Ever been asked by a translation agency to prove your qualifications for "ISO compliance"? You're not alone. Since 2015, ISO 17100 has become a big deal in the translation world, but it often leaves freelancers scratching their heads.
Think of ISO 17100 as a quality roadmap for translation services. While it sounds technical (and let's be honest, a bit intimidating), it's really about making sure translations meet professional standards.
But here's the thing - there's a lot of confusion about what it actually requires from freelance translators.
Ready to demystify ISO 17100? Let's get started:
What You Actually Need
The standard has three main paths to qualify as a translator:
A translation, linguistics, or language studies degree (or any degree with significant translation training)
A degree in another field + two years of full-time translation experience
Five years of full-time translation experience (no degree needed)
What Companies Can Ask For
Proof of your education and experience
Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
Your professional competencies in translation
What They Can't Demand
Personal ID or passport copies (not in the standard)
Professional liability insurance (not required)
That you find and pay for your own revisers
Signed invoices (unless required by local law)
The Bottom Line
ISO 17100 isn't mandatory - it's a voluntary standard. While many translation companies are certified under it, they can't force you to comply. However, if you want to work on ISO-compliant projects, you'll need to meet these basic requirements.
Remember: if a company asks for something not listed here, don't be afraid to question it. The standard is about quality assurance, not unnecessary paperwork!
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