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a guide to ATA Certification
Presented by
Jane E. Maier, M.A., C.T.
ATA Grader, SPA-ENG [email protected]
a guide to ATA Certification
What is ATA certification?
One of the translation industry’s most
respected and recognized credentials
Qualified and independent evidence that
the translator possesses professional
competence in a specific language and
professional level translation skills
ATA certification
Benefits
Use of unique certification seal
provides clients with objective
evidence of the translator’s
professional competence
Highlighted listing in the ATA’s
Directory of Translators and
Interpreters
a guide to Certification
A few stats
Approximately 400 certification exams
were given in 2014
1,810 ATA members are currently certified
(out of 10,542 ATA members)
and…
The current pass rate on average is < 20%
ATA certification Examination
Exam Basics
28 language combinations; you can only take
one test (in one direction) at a time
Cost: $300
Arrive 30 minutes early, bring a photo ID
Follow all instructions, including TIs
All candidates start and finish at the same time
ATA certification Examination
Exam Procedures
3 hours for 2 passages (225-275 words each) A passage: general; mandatory
B passage: technical, scientific or medical
C passage: financial, business or legal
Proctored, open book
No sharing of dictionaries or other resources
Keyboarded exams offered at some sittings,
otherwise handwritten
ATA certification Examination
Standard for passing: Level of obvious competence
with some room for growth—roughly equivalent to a
Level 3 on the Interagency Language Roundtable scale
(www.govtilr.org)
Does the translation demonstrate:
(1) Compliance with the specifications of the TIs?
(2) Understanding of the overall content, purpose and
argument of the passage (good comprehension of SL)?
(3) Competent familiarity with translation strategies?
(4) Good writing in the TL?
ATA certification Exam Grading
Exams are sent to two graders: if they agree,
grading is complete; if they disagree, they consult
each other and try to reach a consensus. If they
cannot agree, the exam is sent to a third grader
0-17 error points passes; grading stops at 45 pts
Quality points can be awarded (max. 3)
Pass-fail only; must pass both passages in the
same sitting
ATA certification Exam Grading
Grading tools to maximize objectivity:
Flowchart for Error Point Decisions
Framework for Standardized Error Marking
Passage-Specific & Language-Specific Guidelines
Feedback is only provided on practice exams:
Practice exam fee: $80 / $120 per passage (ATA/non-ATA)
Real “retired” passages from previous years
Feedback shows whether you are ready to take the exam, or
if not, where you need more work
ATA certification Grading Tools
ATA certification Grading Tools
ATA certification Passage
Selection
Passage selection process is FAR from random!
Significant effort goes into choosing exam passages
Challenges at the word, sentence and passage level but
no highly specialized terminology
“Real world” texts, often something we have translated
Each passages includes translation instructions (TIs),
which provide information on the translation’s
purpose, audience and medium
ATA certification
Recertification
Continuing education requirement (ongoing
commitment to professional knowledge and skills):
20 credits over 3 years
Ethics requirement: newly certified translators
must complete 1-hour ethics online course within
the first 3-year period
ATA certification Helpful Hints
Follow the TIs
Read the passages in their entirety before starting
Pace yourself
Don’t “improve” the original
Consider the placement of qualifiers / modifiers
Use standard U.S. spelling
Read through your translation and recast
sentences for appropriate style & flow
Proofread carefully
ATA certification Transfer Meaning
You are not the author
Don’t provide alternate translations
Use TL mechanics, grammar and punctuation
Think about appropriate style and register
You need to be able to write well in the TL
ATA certification Literal vs Free
If you are not faithful to the source you risk
addition or omission errors
Literal translations tend to be stilted and show
errors of style, usage, and/or cohesion
Free translations often introduce meaning or
nuance not present in the ST
Creativity is fine within the constraints of the ST
ATA certification FAQs
Do graders know who I am?
Can I take more than one exam (language) at a
sitting?
Can I break up or combine sentences?
Is British English acceptable?
Will I get my exam back to see the errors?
When will I hear if I passed or failed?
How does the practice test program work?
ATA Certification
American Translators
Association
Contact
phone (703) 683-6100
fax (703) 683-6122
www.atanet.org
ATA is here for you!
