ISO 17100 is a key translation industry standard, ensuring quality and professionalism. It’s primarily used by translation agencies or translation service providers (TSPs).
While freelancers don’t need certification, aligning with its best practices can enhance credibility, open doors to better projects, and improve workflow efficiency.
If you want to stand out in the competitive translation market, understanding ISO 17100 and implementing its principles can give you a strategic advantage—even without formal certification. Understanding ISO 17100 can help freelance translators improve their workflows, meet client expectations, and access better-paying projects.
In this guide, we’ll break down the standard, explain how it applies to freelancers, and discuss ways to align with its requirements.
What is ISO 17100?
Definition of ISO 17100 and Its Role in the Translation Industry
- ISO 17100 is an internationally recognized standard that defines the requirements for translation services.
- It establishes best practices for translation quality, covering translator qualifications, workflows, and quality assurance.
- The goal is to ensure high-quality translation services that meet client expectations.
How ISO 17100 Differs from Other Quality Standards
- ISO 17100 vs. ISO 9001 – ISO 9001 focuses on general quality management systems, while ISO 17100 is specific to translation services.
- ISO 17100 vs. EN 15038 – ISO 17100 replaced the European EN 15038 standard, adding stricter requirements.
- ISO 17100 vs. ISO 18587 – ISO 18587 applies to post-editing of machine translation, while ISO 17100 covers human translation.
Who ISO 17100 Applies to: Agencies vs. Freelancers
- Designed for translation service providers (TSPs), primarily agencies.
- Freelancers can’t be ISO 17100-certified individually but can comply with its principles.
- Agencies often require freelancers to meet ISO 17100 standards in their work.
Key Requirements of ISO 17100 for Translators
Professional Qualifications
ISO 17100 requires translators to have one of the following:
- A degree in translation
- A degree in another field + two years of translation experience
- Five years of full-time translation experience
Linguistic and Technical Expertise
- Translators must have expert knowledge of both source and target languages.
- Subject matter expertise in specialized fields (medical, legal, technical, etc.) is required.
- Translators should be proficient in CAT tools, glossaries, and quality assurance processes.
Ethical Guidelines and Professional Conduct
- Adherence to confidentiality and data security policies.
- Compliance with ethical standards, avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Professional responsibility for delivering high-quality, accurate translations.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Ongoing learning through training, courses, and industry events.
- Keeping up with new translation technologies, trends, and best practices.
Do Freelance Translators Need ISO 17100 Certification?
Is Certification Mandatory for Freelancers?
- No, freelancers cannot obtain individual ISO 17100 certification—it applies to agencies only.
- However, freelancers can work in compliance with ISO 17100 standards.
How Agencies Use ISO 17100 in Vendor Selection
- Many agencies require freelance translators to meet ISO 17100 requirements for qualifications and workflow.
- Compliance with ISO 17100 can help freelancers secure more high-paying, long-term clients.
Pros of ISO 17100 Compliance for Freelancers
✅ Increased credibility and trust with agencies.
✅ Better job opportunities and higher rates.
✅ More structured and professional workflows.
How to Become ISO 17100-Compliant as a Freelancer
1. Working with ISO 17100-Certified Translation Agencies:
- Identify agencies that require ISO 17100 compliance.
- Follow their project guidelines and quality assurance processes.
2. Implementing ISO 17100-Aligned Workflows:
- Use structured translation, revision, and proofreading processes.
- Maintain clear client communication and project documentation.
3. Keeping Records and Documentation
- Maintain a database of past projects with client feedback.
- Track terminology, glossaries, and reference materials for quality consistency.
Best Practices for Meeting ISO 17100 Quality Requirements
- Perform self-revision and quality checks before delivery.
- Collaborate with proofreaders, editors, and subject matter experts when needed.
Benefits of ISO 17100 for Freelance Translators
- Agencies and clients prefer translators who meet professional standards.
- Many high-end clients work only with ISO 17100-compliant translators.
- Standing out among non-certified translators can increase your job opportunities.
- Following ISO 17100 improves translation accuracy and client satisfaction.
Common Misconceptions About ISO 17100
“ISO 17100 is Only for Agencies”
✅ While agencies get certified, freelancers can still align their work with ISO 17100.
“Certification Guarantees High-Quality Translations”
❌ Certification only ensures process compliance—translator skill still matters.
“Freelancers Must Get Certified to Work with ISO 17100 Agencies”
❌ Agencies look for ISO 17100-compliant translators, not necessarily certified ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISO 17100
ISO 17100 is an international standard that sets requirements for translation service providers (TSPs). It covers areas such as translator qualifications, workflow management, and quality assurance processes.
ISO 17100 primarily applies to translation agencies. However, it also has implications for freelance translators, as many agencies require their freelancers to adhere to its principles.
No, individual freelance translators cannot be ISO 17100 certified. The certification applies to organizations (TSPs).
Aligning with ISO 17100 principles can help freelance translators:
1. Increase their credibility and trust with clients
2. Access better-paying and high-profile projects
3. Gain a competitive advantage in the translation market
4. Improve their workflow and quality assurance processes
While freelancers cannot be certified, they can align with ISO 17100 by:
1. Ensuring they meet the qualification requirements
2. Developing a structured workflow that includes translation, revision, and proofreading
3. Implementing quality assurance processes
4. Keeping records of their qualifications, experience, and CPD activities
No, it is not mandatory. However, many agencies prefer or require their freelance translators to adhere to ISO 17100 principles, especially for high-value projects.
