Accreditation Standards for Translators and Interpreters in Australia

Standards

Meaning

Related Tasks

Language Aide

For Government Employees only, to determine eligibility for language allowances

This is an elementary level of language use; it is NOT a translator and/or interpreter category. It is appropriate for persons who are required to use a minimal knowledge of a language for the purpose of simple communications. It is the required level for the first range of the Community Language Allowance.

counter work: answering general inquiries, usually in the language other than English
assisting clients to complete a simple form in English
assisting speakers of languages other than English by giving instructions or directions in the language other than English (LOTE)

Paraprofessional Translator
available in a very limited range of languages

This represents a level of competence in translation for the purpose of producing a translated version of non-specialised information.

translation of texts which do not contain technical or specialised information or terminology
very simple translation work, where some level of inaccuracy is acceptable

Paraprofessional Interpreter

This represents a level of competence in interpreting for the purpose of general conversations, generally in the form of non-specialist dialogues.

interpreting in general conversations
interpreting in situations where specialised terminology or more sophisticated conceptual information is not required
interpreting in situations where a depth of linguistic ability is not required

Professional Translator

Translators work across a wide range of subjects and require a sound conceptual understanding of the material being translated. They are qualified to translate into one language only or into both languages, depending upon their accreditation.

correspondence, reports, standard text material in the general field of scholarship
translation of non-specialised scientific, technical, legal, tourist and commercial subjects
translation work requiring a reasonable level of accuracy

Professional Interpreter

This represents the minimum level of competence for professional interpreting. It may be regarded as the Australian professional standard. Interpreters are capable of interpreting across a wide range of subjects involving dialogues at specialist consultations. They are also capable of interpreting presentations by the consecutive mode.

interpreting in both language directions for a wide range of subject areas usually involving specialist consultations with other professionals, e.g. doctor/patient, solicitor/client, bank manager/client, court interpreting
interpreting in situations where a depth of linguistic ability in both languages is necessary

Advanced Translator

Advanced Translators handle complex, technical and sophisticated material, compatible with recognised international standards. They may choose to specialise in certain areas, usually into one language only, that being their first language.

translations of specialist material for specialists e.g. International conference papers, scientific papers in journals, legal documents, diplomatic agreements, etc
acting as revisors of work done by other translators

Conference Interpreter

This represents the advanced professional level and a level of competence sufficient to handle complex, technical and sophisticated translation and interpreting.
Conference Interpreters practise both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in diverse situations including at conferences, high-level negotiations, and court proceedings. Conference interpreters operate at levels compatible with recognised international standards.

tasks involving international conferences, diplomatic missions, trade negotiations, and other high level negotiations
tasks involving complex court proceedings
interpreting in situations where a depth of linguistic ability in both the language directions is required

Advanced Translator (Senior)

This is the highest level of NAATI accreditation and reflects both competence and experience. It represents an international standard together with demonstrated extensive experience and leadership.

translation tasks as for Advanced Translators
tasks involving the management of translation of papers for international conferences
providing advice for translation services within and outside Australia

Conference Interpreter (Senior)

This is the highest level of NAATI accreditation and reflects both competence and experience. It represents an international standard together with demonstrated extensive experience and leadership.

interpreting tasks as for Conference Interpreters
tasks involving the organisation of international conferences
providing advice for interpreting services within and outside Australia

Recognition

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