Improve your existing translation processes and maintain competitiveness
Improve your existing translation processes and maintain competitiveness
ISO 17100:2015 (Translation services — Quality Management System requirements for translation services) is a global standard for the translation industry. It identifies the requirements to establish a quality management system (QMS) for translation service providers (TSP).
The ISO 17100 standard uses a structure of 6 clauses, which roughly grouped together, cover 4 key areas:
ISO 18587:2017 is an international standard that sets guidelines for the post-editing of machine translation output. It outlines the requirements for the process of full, human post-editing to ensure that the quality of the translated content is comparable to that of a human translation.
Key aspects of ISO 18587 include:
This translation quality standard is intended for use by translation service providers (TSPs), their clients, and post-editors to ensure consistent and high-quality translation services.
As an ISO 17100 or ISO 18587- certified translation provider, you deliver accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Your certification ensures precise translations, minimizes delays, and meets the high standards required in sectors like government and law. With a structured feedback process, you prioritize client satisfaction and service excellence.
TÜV SÜD’s auditors hold the necessary national and international accreditations for management system certification and auditing. Our experts have helped numerous companies implement quality management systems and have extensive experience assisting clients across the globe with ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certifications.
Both translation quality standards can be combined and integrated with each other and/or ISO 9001 to increase audit efficiency, reduce costs and give your clients confidence in your services. We will guide you through the entire certification process.
Want to show new and existing clients that you’re committed to providing quality, reliable and professional translation services?
Contact us today to find out how these translation quality standards can help your business grow.
Translation quality is regulated by various international, regional, and industry-specific standards that ensure accuracy, consistency, and professionalism in translation services. Below are the most recognized translation quality standards:
ISO Standards (International Standards Organization)
A. ISO 17100:2015 – Translation Services Requirements
Purpose: Defines the qualifications, processes, and competencies required for professional translation services.
Key Requirements:
Who Uses It? Translation agencies, freelance translators, and corporations requiring professional translation.
B. ISO 18587:2017 – Post-Editing of Machine Translation (MT) Output
Purpose: Defines requirements for human post-editing of machine-translated text.
Key Requirements:
Who Uses It? Companies using AI-based translation tools (e.g., e-commerce, legal, technical fields).
Choosing the Right Standard
ISO 17100 is an international standard that establishes requirements for translation services. It specifies the core processes, resources, and other aspects necessary for delivering quality translation services that meet industry and client expectations.
ISO 18587 is an international standard that defines requirements for post-editing machine-translated (MT) content. It ensures that human post-editors improve machine-generated translations to meet quality standards.
ISO 17100 certification ensures that a Translation Service Provider (TSP) meets internationally recognized standards for quality translation services. Below is a step-by-step guide to achieving certification.
Before applying, translation service providers should familiarize themselves with the ISO 17100:2015 standard, focusing on:
Translator Qualifications – Translators must meet specific educational and professional experience criteria.
Project Management – Assign project managers to oversee translation workflows.
Revision & Review Process – Every translation must be revised by a second qualified linguist.
Client Communication – Ensure transparent agreements on scope, terminology, and confidentiality.
Assess current workflows, personnel, and quality control processes to identify gaps.
Compare current processes with ISO 17100 requirements.
Identify areas where improvements or additional documentation are needed.
Create an action plan to close any gaps before applying for certification.
To comply with ISO 17100, your organization must implement the following:
A. Translator & Linguist Qualifications
Ensure all translators meet one of these criteria:
1️ A recognized translation degree.
2️ A degree in another field + 2 years of translation experience.
3️ Five years of full-time professional translation experience.
B. Translation Workflow & Quality Assurance
Every translation must be revised by a second linguist before final delivery.
Implement optional review (subject-matter expertise) and proofreading (layout & formatting check).
Establish a feedback mechanism to improve service quality.
C. Project Management & Client Communication
Assign a project manager (PM) to oversee each translation job.
Maintain client agreements detailing:
Establish a client feedback & complaint resolution system.
D. Data Security & Confidentiality
Implement secure file handling, storage, and confidentiality measures.
Require translators to sign NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).
Proper documentation is essential for certification. You must prepare:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Define workflows for translation, revision, and project management.
Linguist Qualification Records – Maintain proof of translator education and experience.
Project Logs – Keep records of translation assignments, revisions, and quality checks.
Confidentiality & Data Security Policies – Ensure GDPR compliance if handling sensitive data.
Perform an internal audit to:
Verify compliance with ISO 17100 requirements.
Identify non-conformities and correct them before the external audit.
Ensure all documentation is complete and organized.
The certification body will conduct a two-stage audit:
Stage 1 Audit – Documentation Review
Stage 2 Audit – On-Site or Remote Assessment
If you pass the audit, you will receive an ISO 17100 certificate, valid for three years.
You must undergo regular surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.
Conduct ongoing training for translators and project managers.
Keep records of client feedback and process improvements.
Prepare for re-certification audits every three years.
Benefits of ISO 17100 Certification:
Increases credibility & trust with clients.
Ensures high translation quality & consistency.
Gives a competitive advantage in international markets.
Helps win corporate & government contracts requiring certified translation services.
ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 are both translation industry standards, but they apply to different types of translation processes. Below is a comparison of their key differences:
ISO 17100:2015
Defines requirements for human translation services, ensuring quality through translator qualifications, revision processes, and project management.
ISO 18587:2017
Specifies requirements for post-editing machine translation (MT) output, ensuring that human editors improve machine-generated text for readability and accuracy.
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