NAATI, the acronym from National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, is Australia’s only translation accreditation authority.
NAATI Approved Courses
NAATI translation/interpretation accreditation used to consist of five levels - in order of seniority from 1 to 5. The current system has four levels only, ranging from level 1 to 4 (lower to higher levels), which is equivalent to Levels 2 to 5 used previously. Level 3 accreditation, as it is often referred to, is a cover term currently used for all professional translators/interpreters accreditations. It is an essential requirement for those undertaking translation jobs in Australia. Level 3 accreditation is awarded in three categories/directions, i.e. English → Chinese translator, Chinese→English translator, and English & Chinese two-directional interpreter. Level 2 accreditation, as it is often referred to, is a cover term currently used for all paraprofessional translators/interpreters accreditations. For the language of Chinese/Mandarin Level 2 accreditation is awarded only for English & Chinese/Mandarin two-directional paraprofessional interpreter.
In general there are two ways to obtain NAATI accreditation. One is to sit examinations held by NAATI; the other is to do a NAATI approved course and successfully pass relevant examinations in the course of study. The best way to obtain NAATI accreditations is to enroll in a NAATI approved course. The systematic and specific study of translation knowledge and techniques offered in such a course will greatly enhance the chance of acquiring NAATI accreditation.
The Advanced Diploma of Translating (40169SA) offered at Australian Institute of Translation and Interpretation was a NAATI approved course between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2011. The NAATI approved of the course for 2012 is expected to be acquired soon in Feb/March 2012. Subject to NAATI approval, if you successfully complete the advanced diploma and achieve 70% or above in one of the final translating examinations—referred to as the Accreditation Examinations—you are eligible to be recommended to NAATI for the professional translator accreditation.
