ATA Certification Exam

Certification by the ATA (American Translators Association; www.atanet.org), while not a prerequisite for getting work as a translator, is a recognized indicator of translator competence and a good credential to have on your résumé.

ATA currently offers certification in 23 language pairs. You must be a member of the ATA and fulfill certain eligibility requirements to take the exam. A complete explanation of the exam, its grading policies, eligibility requirements, and a list of current exam sites and dates are on the ATA website (http://www.atanet.org/certification/index.php). ATA also offers a practice test for the exam. It is helpful to take the practice test before taking the actual exam. You can download the forms for ordering the practice test and signing up for the exam from the ATA website.

NCTA proctors the ATA certification exam once or twice annually in San Francisco, usually in the spring and fall. Exam dates are announced in Translorial and on this website as soon as they are available. Note that you have to register for the exam through ATA.

Upcoming certification exam sittings in California:

• San Francisco - September 26, 2010
   
• San Diego - September 11, 2010

Visit the ATA website for complete information and registration.

Certification Exam Workshop

NCTA also offers an orientation workshop each year to acquaint attendees with the ATA certification program and exam (nature of the passages, skills to be tested, exam grading, taking the examination, planning ahead, tips for candidates etc.). This workshop usually takes place in August or September.

The next Certification Exam Workshop in the San Francisco area: August 21, 2010