Professional guidelines for translation service providers


Professional translators and translation companies:

  • represent their credentials, capabilities and experiences honestly
  • answer, courteously, inquiries related to services, fees and available equipment,
  • accept only assignments that they have the knowledge, resources and time to do well
  • disclose, prior to accepting any assignment, any biases that may have relevance
  • agree, before work starts, what is to be delivered, as well as how, when, and who will bear any delivery cost
  • agree, before work starts, on payment amount, timing and currency, and who will bear any payment cost
  • set their rates at levels that allow them to deliver, on an ongoing basis, the quality levels that their clients require

  • treat all sensitive information as confidential, and take steps to protect that confidentiality
  • take any and all steps necessary to ensure consistent delivery of work of a high professional standard
  • accept responsibility for the quality of work they deliver, even when that work has been subcontracted
  • do not attempt to change, after work has begun, agreed-upon terms (except by mutual consultation)
  • do everything possible to meet agreed-upon terms, even when unforeseen problems are encountered

  • do not directly contact end clients, or subcontractors, without permission
  • attempt to resolve disputes directly among parties involved
  • strive to continually improve their own skills
  • do not unjustly criticize other professionals or their work
  • capitalize on opportunities to further the industry as a whole
  • do not engage in conduct or communication unbecoming of a professional
  • Professional interpreters:

  • ask for clarification, and give it, when appropriate, making clear when they are speaking and not interpreting
  • do not interject their own feelings, opinions or advice
  • do not accept assignments in which payment is contingent on the outcome of a case or proceedings
  • This is version 1.1 of the guidelines. A newer version of the guidelines is available.



    Endorsement of the guidelines is a requirement for participation in the ProZ.com certified PRO network. Evidence of having acted in violation of the guidelines is grounds for dismissal from that program.



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    A total of 28459 professionals have endorsed this version.