Why Should I Choose an ISO-Certified Translation Agency?

Does ISO certification mean better translation quality?

It feels like ISO certifications are a dime a dozen, so what exactly does it mean when a language service provider states that they are certified to ISO 17100 or ISO 9001? A certified translation agency actively implements continual improvement processes and conducts thorough quality assurance with full end-to-end traceability. It also undergoes regular independent audits to ensure that its ISO certification is a true commitment and not merely a marketing ploy. In this blog post, I will explain exactly how attaining ISO recognition translates into concrete quality benefits for you.

What quality assurance standards are relevant to the translation industry?

• EN 15038
• ISO 17100
• ISO 9001

EN 15038 – Genesis

The first European standard relevant to translation services was the EN 15038 quality standard, introduced in 2006. It defined certain requirements such as linguist qualifications, IT resources, and contractual aspects of the client–LSP relationship. Eurocom was, of course, also EN 15038-certified.

ISO 17100 – the gold standard

EN 15038 was superseded in 2015 by ISO 17100, which is valid worldwide. It sets out the requirements for translation services, including:

• Core processes
• Selection of suitable linguists (both within the agency and among external translators) based on education, qualifications, and experience
• Dual-review (four-eyes) principle (translation and revision as separate process steps)

Defining the minimum requirements for these areas ensures the quality of both the processes and the final translated content.

ISO 9001 – quality management systems

ISO 9001 is arguably the best-known and most widely recognized international standard in the field of quality management. It is not sector-specific but instead sets out the general requirements for effective quality management systems in any industry.

Some of the areas covered by ISO 9001 include:

• A company’s own quality policy
• Risk management
• Incorporating customer feedback and complaints into the continual improvement process
• Measuring vendor performance

The perfect blend for added value

When used in combination, these two standards ensure that you receive exactly the service that meets your professional translation needs.

While ISO 17100 defines the core processes in the translation industry and establishes certain minimum requirements for the parties involved, ISO 9001 ensures that all feedback is taken seriously, addressed, and that improvements are implemented. In addition, product and vendor quality are continuously monitored and improved.

Choose ISO for peace of mind

So why should you choose a certified translation service provider?

• The agency adheres to established minimum standards, thereby ensuring a certain level of quality in its processes and final products.
• Processes and services become comparable; in other words, if you have to choose between several agencies, you can “check off” processes and focus on other aspects of the collaboration.
• By stipulating ISO certification in your calls for tenders, you can be confident that participating language service providers will deliver a high standard of quality.
• And perhaps the most important point: compliance with the standards is verified annually through independent audits!

Buyer beware

A translation agency that claims only to “follow” or has “processes based on” the requirements of a standard is not officially certified. Only those who undergo regular audits by an official body may claim to be certified in accordance with the standard. If in doubt, ask to see the certificate!

Eurocom is your partner with ISO 17100 and 9001 certification in Austria

Would you also like to enjoy all the benefits of Eurocom’s services, including certified quality assurance?

After all,

“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.”

Aristotle