ISO 17100:2015
Translation Services Management
Introduction
ISO 17100:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for Translation Services Management.
It defines the requirements for delivering high-quality translation services, ensuring that language service providers (LSPs) maintain professional standards in project management, translator qualifications, quality control, and client communication.
The standard applies to translation agencies, freelance translators, and organisations providing multilingual content. Certification to ISO 17100 demonstrates a commitment to accuracy, linguistic excellence, and professional service delivery, making it an essential credential for businesses operating in international markets.
The standard applies to translation agencies, freelance translators, and organisations providing multilingual content. Certification to ISO 17100 demonstrates a commitment to accuracy, linguistic excellence, and professional service delivery, making it an essential credential for businesses operating in international markets.
Why ISO 17100 Matters?
The demand for high-quality translation services is growing, with businesses expanding globally and requiring precise, culturally adapted content. ISO 17100 helps translation service providers in several ways:
Enhanced Quality and Consistency
The standard establishes a structured approach to translation, requiring qualified professionals, systematic workflows, and thorough quality assurance procedures. This ensures that every translation meets industry best practices and client expectations.
Stronger Client Confidence
Businesses working with certified translation providers gain assurance that translations will be handled by skilled linguists following international quality standards. This builds trust and strengthens long-term client relationships.
Efficient Project Management
The standard requires a structured approach to managing translation projects, including workflow management, use of appropriate translation technologies, and effective communication between clients, project managers, and linguists.
Compliance with
International Requirements
Many industries, including legal, medical, and technical fields, require precise and certified translations. ISO 17100 certification ensures compliance with regulations governing multilingual content in sensitive sectors.
Competitive Advantage
and Market Access
ISO 17100 certification enhances a company's credibility and provides an edge in bidding for international contracts, government projects, and corporate translation agreements. Many organisations prefer or mandate working with certified language service providers.
Integration with
Other ISO Standards
Businesses already certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management) or ISO 27001 (Information Security) can integrate ISO 17100 to strengthen their overall service quality and data protection measures.
Key Requirements of ISO 17100
ISO 17100 sets requirements for every aspect of professional translation services, ensuring linguistic accuracy, cultural adaptation, and effective project management. The core requirements include:
-
Translator Qualifications
All translators must meet at least one of the following criteria: a recognised degree in translation, linguistics, or a related field; a recognised degree in another subject plus two years of full-time translation experience; five years of verified professional translation experience. -
Project Management
Certified translation service providers must have a qualified project manager overseeing translation projects to ensure smooth coordination, compliance with client requirements, and timely delivery. -
Revision and Quality Control
The standard requires all translations to undergo a bilingual revision by a second qualified linguist. Additional quality assurance steps, such as proofreading, terminology verification, and final formatting checks, ensure linguistic precision. -
Use of Translation Technology
ISO 17100 recognises the use of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, terminology databases, and translation memory systems to improve efficiency and maintain consistency across multilingual projects. -
Client Communication and Service Agreements
LSPs must clearly define project scopes, deadlines, costs, and deliverables in agreements with clients, ensuring transparent service terms and expectations. -
Confidentiality and Data Protection
The standard requires service providers to implement measures for protecting client confidentiality, intellectual property, and sensitive information.
Who Needs ISO 17100?
ISO 17100 is relevant to any organisation involved in translation services, including:
-
Translation Agencies and Language Service Providers (LSPs)
Ensuring consistent quality, professional linguist qualifications, and efficient project management. -
Multinational Corporations and Marketing Firms
Localising business content, product documentation, and marketing materials for global markets. -
Freelance Translators
Demonstrating expertise and commitment to international translation standards, improving credibility with clients. -
Legal and Financial Institutions
Handling contracts, agreements, and compliance documents that must be accurately translated. -
Government and Public Sector Organisations
Requiring certified translations for legal, immigration, and diplomatic purposes. -
Medical and Pharmaceutical Companies
Ensuring high-precision translations of medical documents, clinical trial reports, and regulatory submissions.
Certification Process
1
Initial Assessment and Gap Analysis
The translation service provider assesses its current practices against ISO 17100 requirements. A gap analysis helps identify areas that need improvement before certification.
2
Development of Policies
The organisation establishes documented workflows covering translator qualifications, project management, quality control, revision processes, and client communication.
3
Implementation and Training
Employees and translators are trained on the requirements of ISO 17100, including adherence to best practices in terminology management, translation review, and data security.
4
Internal Audit
Before certification, the organisation conducts an internal audit to evaluate compliance with ISO 17100. Management reviews audit findings, identifies corrective actions, and ensures readiness for the certification audit.
5
Certification Audit
An certification body conducts a two-stage audit. In Stage 1, auditors review documentation and workflows to verify compliance. In Stage 2, they assess implementation, including translator qualifications, revision processes, and client management. If all requirements are met, the organisation is awarded ISO 17100 certification.
6
Ongoing Compliance and Recertification
After certification, annual surveillance audits ensure continued adherence to the standard. Every three years, a full recertification audit is required to maintain ISO 17100 status.