ATA certified translation company and then notarized to provide additional assurance of their accuracy.

ATA certified translation services, such as those provided by Idiomatic USA are a reliable and trustworthy option for those in need of translation services. ATA certified translators have demonstrated their proficiency in their language pair and their ability to provide high-quality, accurate translations. By following the tips for working with ATA certified translation company and choosing a certified translation company for your translation needs, you can ensure that your translations are accurate and of high quality.