ISO 17100: Why it matters for translation agencies

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), founded in 1947, is the most recognised international authority for establishing standards that ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in products and services worldwide. In the field of professional translation, this organisation defines specific standards that allow agencies to offer a reliable, documented service in accordance with the best international practices.

What is ISO 17100 and how does it benefit translation agencies?

The ISO 17100 standard, published in May 2015, is the internationally recognised standard for translation services. For translation agencies, adopting this standard entails meeting a series of requirements that enhance their professional standing and credibility, such as:

• Linguistic and professional competence of translators
• Efficient project management
• Defined quality control processes
• Document traceability

Having ISO 17100 certification means that the agency operates according to an internationally validated system and offers solid guarantees.

How does an ISO 17100 certified agency work?

When a translation agency holds ISO 17100 certification, it means that it follows a standardised work process that guarantees the quality of each translation.

This international standard defines how projects should be managed to ensure accuracy, consistency, and professionalism at all times. In practice, the process includes:

• Project analysis by a qualified manager
• Translation by accredited professionals
• Comprehensive review by a second translator
• Final quality check

Having this certification means that the agency follows an internationally validated system.

Benefits of working with an ISO 9001 certified translation agency

For companies outsourcing their translations, working with an ISO 17100 certified agency ensures greater reliability and higher quality results.
This certification ensures that each project is managed following internationally recognised standards, which is reflected in:

• Terminological accuracy, thanks to the consistent use of technical and sector-specific terminology
• Consistency, both within a single document and across different projects
• Localisation, with appropriate linguistic and cultural adaptations to the target market
• Assured quality, through reviews and checks at each stage of the process

In short, choosing an ISO 17100 certified agency means working with a translation partner that prioritises reliability, consistency, and linguistic excellence.

Commitment to quality and professionalism

The ISO 17100 standard sets out the requirements that agencies must meet to provide accurate, consistent translations reviewed by experts, following controlled processes audited by accredited bodies such as Bureau Veritas.

For regulated sectors, such as medical, pharmaceutical, technical, or industrial, working with an ISO 17100 certified translation agency provides added value:

• Reliability and professionalism in every project
• Compliance with international quality standards
• Documented, controlled, and audited processes
• Security and accuracy in terminological management and localisation

Choosing an ISO 17100 certified translation agency is not just a technical decision, but an investment in quality, regulatory compliance, and trust.

AbroadLink is certified under ISO 17100, as well as under ISO 13485 and ISO 9001, all renewed in 2025.