About the LSP Endorsement Model
In December 2024 the Australian, state and territory governments authorised NAATI to develop a model for the endorsement of LSPs. The intent of the endorsement model is to provide government agencies who are procuring translation and interpreting services with an additional layer of assurance in meeting their access and equity objectives. LSP Endorsement commenced on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
To obtain and maintain endorsement, LSPs must meet and abide by the following six requirements.
Engage NAATI-certified practitioners for translating and interpreting assignments, wherever possible. This includes prioritising practitioners with the highest level of NAATI certification, wherever possible, subject to the practitioner’s availability and the appropriateness of the assignment.
Agree to the LSP Code of Conduct provided at Annex A of the guidelines.
Have in place, at a minimum, the cyber security standards provided at Item 7.2 of the guidelines.
Report service-related data to NAATI every three months, per the requirements provided at Item 12.2 of the guidelines.
Have in place a mechanism for service quality assurance and client and customer feedback.
Have in place a process for inducting new practitioners if and as they are employed, or contracted, to undertake translation and interpreting assignments.
How to apply
There is no cost for LSPs to apply for or receive endorsement from NAATI.
Before applying, you must first:
- read the LSP Endorsement Guidelines
- complete the Eligibility Form; and
- email a copy of your completed Eligibility Form to LSPendorsement@naati.com.au
If you are assessed as eligible, NAATI will provide you with access to the LSP Endorsement Application Form.
Please refer to the Language Service Provider Endorsement Guidelines when preparing your application. This document also provides important information for once endorsement has been granted.
Statement of Analysis
FAQs
An LSP is defined as an organisation or business area that offers translating and interpreting services to facilitate cross-cultural communication as its sole or majority business activity,
OR
a full-service communications agency that includes the delivery of translating and interpreting services.
Yes, any LSP can apply. Please note that NAATI may need to prioritise applications from any LSPs that are intending to apply for one or more Commonwealth language service panels opening for applications in early to mid-2026.
NAATI will periodically review an LSP’s endorsement status through system checks, meetings with the LSP and periodical review of data reporting.
NAATI will also investigate any complaints it may receive, including undertaking ‘spot checks’ where necessary.
In the event of a breach (i.e. an LSP failed to meet a requirement as set out in the guidelines), NAATI would prioritise supporting the LSP and its practitioners in the first instance, and as part of a continual improvement cycle to deliver good practice.
More punitive approaches would only be taken as a last resort, dependent upon the nature of the breach and the willingness of the LSP to engage with NAATI in good faith and respond appropriately.
In extreme cases, NAATI may choose to dis-endorse an LSP. NAATI also reserves the right to write to a government agency regarding an LSP. That could include a recommendation that an LSP be removed from a panel, if NAATI has made the decision to dis-endorse the LSP. Note any decision to remove an LSP from a panel is ultimately the responsibility of the government/s responsible for those panels.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the model, please contact us at LSPendorsement@naati.com.au
