The Path to Becoming a Certified Translator: A Guide to ATA Certification


For those aiming to establish themselves as professional translators, earning trust is crucial. To secure significant translation assignments, employers need to be confident in their abilities. Certification plays a pivotal role in gaining professional trust, and in here article, we will explore the different avenues available to become a certified translator. By the end, you will have a better understanding of how to obtain translator certification and the importance of commonly desired certifications, including ATA Certified Translation.

How to Become a Certified Translator

Becoming certified as a translator comes in various forms, and the significance of each certification may differ. If you're investing effort into obtaining a certification, it's essential to choose an organization that holds value for your prospective employers and clients. The primary routes to becoming a certified translator include:

General Certification:

  • The American Translators Association (ATA) offers a well-regarded certification.

  • ATA certification allows you to charge higher rates and attract prestigious clients.

Legal Certification:

  • The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators provides certifications for legal translators.

  • These certifications are essential for working on legal cases and in courtrooms.

Medical Certification:

  • The National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters (CMI) offers certifications for medical translators.

  • These certifications are in high demand due to the rapid growth of the medical interpreting and translation field.

How to Get an American Translators Association Certification (ATA):

Obtaining an ATA certification is a major career boost for translators. ATA is a trusted name in the United States and globally, and many prestigious organizations seek this certification when hiring translators. However, it's important to note that the certification process is challenging. The current pass rate for the ATA certification exam is only around 20%. This high standard ensures that those with an ATA certificate possess exceptional translation skills.

Steps to obtaining ATA certification:

  • Verify that your language(s) are supported by ATA.

  • Become an ATA member and adhere to their code of ethics for at least four weeks before taking the certification exam.

  • Pay the required fees for translator certification.

  • Take the ATA certification exam, which consists of a series of tough questions evaluating your language and comprehension skills.

  • The exam lasts three hours and is graded by multiple evaluators. The passing standard is roughly equivalent to a Level 3 on the Interagency Language Roundtable scale.

  • To increase your chances of success, take the ATA practice test to familiarize yourself with the exam format. Since you can only take the test once a year, thorough preparation is essential.

How to Get an Online Translation Certification:

Several universities, such as UC San Diego, offer online courses that provide certificates in translation and interpretation. While these courses can expand your knowledge and skills, it's important to consider the reputation of the university offering the certificate. Additionally, these courses often provide guidance on marketing yourself and finding employment as a translator.

Getting Certified as a Legal Translator:

If you aspire to work in courtrooms, on legal cases, or with law enforcement, you must obtain certification. Each state and federal system has its own certification process for legal translators. To gain insight into each state's language access program, contact points, and testing schedules, refer to the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) FAQ.


Getting Certified as a Medical Translator:

The field of medical interpreting and translation offers abundant job opportunities due to state mandates and a diverse population. The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) requires specific qualifications for certification, including completion of medical interpreting coursework or an approved training course, proof of English proficiency, proof of second language fluency, and successful completion of written and oral exams.

To Summarize:

Becoming a certified translator is an important step toward establishing yourself in the industry. The ATA Certified Translation is highly regarded and can open doors to better opportunities. However, other certifications, such as those in legal and medical translation, are also essential for specialized roles. Consider your career goals and choose the certification that aligns with your aspirations.


If you're ready to take your translation career to the next level, consider exploring the certification options available to you. Research the requirements and benefits of certifications like ATA, legal, or medical translation. Invest in your professional development and gain the trust and recognition you deserve in the translation industry.

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