ATA - American Translators Association Exam Structure and Format Questions and Answers

Question 1

An ATA certification exam candidate is presented with three passages. What is the requirement for completing this portion of the exam?

Accepted Answer

Choose any two of the three passages to translate.

Answer

Translate one mandatory passage and choose one of two other passages to translate.

Answer

Translate all three passages, and the best two will be graded.

Answer

Translate the first passage, and then translate either the second or third passage.

Question 2

Which of the following resources is explicitly forbidden during the ATA certification exam, whether taken in-person or online?

Accepted Answer

Machine translation websites and interactive forums.

Answer

Printed bilingual dictionaries and personal glossaries.

Answer

Online terminology databases and dictionaries.

Answer

Style guides and grammar reference books.

Question 3

A candidate taking the computerized ATA certification exam finds that their word processing software's spell-check and grammar-check functions are disabled. What is the reason for this condition?

Accepted Answer

To assess fundamental language skills in spelling and grammar as a core competency.

Answer

To ensure a level playing field with those who opt for a handwritten exam.

Answer

To test the candidate's ability to use keyboard shortcuts for editing.

Answer

To encourage the use of printed dictionaries for spelling verification.

Question 4

What is the total duration of the ATA certification exam, and how many passages must be translated within that time?

Accepted Answer

3 hours, to translate two passages.

Answer

4 hours, to translate all three passages.

Answer

2.5 hours, to translate two passages.

Answer

3.5 hours, to translate one mandatory and one optional passage.

Question 5

During the grading process for the ATA exam, what happens if the first two graders disagree on whether a candidate's exam passes or fails?

Accepted Answer

The exam is sent to a third, tie-breaking grader for a final decision.

Answer

The candidate is automatically asked to retake a portion of the exam.

Answer

The two graders must confer and reach a consensus.

Answer

The exam is failed, as a unanimous pass is required.

Question 6

A candidate is preparing for the exam and carefully reads the 'Translation Instructions' (TIs) provided with each passage. What is the primary purpose of these instructions?

Accepted Answer

To specify the context, purpose, audience, and medium for the translation.

Answer

To provide a glossary of difficult terms found in the passage.

Answer

To indicate which of the three passages is the most difficult.

Answer

To offer suggestions on sentence structure for the target language.