There are many regional, national and international translation associations that can provide you with advice and, in some cases, professional qualifications. They also often run workshops and/or hold conferences. Meeting colleagues in person is the best way to network, learn about our profession and further your business.
I have mentioned a few below, but please see this detailed and comprehensive list produced by Inbox Translation, this lexicool.com page or this page of associations, organisations and universities produced by Proz.com for more.
Canada’s Association de l’industrie de la langue – Language Industry Association.
The American Literary Translators Association provides resources and a public translator portal. ALTA also holds and annual conference.
Asociación Española de Traductores, Correctores e Intérpretes. This is an association in Spain for translators, interpreters and copy-editors.
Schweizerischer Übersetzer-, Terminologen- und Dolmetscher-Verband – Swiss Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters.
American Translators Association. The ATA is the largest translation and interpreting association in the US. It offers ATA certification after passing an exam.
It has an extremely useful Business Strategies page, as part of its career and education section, with information on getting started in translation, taking care of business, and tools and resources.
The ATA has also produced a Guide to Starting Out as a Translator.
UK Association of Translation Companies. It represents the interest of language service companies in the United Kingdom.
Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer. This is the largest translation and interpreting association in Germany.
Chartered Institute of Linguists. Based in the UK, the CIOL is an association for all language professionals and students intending to pursue a career in languages. It offers the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) and other qualifications.
Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council. The CTTIC is a federation of provincial and territorial associations for language professionals. Once you become a member of one of these associations, you can take the certification exam run by CTTIC to become certified.
European Language Industry Association of language service companies. ELIA organises conferences attended by translation agencies and freelancers. They also hold networking days and members have access to webinars.
Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (International Federation of Translators). FIT groups together over 131 international associations.
The Globalization and Localization Association supports member companies and individuals (translators, interpreters, consultants, software developers, etc.) by creating professional communities, sharing knowledge and improving best practices in the language industry.
Institute of Translating and Interpreting. UK-based association for translators and interpreters. The ITI holds exams leading to MITI (member) status once passed.
The site provides a directory of ITI qualified (MITI) translators and interpreters, information about the profession, a blog and resources for members.
Mediterranean Editors & Translators. This association is primarily for translators and editors working into or with English. Despite its name and being founded in Spain, it draws its membership from a number of countries, including non-Mediterranean ones.
Society of English-language professionals in the Netherlands. This is a professional association for translators, editors, copywriters, interpreters and teachers of English communication skills.
Sveriges Facköversättarförening – Swedish Association of Professional Translators.
SFT is the Société Française des Traducteurs, the French Association for Translators. It lists upcoming CPD opportunities on its website.
The Translators Association of the The Society of Authors. An association for literary translators.
A professional organisation for women in the localisation industry. The global community aims to promote professional equality in the industry and support women throughout the many phases of their careers. There are already several chapters worldwide and virtual and in-person events are organised.
Links are generally listed in alphabetical order in the sections and they are provided for information purposes only. Under no circumstances should they be understood as a personal recommendation.
The Links, Tips & Resources pages are constantly being improved, expanded and updated, so please come back another time. If you have any comments or recommendations, please contact me.
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