How much does it cost to get my documents translated?
If you are asking this questions then you are in the wrong place. NAATI is the accreditation and testing body. NAATI does not provide translating or interpreting services, we do however provide a large database of people who perform translating and interpreting services in our online database. Alternately you can look through your local Yellow pages or contact one of the professional bodies listed in our Links section.
I have downloaded a form, how do I view/print it?
All downloadable forms are in the Adobe PDF format. The viewer for these files is freely available at the Adobe website here.
How do I pay electronically/by paypal/direct debit?
NAATI currently does not support any form of payment other than Credit Cards, Bank Cheques/International Draft, Business Cheques (organisations only)vand Australian Money Orders. NAATI does not accept personal cheques, they will be returned with a request for an alternate method of payment.
Why don't you accept personal cheques?
Because our products and services are priced on a cost recovery basis NAATI does not operate on a sufficient budget to continually recover the costs incurred by bad cheques.
I sent you my cheque from the cheque book I got from the bank. Why did you return it?
You are misunderstanding what we mean by a Bank Cheque. A bank cheque is a cheque that you purchase directly from a bank, when it is cashed in the bank pays.
A personal cheque is a cheque that draws money from your personal account, when it is cashed the money comes from your account.
What is NAATI?
NAATI is a public company limited by guarantee. It has responsibility
for setting and maintaining the standards of interpreting and
translation in Australia.
When was it established?
NAATI was first established in 1977 as part of the Commonwealth
Department of Immigration. In 1983, it was devolved from the Department
of Immigration and became an independent public company incorporated
under the ACT Companies Act 1981. It is currently constituted
under the Corporations ACT 2001.
What is NAATI accreditation and how can it be obtained?
NAATI Accreditation is an award based on a measure of competency
in translation and/or interpreting. More information on obtaining accreditation is found here.
What is the difference between interpreting and translation?
Interpreting is the oral rendering of the meaning of the spoken
or signed word from one language into another language. Translation is concerned
with the written conversion of a text from one language into another
language.
What are the levels of accreditation?
There are four levels of NAATI accreditation for interpreting
and translation. These are:
Level |
Level Code |
| Conference Interpreter (Senior) |
CIS |
| Advanced Translator (Senior) |
ATS |
| Conference Interpreter |
CI |
| Advanced Translator |
AT |
| Interpreter |
I |
| Translator |
T |
| Paraprofessional Interpreter |
PPI |
| Paraprofessional Translator |
PPT |
What
is the standard for each level of accreditation and what can be
expected from interpreters and translators at each level of accreditation?
All accreditation standards can be found here.
Does NAATI charge fees for candidates seeking
to gain accreditation?
Yes. NAATI operates on a fee-for-service basis. NAATI charges
an initial application fee together with scaled fees for particular
tests, workshops and publications.
What publications are available from NAATI which relate to the
profession and which might help me in gaining accreditation?
NAATI has a list of publications particularly useful for those
wanting to obtain accreditation. Refer to the Publications
& Products page for more information.
What sample tests are available and how much do they cost? How
do I get a sample test?
For details on availability and prices of sample tests please refer to the
Publications and Test Preparation Products Order Form. This form lists all languages with sample tests available.
Are there NAATI offices throughout Australia?
NAATI has an office in each capital city in Australia and
also has representatives in three New Zealand cities. Please note
that some offices are only open part-time. See the Contact
Us page for details.
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How do I apply for accreditation by testing?
You need to complete and return an
Application for Accreditation by Testingtogether with your application fee and documents proving
your eligibility to sit the test according to the criteria published
by NAATI.
How do I know which level of testing I am eligible to sit for?
You will need to have a degree or diploma (in any subject)
to be eligible to sit NAATI tests at the professional level, i.e.
Interpreter and Translator. However, there are exceptions to this
rule in the case of applications at the Translator level.
To be
eligible to sit the Paraprofessional Interpreter and (where available)
the Paraprofessional Translator test it is advisable that you
have four (4) to six (6) years general education at secondary
level. Full details of the eligibility criteria for testing at
all levels of accreditation are shown in the
Application for Accreditation by Testingand in theManual for Candidates.
