iso certification - worthwhile for freelance translators?
Thread poster: Irene (Renata) Liapis
Irene (Renata) Liapis
Irene (Renata) Liapis  Identity Verified
Greece
Member (2005)
Italian to English
+ ...
May 15, 2003

Hello everybody.



I have been looking into obtaining ISO certification but I do have certain doubts -mainly because of the cost and the paperwork involved.



I can see how this type of certification would be worthwhile to an agency, but what would it offer a freelance translator (that would offset the high cost)?



Does anyone have this certification and, if so, what has it offered you? Has it increased your business, gotten you more new
... See more
Hello everybody.



I have been looking into obtaining ISO certification but I do have certain doubts -mainly because of the cost and the paperwork involved.



I can see how this type of certification would be worthwhile to an agency, but what would it offer a freelance translator (that would offset the high cost)?



Does anyone have this certification and, if so, what has it offered you? Has it increased your business, gotten you more new clients?



I would sincerely appreciate learning about your experiences. It would certainly help me make up my mind about this!



Thanks very much in advance.









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Catherine Bolton
Catherine Bolton  Identity Verified
Local time: 21:44
Italian to English
+ ...
In memoriam
No difference May 15, 2003

Hi,

I was certified when an agency being certified had to have its translators certified (whew!).

I\'ve added it to my CV, but have noticed no difference whatsoever.

All it means with this agency is extra paperwork (traceability), and even the owner of the agency says she wishes she\'d never done it!


 
Stephen Franke
Stephen Franke
United States
Local time: 13:44
English to Arabic
+ ...
Save your money. Build a portfolio of satisfied customers May 15, 2003

Greetings.



Re ISO 9001 certification as an individual language specialist



Advice:



1. Save your money and avoid that whole exercise with ISO 9000 series.



2. Build a portfolio of satisfied customers, especially repeat ones (those will outweigh item #1 every time)



3. Join your local professional association(s) or guild(s) for translators and interpreters. Participate, get known and stay act
... See more
Greetings.



Re ISO 9001 certification as an individual language specialist



Advice:



1. Save your money and avoid that whole exercise with ISO 9000 series.



2. Build a portfolio of satisfied customers, especially repeat ones (those will outweigh item #1 every time)



3. Join your local professional association(s) or guild(s) for translators and interpreters. Participate, get known and stay active.



4. Attain certification (if you feel you need such) from recognized local/national organizations.



HTH. Good luck.



Regards,



Stephen H. Franke

(English Arabic,

Kurdish and Farsi)

Member, SCATIA

Member, CHIA Los Angeles
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iso certification - worthwhile for freelance translators?







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