Translation process under ISO 17100

The translation process is the core of the ISO 17100 standard. It is the stage in which content is rendered from the source language into the target language, but it is not limited to the initial translation. The standard requires a workflow with several stages: translation, check, independent revision, possible additional controls and final verification before delivery.

This point matters because translation is often discussed as if it were a single task. In a service conforming to ISO 17100, translation is part of a broader, documented and controlled process.

The main difference is that the text does not depend only on the translator’s judgement. A qualified reviser also intervenes and, when the project requires it, other specialist profiles may also be involved.

What translating under ISO 17100 means

Translating does not mean replacing words in one language with words in another.

Under the approach of the standard, the translator must reproduce the source language content in the target language in accordance with the purpose of the project, the client’s specifications, the domain of the text and the linguistic conventions of the target language.

This means controlling meaning, terminology, style, register, format, internal consistency, local conventions, document purpose and target audience.

A legal, medical, technical or web translation is not handled using the same criteria. Each text type requires different decisions.

Initial translation

The first stage is the translation itself.

The professional translator works with the source content and produces the target language content. To do this properly, the translator must have translation competence, knowledge of the working languages, research skills, technical competence and command of the specialist field.

At this stage, the translator applies client instructions, glossaries, translation memories, style guides and reference material when available.

In technical or regulated projects, terminology carries particular weight. A poorly chosen term can alter the meaning of a clause, a medical instruction, a technical data sheet or a safety warning.

The translator’s check

After translating, the translator must check his or her own work.

The check is the examination carried out by the translator on the target text. Its purpose is to detect meaning problems, omissions, grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, terminology inconsistencies or deviations from the project instructions.

This stage is necessary, but it is not enough.

The translator’s check does not replace independent revision. The translator can detect many problems, but the standard requires a second professional set of eyes.

Independent revision

Independent revision is one of the most important elements of ISO 17100.

It must be carried out by a person other than the translator. The reviser compares the translated text with the source text to check whether the translation is suitable for its intended purpose.

This is not a superficial reading. It is a bilingual comparison.

The reviser checks accuracy of meaning, absence of omissions, correct use of terminology, suitability for the target audience, consistency with the specialist domain, compliance with instructions, style, register, format and local conventions.

In a legal translation, for example, the reviser must understand the legal content and detect whether a phrase could mislead the reader. In a medical or pharmaceutical translation, the reviser must check that clinical, regulatory or technical terminology does not alter the source content.

Difference between revision and review

The standard distinguishes between revision and review.

Revision compares the source and the translation. It is bilingual.

Review examines the target language content monolingually to assess whether it is suitable for the domain, the document type and the intended purpose.

A reviewer may be a specialist in the field of the text. For example, a doctor, engineer, lawyer or technical expert who validates the conceptual suitability of the translated content.

Not all projects include review. It must be agreed when the assignment requires it.

Proofreading

Proofreading is another possible control within the process.

It is normally applied when the text has already been laid out or prepared for printing, publication or final delivery in a specific format.

It may be necessary in catalogues, manuals, presentations, brochures, InDesign files, technical publications, web pages, marketing material or instructions for use.

Its purpose is not to translate again. It consists of detecting final formatting problems, line breaks, typographical errors, hidden text, visible inconsistencies or faults introduced during desktop publishing.

In a website translation, this control may include menus, buttons, forms, metadata, calls to action and screen display.

Final verification and delivery

Before the translation is delivered, final verification must be carried out.

This task belongs to translation project management. The project manager checks that the project meets the agreed specifications: files, languages, format, deadline, instructions, revisions and delivery elements.

Final verification must not be confused with linguistic revision. Its function is to confirm that the service is complete and can be released to the client.

If any defect is detected, it must be corrected before the translation is sent.

What happens if the reviser detects errors

When the reviser detects errors, he or she may correct them directly or recommend corrections to the translator, depending on the agreed procedure.

If the errors affect the quality of the text, the process may be repeated until the content meets the expected requirements.

This point is important because revision must not be a formality. It has to have real effects on the translation when problems are detected.

Translation, revision and price

A translation conforming to ISO 17100 requires more work than a translation without independent revision.

That is why translation rates should be analysed carefully. Two quotations may look similar but not include the same process.

A translation with a qualified translator, independent reviser, terminology management, technical control and final verification is not equivalent to a fast translation without a second revision.

In sensitive sectors, choosing only by price increases risk.

Translation process and technologies

Translation technologies can support the process. Translation memories, CAT tools, terminology databases and automatic checks help maintain consistency and detect formal issues.

But the standard is based on qualified human intervention.

Tools do not replace the translator or the reviser. They help control complex projects, repetitive documents, multilingual texts and specialised terminology.

When the assignment consists of machine translation post-editing, it should be treated within the specific framework of ISO 18587, not as a standard ISO 17100 service.

Why this process improves quality

Quality improves because each stage has a specific function.

The translator produces the text. The translator checks his or her own work. The reviser compares the translation with the source. The reviewer may validate specialist suitability. The proofreader may check the laid-out text. The project manager verifies that the project meets what was agreed.

This workflow reduces errors, improves traceability and makes it easier to respond to subsequent client questions or feedback.

LinguaVox and the translation process

LinguaVox works with professional translation processes that include selection of qualified translators, independent revision, terminology management, technical control and final verification.

This approach is especially useful in technical, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, corporate and multilingual documentation.

Request a translation quote

Frequently asked questions about the translation process in ISO 17100

What stages does the translation process include under ISO 17100?

It includes translation, the translator’s check, independent revision, possible additional controls such as review or proofreading, final verification and delivery.

What is the translator’s check?

It is the examination carried out by the translator on his or her own translation. It helps detect omissions, meaning errors, grammatical problems, formatting faults or failure to follow project instructions.

Does revision have to be performed by another person?

Yes. In a translation conforming to ISO 17100, revision must be carried out by a person other than the translator and with appropriate competences in the language combination and text domain.

What is review?

Review is a monolingual examination of the translated text to assess whether it is suitable for the specialist field and intended purpose. It may be performed by a subject-matter specialist when the project requires it.

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the final control of the revised text before printing, publication or delivery in a laid-out format. It helps detect typos, formatting faults, incorrect line breaks or errors introduced during desktop publishing.

Is a translation conforming to ISO 17100 always more expensive?

Not always, but it usually involves more control than a translation without independent revision. The price depends on language, volume, difficulty, format, deadline and additional services included.