I am eligible to sit the Translator test - why not the Interpreter
test as well?
The eligibility criteria for the Translator test have been
broadened to allow for the fact that NAATI does not offer tests
at the paraprofessional level in most languages. In the case of
interpreting, those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for
the professional level are able to sit the test at the paraprofessional
level.
How can I find out whether there is work available to see if it
is worthwhile sitting the test?
You might consider checking employment opportunities in translation
or interpreting at government and private agencies near you, e.g.
the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS), the Health Care Interpreter
Service, health interpreter services at hospitals, and translation
and/or interpreting agencies.
My language is not tested by NAATI. Is there an alternative?
NAATI offers a general award called Recognition as an alternative
credential to Accreditation in languages for which no accreditation
tests are available. It is important to note, however, that Recognition
does not have equal status to Accreditation because NAATI has
not had the opportunity to measure a person's skills by means
of formal assessment. Recognition is a statement that the eligible
holder has had specific employment and work experience in interpreting
and/or translating. An application for NAATI Recognition must meet the eligibility criteria and
be supported by satisfactory employer references, as specified
in the prerequisites listed on the
Application for Recognition. It is also important to note that the award
of Recognition becomes invalid as soon as NAATI provides the opportunity
for Recognised interpreters and translators to become accredited
by testing.
I have extensive work experience as a translator or interpreter.
Do I have to sit a test or can I have automatic accreditation?
It is important to note that NAATI does not award accreditation
on the basis of work experience alone. If the language in which
you practise is not available within the NAATI Accreditation testing
program, you may be eligible for NAATI Recognition (see previous
question). The only other exception to this rule is at the most
senior level of accreditation involving long and comprehensive
experience in conference interpreting and translating which can
be fully documented.
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What are the steps involved in gaining accreditation
by testing?
- Send the application form and application
fee BY MAIL to NAATI Central Office (Canberra).
- Your application will be processed and acknowledged within
2 weeks.
- You will receive an invitation for testing when the test is
next scheduled.
- Return the acceptance form contained in the invitation package
and test fee to your NAATI Regional Office.
- The Regional Office will schedule your test and notify you
about the time, date and venue of the test.
- If successful in the test you will gain accreditation.
Read the pages on Steps
to Accreditation by Testing for more information
How many times can I sit for the same level of testing and in
the same language?
Candidates are given three (3) opportunities to sit for the
same test and in the same language. After this a candidate will
need to seek reinstatement.Each time the test is sat, the appropriate fee
must be paid.
Why do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?
NAATI believes that if a candidate is competent and well prepared
he or she should be able to gain accreditation within the three
chances to sit the same test in the same language. A reinstatement
fee is charged by NAATI to reassess the status of a candidate
before that candidate is allowed another set of three chances.
Does NAATI offer accreditation in only one language direction?
Candidates can sit the Translator Test and the Advanced Translator
Test in either language direction and gain separate accreditation, i.e.
translation from Chinese into English or English into Chinese.
Interpreting test accreditation is always in both directions.
For example a Vietnamese interpreter, having successfully sat
the Vietnamese Paraprofessional Interpreter Test will be accredited in both language
directions.
At the Conference Interpreter level accreditation may be awarded in a single direction.
What is NAATI's policy regarding invitations to candidates for
sitting a test?
Candidates apply for accreditation and in response NAATI provides
those candidates with up to three invitations. Candidates for
translation are invited in mid September to sit in late November
of that same year. Candidates for interpreting tests are invited
in January to sit for an interpreting test scheduled between late
March and June.
Why does NAATI invite its applicants to sit
for a test?
An invitation formalises each opportunity in a sequence of
testing programs. Candidates are free to reject the invitation
and provided they notify NAATI in writing, that opportunity for
testing will not be forfeited.
My test invitation hasn't arrived. Will I miss the test?
There may be a reason for not receiving an invitation.
