SDL International, the leading provider of Global Information Management (GIM) solutions, announced today the mass adoption of the SDL TRADOS Certification program across the translation supply chain.

In just ten months since its launch, over 5,000 translators and project managers are involved in the program, and hundreds of language service providers and corporate language departments are currently engaged in the certification process.

Corporate language departments around the globe including Siemens A&D, and Nikken Corporation are using SDL TRADOS Certification to drive the quality of their translation projects and speed up time-to-market.

“By endorsing SDL TRADOS Certification as a preferred credential, we expect to increase localization production efficiency by ensuring translators are competent using the most up-to-date technology,” said Thomas H. Hecht, head of technology group, Siemens A&D Translation Services.

Increasing numbers of language service providers (LSPs) are engaging in SDL TRADOS Certification including US-based Iverson Language Associates, Inc. and LinguaLinx, Inc., Canadian firms ACCU Translations and All Languages, and New Zealand LSP Blue South. Many leading European companies are also involved including Swiss-based CLS Communication and USG, Denmark’s Translation House of Scandinavia, PROMT of Russia, Belgian B&K Projects, German Eskenazy Translations, Italian Vertere, ORCO S.A. in Greece, and Net-Translators in Israel.

“SDL TRADOS Certification has very quickly become the must-have qualification for international translators,” said Nikolai Tikhonov, translation department manager at PROMT. “It has also become a quality standard for language service providers worldwide. Obtaining the SDL TRADOS Certification not only proves the company's and translators' high proficiency level, but also demonstrates our aspiration for the constant rise in quality of provided translation services.”

For translators the SDL TRADOS Certification program offers comprehensive professional education on the most up-to-date translation technology. The SDL TRADOS Certification is a recognized industry standard providing quality assurance for translators’ customers. Furthermore the training program is helping to further drive standards by educating the translator community on the latest translation developments and best practice including technology, terminology management and automated quality assurance checks.

Mike Kidd, executive vice-president of ProZ.com, the largest online global translator community, commented: “SDL TRADOS Certification is one of the best ways to show proficiency at using SDL TRADOS Technology. Being highly skilled at using the most requested translation tool on ProZ.com contributes to the success of both the translator and the outsourcer of translation projects.”

“In today’s global economy, language is the competitive differentiator,” added Dr. Chris Boorman, CMO at SDL International. “While establishing a technology-based Global Information Management strategy is the first step for any firm seeking international growth, quality is paramount for driving brand consistency and avoiding costly mistakes. Companies across the globe are turning to certification of the translation supply chain as the most effective way to achieve this.”