Translation Ethics and Professional Standards Flashcards

What is the ATA Certification Program designed to test?

Answer: A translator's overall language proficiency and translation competence

The ATA Certification Program evaluates translation competence including accuracy, style, and target-language quality through a proctored exam.

A translator discovers the source text contains a factual error. What is the best ethical practice?

Answer: Translate the error faithfully and notify the client in a translator's note

The translator should render the source faithfully and flag potential errors to the client so they can decide how to handle them.

What does 'continuous professional development' (CPD) mean for a translator?

Answer: Ongoing education and skill-building to maintain professional competence

CPD involves ongoing training, study, and skill enhancement to keep pace with language, subject-matter, and technology changes.

Which of the following would be considered fee-setting misconduct?

Answer: Agreeing with competitors on minimum rates in violation of antitrust law

Colluding with competitors to fix prices violates antitrust law and professional ethics, even in the translation industry.

What should a translator do when they are unable to meet a deadline?

Answer: Inform the client as early as possible and negotiate a revised deadline

Transparent and timely communication about delivery issues is a professional obligation that respects the client's planning needs.

What is the ethical obligation regarding translator credentials on a resume or profile?

Answer: All credentials listed must be accurate and verifiable

Translators must represent their qualifications honestly; falsifying credentials is a serious ethical and potentially legal violation.