- Your language and level may not be part of
the current testing program.
- You may have changed your postal address without notifying
NAATI.
- Your invitation may have gone astray in the mail.
- Or you may have lost the three opportunities because of a combination
of either a fail result or by not notifying NAATI of your intention
not to sit the test previously.
You should contact the NAATI Canberra Office
for more information.
When will my interpreting test be held?
Normally interpreting tests are held between March and June
of each year. However if you have requested a special test, this
can be sat at any time.Because interpreting tests are conducted individually
and languages are scheduled after tests have been approved, it
is not possible to provide a specific date for your test as early
as February. The NAATI State Manager will contact you after you
have returned the acceptance form and test fee to arrange a time,
date and venue for your test. You will get at least two (2) weeks
notice of these details.
I am going to be away etc. during the advertised Interpreting
testing period. Can I request a particular date (or range of dates)
when I could sit for my interpreting test within the March to
June scheduled testing period?
The NAATI State Manager is responsible for scheduling all
tests. While the State Manager will try to meet such a request,
he or she must adhere to the required time-line for finalising
all testing within NAATI's testing program. Languages are tested
when they come on stream and you will be given good notice when
your test is scheduled. If you still can not meet the scheduling
requirements, you may have to withdraw from that round of testing
and sit the test as a special test on your return or wait untill
the test is next scheduled in NAATI's testing program.
What if l cannot sit for a test to which
I have been invited?
Can I withdraw without any penalty and will
there be a refund?
Yes, there is a Withdrawal Notice contained in the invitation
package. Return this notice to NAATI and you will retain your
opportunity for next time.There may be a cancellation fee that reduces
the full refund. The State Manager will implement NAATI's refund
policy. See theManual for CandidatesSection 13: Refund Policy and test
re-scheduling policy.
Why and when do I have to pay a late fee?
A late fee is charged to cover the added administration costs
incurred in processing a late application. With regard to invitations
to a NAATI test, two late fees could be incurred.
- if the application is received after
the closing date; and
- if the acceptance form contained in the
invitation package is returned after the specified time to the
State Office.
What is the structure of a NAATI test?
Each NAATI test has a different structure or format. These
are outlined in theManual for Candidates.
How does NAATI conduct its tests? What is involved and approximately
how long does a test take?
Normally all NAATI tests are conducted in one of our state
offices located in capital cities or regional centres. In more
remote areas NAATI can arrange for its tests to be conducted with
the supervisory assistance of staff from various tertiary institutions
or other approved agents. More detail concerning each test
format is contained in theManual for Candidates.
Are there differences in the way NAATI conducts its interpreting
and translation tests?
All NAATI interpreting tests are conducted with the testing
officer using tape recorders or CD Players. The master tape containing the test
is stopped at certain times to allow the candidate to record a
response. The candidate's responses are recorded on a second tape
which is left running during the length of the tests. All interpreting
tests are conducted individually. Then the candidate tape is sent
to examiners for assessment.Translation tests are conducted in large venues
at universities or other educational institutions or in smaller
groups in NAATI regional offices as is the case with interpreting
tests. Candidates are allowed a specific time to write their translations
in an exam booklet which the testing officer will provide. A candidate
must write the translation in the exam booklet from the source
text contained in the test paper into the target language.
Are there special examination procedures
or general instructions that apply when I sit for a NAATI test?
Yes, as with all examinations conducted by any institution,
NAATI provides general instructions for all candidates sitting
a NAATI test. These are available at the exam venue and in theManual for Candidates. They are also issued with your test invitation.
Is there special advice to candidates who sit a test in certain
languages?
Yes, NAATI provides special instructions for certain languages,
such as Arabic, AUSLAN, Chinese, Bosnian, Croatian, Modern Greek,
German, Japanese, Portuguese, Romanian and Serbian and other languages are added from time to time. These instructions
are contained in theManual for Candidates.
When and how will I be notified about my results?
NAATI normally allows twelve (12) weeks for tests to be marked,
results returned and processed before candidates are notified.
