ISO 17100:2015 - Translation services

What is ISO 17100?

ISO 17100 outlines the necessary requirements for delivering a quality translation service that meets applicable specifications.

In addition, ISO 17100:2015 also covers the means by which a translation service provider can demonstrate conformity of specified translation services and the capability of its processes.

Please note: The use of raw output from machine translation plus post-editing is outside the scope of ISO 17100:2015. Additionally, ISO 17100:2015 does not apply to interpreting services.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

Who requires an ISO 17100 certification?

ISO 17100 certification is primarily required by translation service providers (TSPs), and sets the international standard for the quality of translation services. The standard outlines the necessary processes and qualifications needed to deliver high-quality translations to clients

Any company that offers translation services and wants to demonstrate a commitment to industry best practices should consider pursuing this certification.

 

How can ISO 17100 benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 17100 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

 

• Ensuring high quality services


• Increasing customer confidence


• Demonstrating commitment to quality


• Providing a certified translation service


• Gaining access to a wider market

How can you prepare for an ISO 17100 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

• Familiarise yourself with the ISO 17100 standard


• Conduct a gap analysis to identify necessary improvements


• Provide training to staff to ensure company wide compliance with the ISO 17100 standard


• Ensure the competency of your translators meeting the compliance requirements of ISO 17100


• Carry out an internal audit to highlight any improvements


• Implement quality control measures by implementing a Quality control system

What are the key requirements ISO 17100?

When working towards becoming certified for ISO 17100, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Translator qualifications


• Project management


• Cultural awareness


• Terminology management


• Language pair expertise

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 17100?

Clause 1-2 – Introductory clauses:

The first two clauses of the standard serve as an introduction to the purpose of the ISO 17100 standard, and highlight its applicability to relevant organisations. In addition, clause 2 explores the concepts, terms and conditions that are used throughout the standard. Knowledge of these terms is crucial to understanding the scope and requirements of the standard.

Clause 3 – Resources

Clause 3 explores each of the types of resource that are required to provide the highest standard of translation services. Subclauses in this section include; human resources, competences, qualifications and technological resources.

Clause 4 – Pre-production processes and activities

Clause 4 focuses on the preparation processes that must occur before the production of a project takes place. This sections also covers, Client-TSP agreements, handling of client information, project preparation and administrative activities.

Clause 5 – Production processes

Clause 5 enforces requirements on the processes involved in carrying out a project to ensure that the TSP is compliant with the client-TSP agreement from start to finish. To do this, the requirements focus on project management, and the translation processes such as translating, checking and proofreading.

Clause 6 – Post-production services

In the final and shortest section of the standard, clause 6 covers the processes that take place after the production. Primarily, this includes feedback and any closing administration that is required.

How long will your ISO 17100 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 17100 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.  

Ready to get started? Apply using the quotation link below.