NAATI does not accredit institutions but rather it accredits graduates on the basis of the courses completed at institutions. It is possible that graduates from the same institution may have different outcomes in terms of the NAATI assessments, particularly if the program studied contains variable electives. For this reason, NAATI assesses each application on its own merits. Some examples of institutions which have graduated successful NAATI candidates can be found in the approved courses list. This list is not exhaustive and does not preclude applications for accreditation based on courses from tertiary institutions not listed. It is important to note that:

1. NAATI does not accredit people whose formal qualifications are not specifically in the skills of translating and interpreting. For example a general language, literature or teaching degree without a major component of study in translation and/or interpreting will not normally qualify for accreditation;
2. Accreditation on the basis of overseas qualifications is awarded only in the skill and or combinations named in the qualification;
3. Accreditation at the Interpreter level is not available on the basis of overseas qualifications;
4. Accreditation is not available in any circumstances on the basis of work experience alone. Work experience in this field is highly desirable but it is not the basis on which accreditation is awarded, either for qualifications obtained in Australia or overseas. Therefore it is necessary for applicants to provide only a brief resume of employment history. It is not necessary to provide examples of translations.
5. If the qualification was completed more than five (5) years ago, the applicant must provide references from employers verifying work experience as a translator or interpreter between the years of qualification and the present date.

NAATI awards accreditation on the basis of overseas qualifications to applicants who hold qualifications that meet the following prerequisites for assessment: For assessment at the Translator and Advanced Translator or Conference Interpreter levels candidates must demonstrate successful completion of a formal course of training, with specialisation in translating and/or interpreting (as appropriate to the application), as delivered by a tertiary institution overseas. In assessing overseas training courses NAATI aims to ensure that the content of study in translation and/or interpreting is sufficiently specialised in T & I and designed to train students in T & I skills to a standard comparable with the requirements for NAATI accreditation at the appropriate level. Such training should be comparable with NAATI requirements for approved T & I courses within Australia in terms of course length, content and standard. The number of hours of instruction in the relevant subjects (specifically translation and/or interpreting) should also compare with specialised approved T & I courses offered in Australia. This means that the T & I component is a significant proportion of the total program. Generally, language, literature and linguistics degrees etc. do not contain sufficient specialisation in Translation or Interpreting required for NAATI accreditation. In terms of the comparison of standards of overseas training with NAATI approved training courses available in Australia, NAATI must be satisfied that the following criteria are observed:

1. the qualification in question is recognised at the equivalent of a Bachelor Degree level or higher in Australia;
2. the content of the training course is comparable with stipulated NAATI standards and with standards on other courses assessed;
3. the course is a dedicated translation and/or interpreting degree; or the course contains a significant proportion of T & I units;
4. the status of the education institution offering the course is appropriate.

Translator level Accreditation is awarded in one (1) language direction only (from the B language into the A language), in combination with English. Accreditation may be awarded in one (1) or more language combinations, which must include English, according to the language combination/s studied. NAATI also accepts Membership of the Institute of Linguistics (UK) on the basis of its Diploma of Translation as meeting the requirements for NAATI accreditation as a Translator.
For assessment at the Advanced Translator (Senior) and Conference Interpreter (Senior) level only: Membership of a recognised professional association overseas, e.g. Association Internationale des Interpretes de Conference (AIIC) or Association Internationale des Traductuers de Conference (AITC); or through demonstrated extensive experience at the senior level, in accordance with NAATI assessment criteria, see theManual for Candidates.
NOTE: Advanced and Senior levels: Accreditation may be awarded in language combinations which do not include English.
If your qualifications seem to meet the criteria outlined above you should make application to NAATI by submitting the

Application for Accreditation by Assessment of Overseas Qualification

Application for Review of Assessment

.

By which method should I seek assessment of my qualifications and skills?

NAATI encourages eligible candidates to proceed with assessment by course derived qualifications first (where applicable) and only if unsuccessful, proceed to assessment by testing. If candidates' tertiary qualifications are clearly not specialised courses in translation and/or interpreting, they should proceed directly to assessment by testing. NOTE: If a candidate sits for a test, he or she forfeits the right to further assessment on the basis of a course completed prior to the test as the test is regarded as the most recent measure of competence.