The Saudi Arabian Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced a comprehensive update of the requirements and standards for the “Certified Translator” program, in a strategic step aimed at regulating the translation sector, raising the level of professional competence of its workers, and meeting the growing demand for high-quality translation services in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Background and context of development
This update comes as part of the pivotal role played by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission since its establishment in 2020, which has been entrusted with developing regulations and bylaws related to the publishing and translation industry in the Kingdom. With the economic and cultural openness that Saudi Arabia is witnessing, and the increase in foreign investment and major projects, the need for professional and certified translators capable of conveying knowledge and culture accurately and reliably has become paramount. The “Certified Translator” program aims to bridge this gap by establishing clear standards for professional accreditation, thus ensuring the quality of outputs and enhancing confidence in the Saudi translation market.
Two paths to meet market needs
The Authority adopted two main tracks for joining the program, with the aim of accommodating different categories of translators, whether they are at the beginning of their careers or have extensive experience:
- Practitioners' Track: This track targets recent graduates and those wishing to enter the field of translation or refine their skills. Applicants in this track are required to attend a mandatory training program before taking the certification exams, ensuring their qualification according to the highest professional and ethical standards.
- Experienced Track: This track is designed for professional translators with at least five years of documented work experience in the translation industry. It aims to recognize and reward qualified individuals in the market based on their track record.
Precise requirements for the practitioners' path
The Authority has established a set of requirements for applicants to the practitioners' track, most notably holding a recognized academic qualification (diploma, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) in translation, linguistics, or literature. If the academic qualification is in another field, applicants must provide proof of at least two years of practical experience in translation, or submit a portfolio containing samples of previous work, or letters of recommendation from clients. The Authority also requires all applicants to pass an ethical competency test for the translation profession to ensure their understanding of the fundamentals of sound professional practice.
Specific criteria for the experienced professionals track
For applicants in the experienced track, the authority required proof of at least five years of experience, in addition to quantitative evidence of completed workload, which varied depending on the specialization, such as translating 700,000 words in general translation or 500 hours in interpreting. The authority also made it possible to grant the "Certified Translator" certificate directly to some applicants in this track without requiring them to take the exam, following a comprehensive evaluation of their portfolio and experience, which demonstrated their exceptional competence.
Expected impact on the translation sector
These new requirements are expected to bring about a qualitative shift in the translation sector in the Kingdom. Domestically, they will contribute to raising the quality of services provided to both the public and private sectors, and protecting clients from unprofessional practices. Regionally and internationally, the existence of a nationally recognized accreditation certificate will enhance the standing of Saudi translators and increase their competitiveness in global markets, thus supporting the exchange of culture and knowledge, a key pillar of Vision 2030.
General guidelines and program fees
The authority has established general guidelines governing the program, including completing registration procedures and paying the required fees, which amount to SAR 1,650 for the practitioners' track (including training and testing) and SAR 750 for the experienced professionals' track. The authority emphasized that the fees are non-refundable. It also stressed the necessity of attending at least 70% of the virtual training program, maintaining the confidentiality of program-related information, and strictly adhering to professional ethics.