Special Test result processing is expedited such that the time
taken is approximately six (6) weeks. NAATI must rely on the availability
of panel examiners and current circumstances facing these examiners
which may delay their marking of a candidate's test. In all cases
NAATI will make every effort to expedite the return of results
to candidates.
What if I disagree with the result as determined by the examiners?
Is there an appeals process? How does it work?
Candidates are eligible to have their test remarked or request a report if they make the request within one (1) month of the date or result publication. Please see NAATI's policy on reviews for further information.
Am I allowed to have a look at my translation test? How does this
happen?
Candidates are offered the opportunity to view their marked
translation test but no later than 9 months after the date
of sitting. All test papers are routinely destroyed after the
testing program has concluded. Within this timeframe candidates
should contact the State Manager regarding this opportunity to view their
translation test PDF
16.4KB. There are certain conditions under which this viewing
can take place. Candidates should note that test papers are marked
and assessed but no corrections are provided on the paper.
How can I best prepare for a NAATI test? Are there courses available
to prepare me to sit the tests? (Sample tests, workshops, TAFE
preparatory courses)
NAATI provides assistance to candidates by way of sample tests,
and preparatory workshops and online course. Details of this assistance are included
in the invitation package sent to all candidates prior to a NAATI
test. State Managers are best placed to advise candidates if relevant
courses are being offered at tertiary institutions. Unfortunately
tertiary courses being offered in Australia to satisfy candidate
need are insufficient to meet the demand.
What is NAATI's testing schedule? How often
are the tests held? When are the next tests? Can I sit a test
at other times than the published test dates?
NAATI produces an Annual
Testing Program incorporating a preliminary program of languages
for the following two (2) years. This Three (3) Year Program is
available in July of each year. Language service demand dictates that not every
language, level and category are tested every year. Candidates
should consult the current annual testing program to check out
whether testing in their language is included.
What is a special test?
If your language is not included in one of NAATI's annual
testing programs, you can request to sit a Special
On-Demand Test. Essentially such a request satisfies an urgent
need by a candidate. There is no difference in format or level
of difficulty between a special test and one offered to candidates
in NAATI's normal testing program. The only differences are that
NAATI charges a higher fee and will expedite the processing of
a special test to return a result more quickly.
Why are the ethics of the interpreting and translation profession
so important? How does NAATI give effect to this in its testing
of candidates?
As in any profession the conduct of professionals should be
exemplary. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Clients
who engage the services of a translator or interpreter expect
those professionals to act ethically. Unfortunately there is no
registration or licensing system in place in Australia to regulate
the conduct of interpreters and translators. Under such a system
a fraudulent or unethical professional would be penalised.To emphasise the importance of ethics in the
profession, NAATI has introduced ethics questions into its tests.
This ethics component carries a minimum requirement before a pass
is awarded. By including this ethics component, NAATI can evaluate
the candidate's understanding of the ethics of the profession
and has an expectation the candidate will abide by them.
In addition, from 1 July 2006 NAATI accreditation is contingent on the applicant's adherence to the AUSIT Code of Ethics. Breaches in the code may result in the cancellation of NAATI accreditation.
Who are NAATI's examiners? Are they qualified and how are they
chosen?
NAATI has about 300 examiners across all languages for which
tests are available. NAATI requires that examiners undergo a rigorous
scrutiny by its Board of Directors before an appointment to an
examiner panel can be made. NAATI does not reveal the names of
particular examiners responsible for the marking of a test. In appointing an examiner to one of its panels
the Board of Directors will assess such factors as:-
Qualifications - An examiner should
possess competence in the language concerned; be accredited as
a translator and/or interpreter or otherwise have eminent status
as an academic or practitioner in the relevant language or skill
area; be of good character; have appropriate tertiary qualifications;
have substantial experience as an accredited practitioner in interpreting
and/or translation and have proven experience in setting and marking
tests, if not through an interpreting and/or translation course
then in another related academic capacity.
