---
title: "FAQ"
url: https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/faq/
date: 2026-02-12
modified: 2026-10-14
lang: en
author: "James Otte"
description: "FAQ Frequently Asked Questions"
word_count: 8
---

# FAQ

# FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

#### Do Language Certifications Expire?

Our Individual (Profesional, Student) memberships have No-Expiration Language Certification Proficiency and Interpretation add-ons from the Members Store. Once a language is known, mastered, it is knowledge, like a degree, that remains with a person.

For Translation Agencies, Institutions, AI Systems, language proficiency and interpretation certifications are renewed every year.

#### Do you certify AI Systems?

Although we are an association of Human translators, we also offer a certification program for AI Systems. USATA Certification for AI Systems passing a 80%+ Benchmark, for AI System Language Proficiency and Interpretation, can be ordered from the Members Store for AI Systems members.

#### Do you offer ISO 17100:2015 Certification?

## YES!

## First, What is the ISO 17100:2015 standard?

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Iso_300.png)

### Quick Answer: the ISO 17100 is an International (European flair) standard for translation agencies, LSPs and TSPs to follow so they can all use similar approved professional procedures to guarantee a certain level of quality by all entities certified to such standards.

## The U.S.A. Translators Association (the U.S. A.T.A.), is the Only U.S.A. authorized certifying organization for the ISO 17100:2015 standard.

## The U.S. A.T.A. offers a ISO certification program module for corporate U.S. A.T.A. members (available to individuals through a corporate sponsor).

### ISO 17100:2015 Certification Module:ISO 17100:2015 Original Spec.Implementation GuideU.S. A.T.A. confirmation audit (virtual)Final U.S. A.T.A. ISO 17100:2015 Certificate, with qualification annotated on U.S. A.T.A. Member public profile.

## To get your LSP or TSP ISO 17100 Certified, Here are the easy as 1-2-3 steps:

## 1. Join the U.S. A.T.A. as a Corporate, Institution or NGO member

[Join Here!](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/)

## 2. From the member store, you can access as a U.S. A.T.A. Member, purchase the ISO 17100 certification module.

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ISO17100Certificate_StoreAd-300x232.jpg)

## 3. Follow the Module instructions for implementation, for successful completion and ISO 17100 Certificate.

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ISO-17100-Implementation-Guide-V2-20205-300x212.jpeg)

# That’s it! Get Going, Get ISO 17100 Certified Today!

## Read More in our ISO 17100 Article here

#### Does a Translation Agency need a License to Operate, Conduct Business?

### Answer: Well, Yes and No….

### Many industries have non-regulated licensing. Companies can still show profesional qualifications through a license, though not legally required.

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bowlHaircut.webp)

### Some examples are cutting hair, car mechanics. A person or small company can do it themselves in most states without any type of license or permit required, in their home or backyard.

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/hobby-senior-man-old-person-fixing-car-engine-outdoors_63762-1429-300x125.jpg)

### Although, if you want to reach a bigger market though, make a business of it, get more clients, becoming a Licensed hair stylist or auto mechanic draws in bigger crowds, and income! An optional license (for most levels) or certification adds value to your talent or profession. This makes the license a valuable tool, almost as much as a good wrench or pair of scissors!

## The U.S. A.T.A., a U.S.A. based and Government Registered Association of Translators and Linguists, offers licensing to qualified LSPs. Demonstrate your qualifications and profesionalism with a LSP License.

![Translation Agency License Certification](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ISO-17100-Implementation-Guide-V2-20204.jpeg)

## First, join the U.S. A.T.A. as a LSP or Company. Then, corporate members, have access to the U.S. A.T.A. licensure suite. A LSP license entails demonstrating solid business credentials, as well as corresponding E&O insurance.

## After you are sucessfully licensed, your LSP or translation agency will have the LSP Licensure qualification added to your corporate profile. Then, your customers can see your qualification when searching for your U.S. A.T.A. member profile. As a result, they will confide in you more as a licensed LSP!

## To get your LSP Licensed, Here are the easy as 1-2-3 steps:

## 1. First, Join the U.S. A.T.A. as a Corporate, Institution or NGO member.

## Join Today!

## 2. Next, from the Member Store, you can access as a U.S. A.T.A. Member, purchase the LSP Licensure Suite (currently a Great Deal at just $95/year!).

