These are some of the subjects and requirements covered by ISO 1700
The ISO 17100 standard for translation services
ISO 17100 is an international standard that specifies requirements for all aspects of the translation process directly affecting the quality and delivery of translation services. The standard focuses on key elements such as the qualification of translators, technical resources, and the service delivery process, ensuring the consistent quality of service provided by translation service providers (TSPs).
The standard replaced the previous standard for translation services, EN 15038, in 2015.
The main aspects covered by ISO 17100 include:
Scope
The standard applies to translations services, defining the core processes, resources, and other aspects necessary for the delivery of a quality translation service that meets applicable specifications.
Requirements for Human Resources
ISO 17100 outlines specific qualifications for translators, revisers (who review the translations), and other key personnel involved in the translation process. For instance, translators are required to have professional competences that include translation competence, linguistic and textual competence in the source and target languages, research competence, cultural competence, technical competence, and domain competence.
Professional Competence of translators
ISO 17100 outlines specific qualifications for translators, revisers (who review the translations), and other key personnel involved in the translation process. It outlines the translators’ qualifications, which need to meet at least two out of the following three criteria:
a) a recognised graduate qualification in translation from an institution of higher education;b) a recognised graduate qualification in any other field from an institution of higher education plus two years of full-time professional experience in translating;
c) five years of full-time professional experience in translating.
Professional Competence of revisers
The ISO 17100 standard specifies distinct roles and competences for those involved in the translation process, particularly focusing on revisers and reviewers, to ensure high-quality translation services. Revisers are tasked with comparing the source and target texts to ensure that the translation is faithful and accurate, and to correct any errors or inconsistencies According to the standard revisers need to possess certain professional competences.
Reviewers are involved in the process to evaluate the suitability of the final translation for the agreed purpose, and to recommend corrective measures. Their competences are more focused on the target text and its alignment with the client’s requirements and the target audience’s expectations.
The distinction between revisers and reviewers in the ISO 17100 standard underscores the importance of a multi-layered quality assurance process in translation services, where each role contributes to ensuring that the final product is accurate, appropriate, and meets the client’s needs and expectations.
Translation Process
The standard specifies the steps involved in the translation process, including translation, checking, revision, review, proofreading, and final verification to ensure quality and accuracy.
Client-TSP Relationship
ISO 17100 also specifies requirements for client communication and project management, ensuring that the translation service is tailored to the client’s needs, including handling of queries during the translation project.
Technical Resources
The use of appropriate technology and software is encouraged to support and enhance the translation process.
Quality management system
Although ISO 17100 does not require a specific quality management system, it emphasises the importance of having processes in place to manage quality throughout the translation project.
Confidentiality and Data Security
The standard includes provisions for ensuring the confidentiality and security of information throughout the translation process.
ISO 17100 standard demonstrates to clients that companies adhere to internationally recognised quality standards and helps in ensuring consistency and reliability in the quality of translation services provided.
The ISO 17100 standard for translation services
ISO 17100 is an international standard that specifies requirements for all aspects of the translation process directly affecting the quality and delivery of translation services. The standard focuses on key elements such as the qualification of translators, technical resources, and the service delivery process, ensuring the consistent quality of service provided by translation service providers (TSPs).
The standard replaced the previous standard for translation services, EN 15038, in 2015.
The main aspects covered by ISO 17100 include:
Scope: The standard applies to translations services, defining the core processes, resources, and other aspects necessary for the delivery of a quality translation service that meets applicable specifications.
Requirements for Human Resources: ISO 17100 outlines specific qualifications for translators, revisers (who review the translations), and other key personnel involved in the translation process. For instance, translators are required to have professional competences that include translation competence, linguistic and textual competence in the source and target languages, research competence, cultural competence, technical competence, and domain competence.
Professional Competence of translators: ISO 17100 outlines specific qualifications for translators, revisers (who review the translations), and other key personnel involved in the translation process. It outlines the translators qualifications which needs to meet at least two out of the following three criteria:
a) a recognised graduate qualification in translation from an institution of higher education;
b) a recognised graduate qualification in any other field from an institution of higher education plus two years of full-time professional experience in translating;
c) five years of full-time professional experience in translating.
Professional Competence of revisers:
The ISO 17100 standard specifies distinct roles and competences for those involved in the translation process, particularly focusing on revisers and reviewers, to ensure high-quality translation services. Revisers are tasked with comparing the source and target texts to ensure that the translation is faithful and accurate, and to correct any errors or inconsistencies According to the standard revisers need to possess certain professional competences.
Reviewers are involved in the process to evaluate the suitability of the final translation for the agreed purpose, and to recommend corrective measures. Their competences are more focused on the target text and its alignment with the client’s requirements and the target audience’s expectations.
The distinction between revisers and reviewers in the ISO 17100 standard underscores the importance of a multi-layered quality assurance process in translation services, where each role contributes to ensuring that the final product is accurate, appropriate, and meets the client’s needs and expectations.
Translation Process: The standard specifies the steps involved in the translation process, including translation, checking, revision, review, proofreading, and final verification to ensure quality and accuracy.
Client-TSP Relationship: ISO 17100 also specifies requirements for client communication and project management, ensuring that the translation service is tailored to the client’s needs, including handling of queries during the translation project.
Technical Resources: The use of appropriate technology and software is encouraged to support and enhance the translation process.
Quality Management System: Although ISO 17100 does not require a specific quality management system, it emphasises the importance of having processes in place to manage quality throughout the translation project.
Confidentiality and Data Security: The standard includes provisions for ensuring the confidentiality and security of information throughout the translation process.
ISO 17100 standard demonstrates to clients that companies adhere to internationally recognised quality standards and helps in ensuring consistency and reliability in the quality of translation services provided.