ISO 17100

ISO 17100 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is an international standard outlining the general requirements for the development and continuous improvement of a Quality Management System in the provision of translation services. It covers all processes involved in carrying out a translation, ensuring the final product’s quality, the competence of translators, and compliance with client specifications.

ISO 17100 can be applied by translation service providers, freelance translators, organizations offering language services, and businesses that want to ensure they receive high-quality translations. It also targets public entities and international organizations handling large volumes of translation projects.

Developing a Translation Services Management System under ISO 17100 involves the following steps:

• Defining the requirements and specifications for delivering translation services
• Ensuring the competence and professional qualifications of translators and revisers
• Implementing processes to manage translation projects, from the initial assessment to final delivery
• Establishing mechanisms for quality control and translation review
• Continuously assessing, providing feedback, and improving the translation processes

The difficulty of implementing ISO 17100 depends on the size of the translation organization, the volume of projects it handles, and its existing organizational processes. Companies that already follow clear translation management procedures can adapt to the standard’s requirements more easily. Working with specialized consultants can make the process smoother and ensure full compliance with the standard.

Several certification bodies in Greece are accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) or by equivalent organizations to issue relevant certificates, depending on the company’s activity. The certification process involves evaluating the company’s compliance with translation management procedures, assessing the Translation Services Management System against the standard’s requirements, and reviewing its practical implementation.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, the Certification Body issues a three-year Certificate of Conformity. If there are significant deviations, corrective actions must be taken by the company before the certificate can be issued. Minor deviations must be resolved by the next assessment. The certificate remains valid as long as scheduled periodic assessments are conducted by the Certification Body—at least once a year—confirming the system’s continued compliance with the specified requirements.

Organizations adopting ISO 17100 can gain multiple advantages, such as:

• Ensuring high-quality translations through clear review and control processes
• Certifying the professional competence of translators and revisers, including proven language skills and specialization
• Increasing client and partner trust by meeting internationally recognized quality requirements
• Improving translation project management through standardized processes and clear workflows
• Gaining a competitive edge in the market, as many companies require certified translation services

The development and certification of a Translation Services Management System depend on the size of the company, the complexity of its translation processes, and staff involvement. For small businesses, it typically requires between 1 and 3 months.