A Translator’s New Year’s Resolution
I’m not usually someone who makes many resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Much less a person who enjoys announcing it to the world… but in this January news post, I’ve chosen to share one goal I’ve set for this new year with you, dear network and clients.
Without further ado: I have decided to take the American Translator’s Association French to English Certification Exam.
The American Translator’s Association Certification Program
The ATA certification program is open to translators who are members of the professional organization, who would like to have their ability evaluated and try for one of the industry’s most respected and recognized credentials, a mark of quality to stand out from the pack in an unregulated market like translation and interpreting.
The exam involves translating two out of three texts during a three-hour proctored, open book test, and in my case, from French to English. Standards for passing are on par with the Level 3 Interagency Language Roundtable scale, and grading is done on a pass/fail basis only.
Following the exam, newly-credentialled members can use the CT designation (for Certified Translator) in their promotional materials and an ATA-issued seal on their work as required.
Why get certified?
When I finished my translation degree program in 2010, the profession was still relatively select, at least in the US. Since then, the uberization and crowdsourcing practices we’ve observed are alarming for me. It’s important for me to be recognized as a quality service-provider but in addition to the personal satisfaction of reaching this milestone, I’ve also identified benefits for the people I work for and with—company clients, language service providers and private individuals. To give just a few examples, these could include:
increased customer peace of mind for their certified official document translations,
an edge on proposals for when language service providers I work with are bidding for work with US government agencies, and
an agreed-upon standard for American style.
Accountability and Progress
While announcing it makes it that much scarier of a prospect, it also makes my goal real. To a certain extent, involving my readers is like making a pact of accountability. I’ve committed to keeping you posted on progress and apprised of my results.
As “luck” would have it, the French Language Division of the ATA has just begun a study group to help members get used to exam format, give them practice on similar texts as well as the opportunity to provide feedback to peers with a view to helping one another prepare. Each month we tackle a new text, exchange files and work together to discuss our approach to the text and better understand the grading standards.
Whether I pass in 2021, I will be proud to have crossed the hurdle and joined the ranks of colleagues shooting for this milestone at some point in their careers. And in the words of William Edward Hickson, if I am not successful on this first try, I could always “try, try again”.
My goal will also ensure that I keep heading in the direction that I would like to take my business, always striving for excellence. Since there is a professional development component that certified translators must complete in order to maintain their CT-designation, it can be a way for me to demonstrate my commitment to continuing education and professional development.
Boston-bound?
Stay tuned, then, for news about practicing for the exam and when I’ll actually take it. As the first published sitting in 2021 is scheduled in Massachusetts, I may soon be Boston bound!
What about you?
Have you made any career-related New Year’s Resolutions for 2021 that you’d like to share?
If you’ve made a resolution on improving your English language skills or calling upon an external resource for your company’s communications materials in 2021, use the button below to get in touch. I’d love to hear about it!
