ISO 17100:2015 — Translation Services

ISO 17100:2015 is the international standard for translation services. It specifies requirements for the core processes, resources, and other aspects necessary for the delivery of a quality translation service. Business Team Translations has held this certification since its introduction, audited externally by Certa-Nova.

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ISO 17100:2015 Certified ISO 9001:2015 Certified Audited by Certa-Nova

ISO 17100:2015 replaced the earlier EN 15038 standard and is the definitive international benchmark for professional translation services. Certification under this standard means that an independent auditor has verified that our processes meet its requirements — not just that we have documented them.

The standard

What the Standard Requires

ISO 17100:2015 sets specific, verifiable requirements across four main areas.

Human Resources

Translators must demonstrate competence through recognized qualifications or equivalent professional experience in both the subject domain and the language combination. The standard distinguishes between translators and revisers — and requires both to be involved in every project. The reviser must be a different person from the translator.

Translation Process

The standard defines a mandatory two-stage process: translation followed by independent revision. Revision is not optional — it is a requirement of the standard. The reviser checks the translation against the source for accuracy, completeness, terminology consistency, and register.

Project Management

Documented project management processes covering client briefing, scope definition, resource allocation, delivery, and post-delivery procedures. Every project must have a named project manager responsible for its execution.

Technological Resources

The standard addresses the use of translation technology — translation memory systems, terminology management tools, and quality assurance software — and requires that their use is managed in a way that supports rather than compromises quality.

In practice

What Certification Means in Practice

When Business Team Translations delivers a translation under ISO 17100:2015 certification, it means:

The translator has a relevant professional or academic background in the subject domain

The translation has been independently revised by a second qualified linguist

Terminology is managed consistently across the project and over time

A named project manager is accountable for the delivery

These requirements apply to every project — not selectively, and not only when specifically requested

The certification is verified by external audit — not self-declared

Since 2008

Our Certification History

2008

First ISO certification under ISO 9001:2000, audited by TÜV NORD

2015

ISO 17100:2015 certification achieved when the standard was introduced

Today

Maintained and audited by Certa-Nova — annual surveillance audits, full recertification every three years

Business Team Translations first achieved ISO certification in 2008 under ISO 9001:2000, audited by TÜV NORD. We subsequently achieved ISO 17100:2015 certification when the standard was introduced. Our certifications are currently maintained and audited by Certa-Nova, with annual surveillance audits and full recertification every three years.

Certification is not a one-time achievement.

It requires annual surveillance audits and full recertification every three years — each of which verifies that our quality management system continues to meet the requirements of the standards in practice.

ISO 17100:2015 certified translation services

Every project delivered under our certified quality process — regardless of language, volume, or complexity.

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