Other factors - Other factors to be taken
into account would be length of residence in Australia; continuing
contact with the other language and/or culture; pattern of language
usage; access to resources; familiarity with interpreting and/or
translation in Australia; satisfactory referees' reports and a
willingness to make a commitment in terms of available time to
NAATI. All NAATI examiner panels have a chairperson.
My English/LOTE is perfect - why did I fail
the test?
Some possible explanations could include:-
- Your level of competency
in both languages is not equally high.
- Interpreting and translation require additional skills to language proficiency. Also training in interpreting and translation
are required. Very often candidates mistakenly believe that possessing
the language by birth makes them an interpreter or translator.
- You may not have made sufficient preparation for the test.
NAATI provides advice on how to prepare for a test.
When I gain NAATI accreditation, how do I advertise this? Am I
issued with a certificate?
If you are eligible for NAATI accreditation you may apply
for a certificate on payment of the appropriate fee.
See:
for more details.
You will also be eligible to enter
your details to
NAATI's
Practioners' Directory.
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Testing is the main method by which the majority
of candidates gain NAATI accreditation, but some achieve accreditation
via approved courses in Australia.
How do I know if the course I have completed has NAATI approval?
You may find out whether a particular course has formal NAATI
approval by checking the Translating and Interpreting Training Opportunities booklet. For further information about a particular course,
please contact the college or university direct. If you complete a NAATI-approved course successfully
and meet the required standard, you will be eligible for accreditation.
If, however, you intend to complete a course that does not have
NAATI approval, you will need to sit a NAATI test in order to
obtain accreditation.
Do I receive accreditation automatically when I complete my course
successfully?
You must complete NAATI
Application for Accreditation through an approved Australian Courseand send it to NAATI Central Office (Canberra) with the
appropriate fee and a document that will prove your eligibility
for accreditation. The document may be a copy of your diploma
or your academic record. NAATI determines your eligibility by
checking your name against a list of recommendations, which educational
institutions must submit to us on completion of each approved
course. Accreditation cannot be awarded until this information
has been verified.
Questions
about T&I courses Overseas
Apart from gaining accreditation via testing
and approved courses, accreditation can be obtained on the basis
of overseas
qualifications.
How do I know whether my qualifications from overseas will render
me eligible for accreditation by NAATI without having to sit a
NAATI test?
It is important to remember that to be eligible for NAATI
accreditation on this basis your overseas qualification must be
sufficiently specialised in translation or interpreting to meet
NAATI standards in Australia. If the course you completed has
a different focus, such as a major in teaching or in language
and literature, it is likely that there is an insufficiently specialised
translation component within the course. If this is the case,
you would be advised to sit a NAATI test in order to achieve accreditation.
I have experience in conference interpreting/translating both
in Australia and overseas. Am I eligible for accreditation by
NAATI?
It is important to note that NAATI does not award accreditation
on the basis of work experience alone. The only exception to this
rule is at the most senior level of accreditation involving long
experience in conference interpreting and translating which can
be fully documented. If you are a full member of the international
professional associations, Australian Association Internationale
des Interpretes de Conference (AIIC) and Association Internationale
des Traductuers de Conference (AITC), then it is likely you will
be eligible for automatic accreditation at the highest level of
accreditation.
How do I apply?
You need to lodge a NAATI
Application for Accreditation by Assessment of Overseas Qualification
Application for Review of Assessment
together with the appropriate fee and the necessary supporting
documents.
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What is the role and function of The
Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT)?
The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT)
is the national professional association for translators and interpreters.
It provides memberships, continuing professional development workshops,
national conferences, and an annual journal. It has been responsible
for advising members on remuneration rates, working conditions
and professional liability insurance.
Does NAATI provide a translator/interpreter service?
NAATI does not provide translation and interpreting services.
It does keep a national list of accredited interpreters and translators
some of whom can be accessed through the NAATI
Practitioners' Directory. NAATI can also verify whether a particular
translator and/or interpreter is accredited and at what level.
Employers and clients are encouraged to check with NAATI if in
doubt.
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