## 3. Then, follow the Suite instructions for demonstrating compliance. Subsequently, your License status will be publicly displayed in your U.S. A.T.A. profile, for customers to view.

![LSP License from the U.S. A.T.A.](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LSPLicense_StoreAd-300x232.jpg)

## That’s it!Get Going, Get Licensed Today!

## Read more in our LSP License article!

#### Does the 1-Year membership last a full year, or only until the end-of-year?

USATA Membersip lasts a Full Year (365/366 days) from date of purchase.

Renewal is not automatic: you will receive a renewal email reminder before expiration, to be renewed at current rates.

#### How can I verify a U.S. A.T.A. certification?

A U.S. A.T.A. certified document by a U.S. A.T.A. member, will usually have their U.S. A.T.A. Membership ID noted. Verification using the ID, or by Company/Agency/LSP name entered into a corresponding search field can be consulted here: [https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/member-verification-usata](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/member-verification-usata/)

#### How do I become a Certified Interpreter?

Become a Certified Interpreter, Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI). Get Certified as an Interpreter

![Interpreters](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CMI5-300x200.webp)

### You want to become a Certified Interpreter? What do you need to do?

First, if you need to be certified as an interpreter in a foreign language for an employer, or for a specific job, you need to check their exact certification requirements.

Court Interpreters: You get certified directly from your state’s legal system. Accordingly, search for your [state court system and for court interpreters](https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/language-access-programs-state), usually courses, exams and so forth are detailed. Other interpretation certifications are optional.

Medical Interpreters (CMI) usually need certification to work in public or private hospitals, medical facilities. Thus, certification requirements vary from place to place. Ask your employer what interpretation certifying organizations they accept, and go after those.

![U.S.A. Translators Association Logo](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/logo_512_512-300x300.png)

### Join an Accredited Association

For Medical Interpreters needing certification from an accredited national organization, or for all other interpreters needing credentials to get in the door, I can personally recommend getting certified by the U.S.A. Translators Association (the U.S. A.T.A.). They are a growing Association of Translators by Translators. Initially they were known in the last century as the American Translators Society (ATS). Unlike many other translation organizations, they are not full of bureaucracy and exorbitant fees. The U.S. A.T.A. focus is on actual translation and interpretation. They even have a U.S. A.T.A. Division: the [U.S A.T.A. National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (USATA-NBCMI)](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/certified-medical-interpretation-cmi/) devoted entirely to this area. This means membership affordability for real interpreters who actually interpret for a living.

You can [join up for a year](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/) (365 /366 days, a full year, not just till the end of year!). You get listed in their [nationwide directory as a linguist](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/member-verification-usata/) after joining. 

### Get Certified in a Language Pair

Display your fluency in your language pair(s) publicly. There are individual interpreter fluency certification packages and a specialized Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) package that can then be purchased. Just $95 a pair for interpretation certification, $195 for specialized CMI certification, at time of writing (much less than other certifiers!). When you purchase a new certification, an oral exam (online) is scheduled. Alternatively, submit an example of your interpretation skills, with a medical context. A previous translation or interpretation is acceptable, can be an audio file. After reviewed and approved is a Pass. If you already hold certification from some other association, the U.S. A.T.A. allows for certification transfer to their database and directory. This is also less than new certification, $45 for interpreters or $95 for CMI transfers. What I really like is that it is just a 1-time process/fee. After you know a language, you don’t usually forget it! You just need to renew membership to keep the listing publicly available. There are no new testing or other fees required once your language pair proficiency is certified.

![Medical Interpreter CMI](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cmi4-300x300.webp)

### In summary, to get Certified as an Interpreter

**First step:** [Join the U.S.A. Translators Association](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/) (the U.S. A.T.A.). Individual Linguist if you are a personal translator, and the association meets your employer’s requirements.

**Second:** Choose a language pair for interpretation or CMI specialized certification: new or transfer if already certified, from the Member Store you get access to after a member.

