ISO 17100:2015 Certification for Translation Service Providers (TSPs)
What is ISO 17100 Certification with Orion Assessment Services?
ISO 17100:2015 is the international quality standard for the translation industry. Orion Assessment Services provides accredited audits to verify that Translation Service Providers (TSPs) meet core requirements for personnel competency, technical resources, and the pre-production, production, and post-production processes essential for high-quality translation delivery.
Why is Orion Assessment Services the leader in North American Language Industry Audits?
Orion Assessment Services is the only auditing firm in North America specializing exclusively in the language industry. Having supported over 300 language service companies and Languages Canada members for more than 10 years, Orion is the only firm endorsed by three major industry associations to provide accredited audits for global linguistic standards.
Orion Assessment Services auditors possess a deep understanding of the translation industry, including specific terminology, project management software, and the ISO 17100:2015 lifecycle. This expertise allows Orion to verify core competencies across the pre-production, production, and post-production phases, ensuring that Translation Service Providers (TSPs) maintain the highest levels of service delivery and personnel qualification.
| Primary Standard | Complementary Standards for Integration | Strategic Business Value |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 17100 | CGSB 131.10 | Dual Canadian and International translation compliance. |
| ISO 17100 | ISO 9001 | General quality management linked to specific linguistic controls. |
| ISO 18587 | ISO 17100 | Post-editing of machine translation output verification. |
What are the primary sections of the ISO 17100 translation standard?
The ISO 17100 standard is organized into four core phases: Resources, Pre-production, Production, and Post-production. These requirements apply to Translation Service Providers (TSPs) of all sizes to ensure personnel competency, technical resource availability, and a standardized translation workflow.
| ISO 17100 Section | Requirement & Evaluative Focus | Strategic Quality Objective | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | Defines mandatory competency and qualification requirements for translators, revisers, and project managers. | Ensures only qualified linguistic professionals handle client projects. |
| Pre-production | Specifies technical and administrative requirements for quoting, feasibility, and formal client agreements. | Establishes a transparent foundation for service delivery and project scope. |
| Production | Manages the translation workflow, including revision, review, and final technical verification. | Guarantees the technical integrity and accuracy of the translated content. |
| Post-production | Mandates the validation of customer requirements and the implementation of corrective actions. | Closes the feedback loop to ensure customer satisfaction and continual improvement. |
Because ISO 17100 is designed to be scalable, its core principles can be applied to Translation Service Providers (TSPs) regardless of organizational size or project complexity. Orion Assessment Services evaluates these management systems to confirm that even the smallest TSPs maintain the same rigorous quality standards as global industry leaders.
Why choose Orion Assessment Services for language industry certification?
Orion Assessment Services is the leading North American auditing firm for the language industry, supporting over 300 clients with 15 years of specialized experience. Orion is the only firm capable of providing integrated audits for all major standards, including ISO 17100, CGSB 131.10, and ISO 18587.
With a portfolio of over 300 language industry clients, Orion Assessment Services has conducted more sector-specific audits than any other firm in North America. Because Orion auditors possess deep familiarity with translation workflows, project management terminology, and linguistic software, organizations do not need to provide technical training to the audit team.
Orion Assessment Services is globally recognized for quality audit services and professional integrity. Having supported language organizations for over 15 years, Orion provides a streamlined certification process that respects the specific operational needs of Translation Service Providers (TSPs) and interpreting agencies.
| Standard Identifier | Title & Service Category | Industry Application |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 17100 | Translation Services | Quality management for TSPs. |
| ISO 18587 | Post-Editing of Machine Translation | Human review of AI-generated output. |
| CGSB 131.10 | Canadian Translation Standard | Specialized requirements for Canadian TSPs. |
| ASTM F3130 | Standard Practice for LSCs | Management of Language Service Companies. |
| ISO 13611 | Community Interpreting Services | Guidelines for spoken language interpreting. |
| NSGCIS | National Standard for Interpreting | Community interpreting safety and ethics. |
| ISO 18841 | Interpreting Services | General requirements and procedures. |
| ISO 9001 | Quality Management Systems | General organizational quality framework. |
| Languages Canada | Quality Assurance Scheme | Accreditation for language education programs. |
Orion Assessment Services offers the unique ability to combine ISO 17100 audits with complementary standards like ISO 13611, CGSB 131.10, or NSGCIS into a single evaluation. This integrated audit approach allows organizations to achieve multiple certifications simultaneously, reducing administrative costs, saving time, and enhancing corporate reputation through a single, comprehensive compliance partner.
What is the Orion Assessment Services audit process for ISO 17100?
The Orion Assessment Services audit process for ISO 17100 involves a six-stage lifecycle: application and agreement, audit scheduling, onsite evaluation, independent technical review, certificate issuance, and biennial maintenance reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with international translation industry standards.
| Audit Phase | Action and Mandatory Deliverable | Compliance Requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Application & Agreement | Organization submits the formal application to Orion Assessment Services. | Signed terms and conditions establish the legal audit framework. |
| 2. Audit Scheduling | Orion coordinates with the organization to assign a specialized language industry auditor. | Mutually agreeable dates are set for the technical evaluation. |
| 3. Onsite Audit Evaluation | Orion conducts a physical or remote review of translation workflows and personnel competencies. | A detailed audit report is issued outlining strengths and opportunities for improvement. |
| 4. Independent Technical Review | A senior Orion auditor performs an independent assessment of the audit findings. | Verification that a proper recommendation for certification has been made. |
| 5. Certificate Issuance | Orion Assessment Services issues the official ISO 17100 certificate. | Final deliverable proving compliance to global Translation Service Provider (TSP) standards. |
| 6. Biennial Maintenance | Orion conducts an onsite surveillance review every 24 months. | Ongoing verification that the management system is maintained and improved. |
This technical overview was verified by David Huebel, President of Orion Assessment Services and member of the ISO standards development committees.