Professional translation associations



Certified Translator!!

Depending on where you live there is more than likely a professional translator association such as the American Translator's Association (ATA) in America or the Société française des traducteurs (SFT) in France, or the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpretors (IAPTI) which is based in Argentina. Many of these organizations also give certification exams.  Becoming a member is sometimes not cheap but worth it in my opinion.

I found these links that list translator and interpreter associations worldwide and thought it might be helpful:  Hot links for translators  or Foreignword.com.  Membership to any of these associations can prove to be a very resourceful tool for the freeelance translator/interpreter and they often offer a range of services for both clients and members such as advice, training, and basic information.  They also hold seminars and meetings which provide the opportunity to meet others in your field - a great networking experience!

Do you think that agencies feel that it is advantageous to be a "certified" translator?  Personally I think it helps but I don't deem it essential.   The topic of certification is controversial.  I have a degree in French translation but I am not a "certified" translator so to speak.  I have come across clients that want a "certified" translator and then those that do not specify.  Would a "certified" translator get the project before one that was not?  The ATA gives certification exams. I am a member and have even went as far as buying a "practice" exam to assess my translation abilities (they mail it back to you with your mistakes), and to get a feel for the real exam when, and if I decide to take it.  I am still on the fence about this subject but will probably eventually get certified,