**Third:** Once your language proficiency is accepted/approved or transferred, you get your name in lights: the Membership Directory, with a Membership ID you can use to show employers or medical facilities your skills, that your clients can independently verify and be confident in. Certified Medical Interpreters also receive a virtual badge, that can also be printed out and used for identifying their hospital or medical facility role.

[Check out our article on this also.](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/how-to-get-certified-as-an-interpreter/)

#### How do I become a Certified Translator?

You want to become a Certified Translator? What do you need to do?

Certified Translators work with written text. You need to be certified in at least one language pair. A pair, such as Spanish<>English, that you translate from and into, dependent upon the specific project at hand. For most immigration and other government processes, one of the pairs needs to include English. If you have English as one of the languages in your language proficiency pairs, you can proceed with confidence that your translation will meet government quality standards. These standards include understandability, and the requirement to be completed by a human (not AI). Listing your credentials in such matters is invaluable. They demonstrate your proficiency as a professional translator. Credentials from an accepted authoritative certifying organization for such matters, demonstrates your skills.

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/maskable-icon-192-300x300.png)

### Join an Accredited Association

As an individual member, I can personally recommend getting certified by the U.S.A. Translators Association (the U.S. A.T.A.). They are a growing Association of Translators by Translators. Initially they were known in the last century as the American Translators Society (ATS). Unlike many other translation organizations, they are not  full of bureaucracy and exorbitant fees. The U.S. A.T.A. focus is on actual translation. This means membership affordability for real translators who actually translate for a living. You can [join up for a year](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/) (365 /366 days, a full year, not just till the end of year!). You get listed in their [nationwide directory as a linguist](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/member-verification-usata/) after joining. 

### Get Certified in a Language Pair

Display your proficiency in your language pair(s) publicly. There are individual language proficiency certification packages that can then be purchased. Just $95 a pair at time of writing (much less than others!). When you purchase a new certification, a written exam (online) is scheduled. Alternatively,  you can submit an example of your translation. A previous translation is acceptable, preferably side-by-side. After reviewed and approved  is a Pass. If you already hold certification from some other association, the U.S. A.T.A. allows for certification transfer to their database and directory. This is also less than new certification,  $45. What I really like is that it is just a 1-time process/fee. After you know a language you don’t usually forget it! You just need to renew membership to keep the listing publicly available. There are no new testing or other fees required once your language pair proficiency is certified.

![](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/OIP-3-300x225.jpg)

I have found that the U.S. A.T.A. certification is generally accepted by any [government agency](https://www.uscis.gov/) requiring a certified translator, as well as most state DMV offices.

There are of course some entities that may require a different type, “kickback” organization approval, or a local translator from a ”list” some state agencies have. However, in general, I have found the U.S. A.T.A. certification to be sufficient for everything language certification is generally needed for; including employment as a translator, with credential attestation through publicly available credentials.

Their handy Member [Verification tool](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/member-verification-usata/) (web or app access) instantly shows your name and certifications by inputting your unique membership number, by anyone wanting to verify your credentials.

### In summary, to get Certified as a Translator:

**First step:** [Join the U.S.A. Translators Association](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/) (the U.S. A.T.A.). Individual Linguist if you a personal translator.

**Second:** Choose a language pair for proficiency certification: new or transfer if already certified) from the Member Store you get access to after a member.

**Third:** Once your language proficiency is accepted/approved or transferred, you will get your name in lights: the Membership Directory, with a Membership ID you can use on any translations, such as by using a U.S. A.T.A. stamp or seal or digital certificate, including your membership number, that your clients can independently verify.

[Check out our article on this also.](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/how-to-get-certified-as-a-translator/)

#### How do I join the U.S.A. Translators Association (the U.S. A.T.A.)?

You can Join at this link : [https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/)

After Selecting a membership package, placing your order, you will receive an email confirming your order. Within 1-2 business days your Membership account and profile will be created and a login email with your username and temporary password will be sent to your email address used when purchasing the membership.

After logging in for the first time, you can change your password at anytime from the Members Account Tab under the Contact tab, as well as update your profile for public and member directory search display.

