How can I find a translator?
It is difficult to state accurately how many professional translators there are in the UK. The problem is one of definition: there are in-house company translators working both full and part-time. There are freelance translators whose translation work may account for any percentage of their income: they may be full-time, part-time or even 'mini-time', supplementing their income from other employment. At this moment in time there is no single register of recognised professional translators.

Providers of translation services advertise in Yellow Pages and Thomson, as well as professional linguist publications.

The Institute of Linguists (IoL) and the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) will provide lists of members but will decline from offering any guarantee of performance.

How do I know I am engaging a competent translator?
Translators have their own qualifications and professional associations. The best known of these include the Institute of Linguists, Institute of Translation & Interpreting and the Association of Translation Companies (ATC). It should also be apparent when you talk to a translator whether they are organised and systematic in their approach to your requirements. They will probably be proactive and suggest helpful approaches to the task.

Membership of ITI or IoL is normally associated with recognised translating qualifications. As a general principle anyone aspiring to work as a translator would have a minimum of a good honours degree in the language from which they translate. (The above professional bodies might accept on application one of a number of acceptable alternatives judged on individual merit.)

Additionally, it would be normal for the individual to have followed a postgraduate translation course or a course leading to the Institute of Linguists’ Diploma in Translation.

The ITI requires those with qualified member status to have passed a membership test, in addition to having practised for a specified time.

CILT, the National Centre for Languages has developed the National Occupational Standards for Translation. For further information please see our Standards pages.