ATA Exam Structure and Format Flashcards

What materials are candidates permitted to use during the ATA Certification Exam?

Answer: Dictionaries, glossaries, and reference materials in print or digital form (non-communicating devices)

The ATA exam is open-book; candidates may use their own dictionaries, glossaries, and terminology resources, reflecting real professional translation practice.

How is the ATA Certification Exam currently administered?

Answer: Both at authorized testing centers and via a remote proctored online format

The ATA has expanded access by offering the exam both at authorized testing sites and through a remote proctored online option.

How are ATA exam passages selected and vetted?

Answer: Passages are drawn from authentic published sources and reviewed by experienced translators for difficulty and appropriateness

The ATA selects authentic texts from real publications and vets them through an expert review process to ensure appropriate difficulty and clear grading criteria.

What is the approximate word count of each passage in the ATA Certification Exam?

Answer: 225 to 275 words

Each passage is approximately 225 to 275 words, making the two required passages together roughly 450 to 550 words to translate within the 3-hour time limit.

Which of the following is NOT a graded competency area in the ATA Certification Exam?

Answer: Oral interpretation fluency

The ATA Certification Exam is a written translation exam; oral interpretation skill is not assessed. Separate credentials exist for interpreters.

What is the significance of the ATA's language pair approval process for the certification exam?

Answer: The ATA approves language pairs only when sufficient qualified graders and demand exist

The ATA certifies only language pairs for which trained graders are available and for which there is sufficient professional demand, ensuring grading quality.