TS EN ISO 17100

TS EN ISO 17100 defines the core requirements that govern how translation services are planned, delivered, and controlled. Its focus is on the processes, resources, and organisational arrangements needed by a translation service provider to deliver a service that meets applicable specifications. In practical terms, it treats translation as a managed professional service, not just a language conversion task.

How the standard frames translation service delivery

The standard addresses the essential elements that must be managed so a translation service can meet the client’s and other applicable requirements. In general technical terms, this means looking at translation as a workflow rather than a single act: quotation and job preparation, assignment, translation, review, delivery, and related controls all form part of the service model. This perspective is important because translation quality depends not only on linguistic competence, but also on process discipline, resource allocation, and consistency in handling project requirements.

Defined boundaries of the scope

• Raw machine translation output followed by post-editing is outside the scope of this standard.
• Interpreting services are not covered; the scope is written translation services.
• Applicable specifications may come from the client, the service provider’s own rules, and relevant industry codes, best-practice guides, or legislation.
• The standard also provides a means for a translation service provider to demonstrate conformity of specified translation services and the capability of its processes and resources to deliver them.

In general technical context, the value of a standard like this is that it turns translation service quality into something that can be organised and assessed systematically. It supports clearer role allocation, terminology consistency, controlled review practices, and better alignment between service delivery and client expectations. TS EN ISO 17100 sets that framework specifically for written translation services.