Translation Services Quality
Free guide to ISO 17100:2015 - requirements for translation service providers covering processes, resources, and quality management.
- Translation Processes
- Competence Requirements
- Revision & Proofreading
- Project Management
- Client Communication
Free access - just sign in
ReadSafety.com is completely free. Create a free account or sign in to unlock all ISO standard guides, the interactive Periodic Table, and the knowledge blog.
About ISO 17100:2015 - Translation Services Quality
ISO 17100:2015 is the international standard for translation services, specifying requirements for all aspects of the translation process that directly affect the quality and delivery of translation services. It applies to translation service providers (TSPs) of all sizes and covers both human translation and the human post-editing of machine translation output.
The standard defines the core translation process as comprising translation, checking, revision, proofreading, and final verification. Clause 5 covers the pre-production process, including the agreement between the TSP and the client on project specifications, source content requirements, and target content requirements. Clause 6 covers the production process in detail, specifying the competence requirements for translators, revisers, and proofreaders. Clause 7 covers post-production processes including final verification and delivery.
A key requirement of ISO 17100 is that all translation must be revised by a second qualified translator - the reviser - who checks the translation against the source text for accuracy, terminology, style, and adherence to client specifications. This mandatory revision step distinguishes ISO 17100-compliant translation from single-translator workflows.
Competence requirements for translators under ISO 17100 include: a recognized translation qualification, or a degree in any subject plus two years of professional translation experience, or five years of professional translation experience. Translators must also demonstrate subject-matter competence, linguistic competence in both source and target languages, research competence, and cultural competence.
ISO 17100 is used alongside ISO 18587 (post-editing of machine translation), ISO 20771 (legal translation), ISO 11669 (translation project framework), and ISO 13611 (interpreting general principles) to form a comprehensive quality framework for language service providers.
Source: ReadSafety.com - Free ISO Educational Resource by USQC · readsafety.com/iso/17100