Key Certifications for Localization Vendors

General Standards

ISO 17100: Translation Quality Standard
ISO 17100 is the global standard for translation services, covering core processes like project management, translator qualifications, and quality assurance. Vendors adhering to this certification demonstrate their commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality translations.

ISO 9001: Quality Management
This certification focuses on establishing a robust quality management system. It ensures vendors meet customer and regulatory requirements, fostering reliable and consistent service delivery.

ISO 27001: Data Security
With increasing concerns over data breaches, ISO 27001 addresses information security management. For localization vendors, this certification is essential for handling sensitive client data securely.

Industry-Specific Certifications

ATA Certification
Awarded by the American Translators Association, this certification is a gold standard for professional translators and localization specialists. It assures clients of linguistic and technical expertise.

EN 15038 Certification
The predecessor to ISO 17100, EN 15038 remains relevant for vendors transitioning to the updated standard. It emphasizes quality assurance in translation workflows.

Data Security Certifications

GDPR Compliance
For vendors operating in Europe, certifications supporting GDPR compliance are critical to ensuring data privacy and security.

ISO 27701: Privacy Information Management
This extension of ISO 27001 adds specific privacy controls, making it a valuable asset for vendors handling personal data in multilingual projects.

Buyer Considerations

Vendor Evaluation

Certifications serve as an objective benchmark for evaluating localization vendors. Clients should look for certifications like ISO 17100 or ISO 27001 to ensure quality and security standards are met consistently.

Impact on Quality

Certifications reduce errors and streamline workflows, providing a structured approach to project execution. By choosing certified vendors, clients gain access to tested methodologies and transparent processes, building trust in long-term collaborations.

Industry Relevance and Benefits

Benefits of Certification

• Enhanced Trust: Certifications signal reliability and professionalism to clients.
• Competitive Advantage: Certified vendors are better positioned to win contracts, especially in regulated industries.
• Operational Efficiency: Standards like ISO 9001 help vendors optimize workflows, ensuring consistent project delivery.

Standards for Special Markets

Certifications tailored to specific industries, such as VFX or subtitling for entertainment, provide vendors with niche expertise, helping them cater to specialized client needs effectively.

Global and Regional Certification Standards

Europe: GDPR and Localization Standards

In Europe, certifications ensuring GDPR compliance are vital for handling user data securely. ISO 17100 and ISO 27001 also play a pivotal role in meeting regional requirements.

U.S.: Quality and Compliance

The U.S. market prioritizes ISO 9001 and ATA Certification. Localization vendors need these credentials to meet regulatory and client-specific demands.

Asia: Emerging Market Standards

Asia’s localization vendors are increasingly adopting international standards like ISO 17100 to tap into global markets, especially in gaming and media localization.