The choice of translation agencies is vast. Just Google the term “translation agency” and you’ll get 345,000 hits. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each translation agency has its own unique offering. As a translation services customer, it can be quite challenging to make a choice.

Or is it? As we’ve emphasised, a translation must be 100% accurate in terms of quality. Almost good is simply not good enough when it comes to professional translations. Just imagine if a technical manual gives incomplete instructions or if a legal contract or medical report is incorrect! What’s more, translations often need to be delivered quickly and at a low cost.

To navigate through the myriad of options, KIWA, thankfully, provides a solution. They rigorously and fairly oversee compliance with the ISO certifications that professional translation agencies impose on themselves. The most important ones are the ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 standards. Any reputable translation agency, such as Translation Kings, qualifies for these certificates annually. It may require time and financial investment, but the outcome is worth it. For clients, it is crucial and reassuring to know that their translations are being carried out professionally and under the control of a strong certification.

But what do these ISO certifications actually cover? I’ll spare you the many details, but essentially, the ISO 9001 standard prescribes how translation processes should be done and says nothing about the quality of the translators. In fact, machine translations are also permissible under this standard. It also determines how to handle translations and maintain strict confidentiality, as well as how to handle complaints. It’s basically a basic requirement. However, under this standard, the quality and qualifications of the translator are not scrutinised. On top of that, after the translation, there is only a so-called “revision round”. This means that the text is reviewed again. However, this can be done by the same translator (…as we say in Dutch, “wij van WC Eend”, which is referring to self-promotion) or by anyone without specific educational requirements. Do the maths…

That’s where the ISO 17100 adds an extra layer of quality. This ISO 17100 certification is an international quality standard that requires translators to meet certain requirements and qualifications. They must have completed a translation education programme, possess relevant work experience, and, of course, all be native speakers. Additionally, after the translation, an independent proofreading process takes place, meaning that the translation is rigorously reviewed by another certified and native speaker translator. So, a four-eyes, and serious, approach.

Why am I bothering you with these formalities? In the spirit of “If it’s too good to be true, it usually is”, here’s a warning to be cautious with quotes that offer so-called “Standard” translations. These may appear cheaper, but if you read the fine print, you’ll discover that you’ll have to pay extra (if desired) for ISO 17100 compliance. In other words, it’s a translation that only meets the ISO 9001 standard. As explained above, the absence of ISO 17100 makes a significant difference, and it is certainly not advisable.

These agencies proudly promote themselves as ISO 17100 certified, but their standard product does not align with that claim. And of course, the price is the lure that tempts customers to overlook the quality standard. 

Translation Kings and, fortunately, most reputable translation agencies do not engage in such practices. We consistently adhere to the ISO 9001 and 17100 standards without any detours or hidden clauses. Yet, we still guarantee the lowest price. “Warned is forearmed!”