You might have noticed professional translation companies flaunting terms such as “ISO 14000 and ISO 22000 certified” or “Member of the ATC” or boasting about being “recognised for ISO/IEC 27001” certification.
When it comes to translation services, these aren’t just buzzwords – they’re significant indicators of credibility and high-quality standards.
In this article, our team at VVP Law Firm takes a closer look at whether an ISO certification is essential for translation agencies and whether it really sets them apart from those that aren’t certified.
When selecting a translation service that best fits your needs, these are valid questions.
What is ISO?
ISO, or the International Organisation for Standardisation, develops a wide range of standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of products and services across different industries, including translation services.
So, why opt for an ISO-certified translation company? In the translation industry, where accuracy and consistency are paramount, ISO certification is not just a choice, it’s a necessity. Being ISO-certified suggests that the company adheres to a set of international standards designed to ensure they deliver consistency and quality service. It’s a mark of credibility and reliability that often sets them apart from companies without such certification.
In essence, choosing an ISO-certified agency could give you more assurance that your translations will be handled professionally and according to the best industry practices.
ATC (Association of Translation Companies) Certifications
Another critical certification in the translation services industry, especially in the United Kingdom, is the ACT Membership (or ATA in the US). ATC, or Association of Translation Companies, is similar to ISO in many ways, as it guarantees that the translation agency follows strict rules, secure processes and quality assurances. To become an accredited member, the translation provider must undergo rigorous quality checks.
In the UK, we recognise several prominent professional language companies, such as TS24 Certified Translations, Lionbridge or TransPerfect, which managed to obtain ATC accreditation and, as a result, can provide certified and legally recognised translations. If you’re considering translating and certifying your documents, these are some of the best providers to consider.
Understanding ISO Certification in the Translation Industry
An organisation achieves ISO certification by adhering to international standards specific to its sector.
Take translation services, for instance, where ISO 27001:2015 is the relevant standard. Professional translation agencies must operate according to this standard’s guidelines to be considered for certification.
However, securing ISO certification isn’t simply a matter of self-declaration. The process is stringent: the organisation integrates the standard’s required processes and procedures into its operations. Then, ISO assigns an external auditor to evaluate the company’s adherence to these procedures.
During the initial evaluation, the auditor provides a report detailing areas where the business falls short of the standard’s requirements. The auditor also offers guidance on achieving compliance, helping the organisation prepare for an assessment. In this follow-up evaluation, the auditor makes a final check before the ISO decides whether certification is awarded.
What are Essential ISO Certifications for Translation Agencies
Working with a translation agency means you’re granting access to confidential information, whether it’s for legal purposes, healthcare needs, or marketing plans. This is why the agency must hold the proper ISO certifications to manage your information securely.
There are three key ISO certifications that are relevant for translation service providers: ISO 17100:2015, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 27001:2013. Each of these certifications addresses different aspects of a translation agency’s operations, ensuring that they meet international standards for translation quality, service management, and information security.
ISO 17100:2015
This is the fundamental certification for translation agencies, setting out the requirements for the necessary resources and the processes involved in delivering translation services. Agencies meeting this standard are prepared to match your needs and adhere to industry best practices.
However, it’s important to note that this ISO standard doesn’t cover interpreting services.
ISO 9001:2015
While not exclusive to translation services, this certification is crucial as it outlines the criteria for a comprehensive quality management system. This helps ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services.
Key aspects covered include:
- Quality management system requirements involve the planning and interaction of processes.
- The roles and responsibilities of management.
- Proper resource management.
- Procedures for internal audits and preventive measures.
An agency with this certification is expected to maintain a high level of service quality.
ISO 27001:2013
Since translation service providers handle sensitive data, ISO 27001:2013 focuses on information security management. This standard guides companies in safeguarding their data management systems.
Compliance with this standard ensures that a translation agency has robust systems to manage data security risks, adhering to the top information security principles according to international standards.
The principles outlined by ISO 27001:2013, known as the CIA triad, include:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring that only people who are supposed to see the information can access it.
- Information Integrity: Keeping the information accurate and free from tampering.
- Data Availability: Making sure that data is available to authorised users when it’s needed for business operations.
Choosing an ISO-certified translation agency means you’re opting for an agency that delivers translations with accuracy and value and protects your information with the highest security standards.
These certifications indicate that an agency is committed to professional excellence and is trustworthy, an essential consideration when dealing with the global exchange of information.
Choosing an ISO-Certified Translation Service: The Smart Move
In today’s interconnected world, from legal practices to online shopping, accurate translation isn’t a luxury—it’s a must. Every sector, be it legal, financial, medical, or marketing, relies on crystal-clear communication. Speaking your customer’s language, whether day-to-day cooperation or creating the right marketing buzz, is vital.
ISO certification should be on your checklist. Let’s explore why that’s the right decision.
Commitment to Quality
Achieving ISO certification is no small feat. It demands considerable investment and effort. A translation agency that’s earned this certification has proven its dedication to excellence. It’s not just meeting the global standard—it’s raising the bar for service quality. This level of commitment should reassure you about the high standards of ISO-certified agencies.
Securing Your Sensitive Data
The information you entrust to a translation agency is often private and delicate. Whether it’s personal details, medical records, or confidential business information, it is crucial to ensure this data is handled carefully. An ISO-certified agency doesn’t just protect your information—they’re transparent about how they use it, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Assurance and Accountability
Nobody wants a translation mishap that complicates things further. What if your legal translations miss critical details? Or if your marketing message gets lost in translation, causing a stir for all the wrong reasons? An ISO-certified translation provider like Language Reach mitigates these concerns.
ISO’s rigorous evaluation process means these agencies focus on quality. You can rest assured that your translation needs are in the hands of professionals who’ve already been thoroughly checked and approved.
The Takeaway
Always verify a translation service provider’s ISO certification by checking their website. If it’s not visible, don’t hesitate to ask about it when you first contact them.
ISO certification is a badge of quality and security in translation services. It guarantees professional translation work and assures that your sensitive information is well-protected.
