About the UTA Certification Exam

Language Combinations Available

Translators are certified in a specific language pair and direction (from or into English). Certification is currently available in the following language combinations:

English → Luganda
Kiswahili → English

Luganda → English
Luganda → Kiswahili *

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*Indicates certification is temporarily unavailable.

Taking the Exam

The exam consists of three passages of 225 to 275 words each. Two of these passages must be translated. Passages are typically written at a university reading level but avoid highly specialized terminology requiring research. While they include terminology challenges, these can be met with a good general dictionary.

In addition to the text to be translated, each exam passage includes Translation Instructions (TIs), specifying the context within which the translation is to be performed (text source and translation purpose, audience, and medium). TIs can be thought of as reflecting the client's expectations, as if the exam was a real-life translation assignment.

The exam is not returned to you, and no feedback is provided. ATA exam results are pass or fail only. This is the prevailing practice of many high-stakes credentialing exams.

What skills does the exam test for?

The exam tests for professional translation skills. It is designed to determine whether a candidate is able to produce a translation that is professionally usable within the framework provided by the Translation Instructions (TIs).

The skills in question are defined by the positive answers to these questions:

#1: Does the translation demonstrate compliance with the specifications of the Translation Instructions?

Yes, if:
The translation is usable and intelligible in the specified context.
Register, style, and wording match comparable documents written in the target language.

#2: Does the translation demonstrate understanding of the overall content, purpose, and argument of the examination passage?

Yes, if:
Attention to and understanding of the topic are used to help solve challenges and arrive at a correct rendering.
Attention to and understanding of the topic help the candidate use dictionaries competently.
Everything integral to the source text is included in the target text and nothing that is not implicitly or explicitly stated by the author is added.
Accurate analysis of the source text ensures that the target text reflects the view, argument, or presented information on all levels (text, sentence, and word).

#3: Does the translation demonstrate competent familiarity with translation strategies of various kinds?

Yes, if:
View, argument, and information are presented appropriately for the target culture.
Syntax is appropriate to the target language; the target text does not necessarily imitate the sentence structure of the source text.
Idioms in the source text are rendered so as to convey a comparable meaning in the target text.
Wording is as unambiguous as possible.

#4: Does the translation demonstrate good writing in the target language?

Yes, if:
The target text flows smoothly and does not contain awkward expressions that mark it distinctly as a translation.
There are few or no mechanical errors (relating to grammar, usage, spelling, or punctuation).

Taking the Exam FAQs

What is the difference between the online exam and the in-person exam?

The different types of exams have different technical requirements. Review the Exam Restrictions and Requirements before registering.

See the Exam Requirements Register for an Exam

Can I use the internet?

Yes. For the in-person exam, ATA provides internet access. For the online exam, you must have your own internet access. See all software and hardware requirements.

See the Exam Requirements

Can I use a tablet or smartphone?

For the in-person exam, no. Exceptions may be made for individuals with disabilities. Contact ATA for pre-approval. For the online exam, you must have a tablet or smartphone with a camera for exam security. See all software and hardware requirements.

See the Exam Requirements

Can I use reference books during the exam?

Yes. All printed resources are allowed, but only specific online resources are permitted. See the full list of permitted online resources.

While exams avoid highly specialized terminology, they do include terminology challenges that can be met with a good general dictionary.

See the Online Resources List

Do I need to use a calculator to convert measures, distances, currencies, etc.?

No. You are not expected to make mathematical conversions. You will not be penalized if you choose to do the conversions, but incorrect conversions will be marked as errors and result in a lower score.

Why do I have to sign a confidentiality agreement?

Because exam passages may be used again, candidates are bound by a confidentiality agreement not to discuss or reveal the contents of the examination. Violation of this agreement may be grounds for loss of certification.

Do I need a computer?

For the in-person exam, you must bring your laptop. Handwritten exams are an option but you must contact ATA when you register.

For the online exam, you must have a computer with internet access and a webcam.

Register for an Exam