Check out our Blog Article on How to Join the U.S. A.T.A. : [https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/how-to-join-the-u-s-a-t-a/](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/how-to-join-the-u-s-a-t-a/)

#### How to become a N.A.C.E.S. Member?

## How to Become a N.A.C.E.S. Member (U.S. A.T.A. – N.A.C.E.S.), a Foreign Credential Evaluator?

### Become a N.A.C.E.S. Member ; Formerly:NationalAssociationofCredentialEvaluationServices.orgNational Association of Credential Evaluation Services . org

![N.A.C.E.S. Member](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/academic3-300x300.png)

## Are you a Translation Agency (TSP), LSP, NGO, Institution, School, University, and are wondering how to provide Foreign Academic Credential Evaluations, accurately and according to international guidelines?

![N.A.C.E.S. for LSP services](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lsp6-300x277.webp)

## The U.S.A. Translators Association (the U.S. A.T.A.) through its New N.A.C.E.S. division, formerly NationalAssociationofCredentialEvaluationServices.org, allows division corporate/institutional members, access to N.A.C.E.S. division membership, opening these doors:

### 1. Firstly, your entity receives access to Country Specific Academic Evaluation Guidelines for over 50 countries in the U.S. A.T.A. virtual library.

![N.A.C.E.S. Virtual Library](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/image_04_USATranslatosAssociationInc-300x150.png)

### 2. Also, you obtain approval to use the U.S. A.T.A. – N.A.C.E.S. certification logo on official evaluations.

![U.S.A. Translators Association Logo](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/logo_512_512-300x300.png)

### 3. Additionally, your corporate profile is listed as a N.A.C.E.S. division member, publicly accessible and verifiable.

![foreign evalaluation services](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/foreigneval-300x199.webp)

### 4. Plus, you profit from U.S. A.T.A. division specialized support for any evaluation questions.

![academic evaluation support](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/academic_2-300x156.webp)

### 5. Including, a (Virtual) Certificate of N.A.C.E.S. Division Membership. Correspondingly, a hard copy is available from the Member’s Store.

![Academic Evaluation Certificate N.A.C.E.S.](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AcademicEvaluationCertificate_StoreAd-300x232.jpg)

### Basically, N.A.C.E.S. members receive all those benefits, along with their usual membership plusses. Moreover, individual evaluators can use a Member’s umbrella membership for individual evaluations.

## Correspondingly, U.S. A.T.A. auditing of member standards application, is also provided, along with guidelines for any suggested changes or improvements. Specifically, evaluation standards are provided according to ISO 17100:2015 standards. Concurrently, you can also become ISO 17100 certified, as a separate qualification, from the U.S. A.T.A.

[![ISO 17100:2015 Logo](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ISO17100_474-300x300.webp)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_17100)

## Further, Membership is yearly, an entire year 365/366, upon N.A.C.E.S. membership approval.

## Join the U.S. A.T.A. – N.A.C.E.S. division. Here are the easy as 1-2-3 steps:

### 1. Firstly, Join the U.S. A.T.A. as a Corporate, Institution or NGO member

[Click here](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/join-usata/)

### 2. Next, from the Member’s Store, you can access as a U.S. A.T.A. Member, purchase the NACES suite membership (currently a Great Deal at just $495/year!).

### 3. Afterwards, check your email for activation confirmation and suite access approval for subsequent membership, or any questions, within 5 business days.

## That’s it!Get Going, Be a Part of U.S. A.T.A. – N.A.C.E.S. Today!

## Check out our article/Blog on this too!

![U.S.A. Translators Association Logo](https://usatranslatorsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/logo_512_512-300x300.png)

#### I have foreign language proficiency certification from a different association, can I transfer that to the U.S. A.T.A.?

Yes! If you have certification from a different certifying organization, we can usually transfer that to your U.S. A.T.A. account, and have the proficiency noted in your profile. Language Proficiency and Interpretation Transfer packages are available from the Members Store, for U.S. A.T.A. Members. After ordering a transfer certification, send the prior certification via email to our offices for order completion and profile update.

#### When are U.S. A.T.A. Language Proficiency and Interpretation Exams Administered?

Language Proficieny and Interpretation, New Language Certification Exams, are administered according to modality chosen: either by a open-book exam completed over a duration specified, or by online exam, with times to be scheduled. After ordering a new language exam, instructions will be sent for completing the exam.