SDL Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through the frequently asked questions for answers in relation to SDL Certification. If you cannot find the answer you require please contact us directly.
- What is SDL Certification?
- Do I need to be SDL Certified to accept project work?
- What is the process to become SDL Certified?
- How long will it take to become SDL Certified?
- How much does SDL Certification cost?
- How long do I have after I have purchased the exams to take the tests?
- Do I need to renew my SDL Certification when new versions of the software are released?
- What happens when I successfully pass the exam of the SDL Certification?
- I am currently SDL Certified for the SDL Trados 2007 option. What do I have to do to upgrade my Certification?
- I am going through Certification for SDL Trados 2007, how does this affect me?
- How much does both on-line and on-site training cost?
- What is the difference between onsite and online training?
- Where is the onsite training being delivered?
- How is the online training being delivered, in which language, is it interactive, who is the caller?
- What is the duration and workflow of the online training?
- How can SDL Certification help me win business?
- Do I need to be trained in SDL Trados Studio 2009 and SDL MultiTerm 2009 to be SDL Certified?
What is SDL Certification?
The SDL Certification Program is the industry’s premier technology based certification which provides a recognized standard of excellence in SDL Trados software knowledge. It’s a comprehensive professional education program designed to develop and validate expertise in the use of SDL Trados translation technology tools.
The Certification has been designed to help educate the translator community on the latest technological developments and best practices in translation technology, terminology management and automated quality assurance checks. As a result, Certification greatly increases derived efficiencies from the use of SDL Trados software and ensures the automation and time saving features available in the technology are applied. Additionally, the SDL Certification helps increase quality of translation project by reducing human error and helps individuals achieve their personal development goals.
Do I need to be SDL Certified to accept project work?
Absolutely not, however holding the credential proves your level of expertise in the translation technology and will make you more interesting to a potential employer.
What is the process to become SDL Certified?
The process for becoming Certified is simple:
1. Select the Certification exam for either SDL Trados Studio 2009 or SDL MultiTerm 2009.
2. We recommend you take SDL Approved Training to prepare for the exams.
3. You move up the Certification ladder by mastering each level
How long will it take to become SDL Certified?
This depends largely on your current experience in using SDL TRADOS technology. Some translators pass on the first try, and others who are just starting with the software prefer to take training courses (online or onsite Certification training) or simply download our courseware to prepare themselves for the exams.
Find out more about our Certification training options to prepare you for the exams.
How much does SDL Certification cost?
All SDL Certification exams are priced the same at: $69, £39, € 49, 6,000 Yen.
How long do I have after I have purchased the exams to take the tests?
There is no time limit for you to become SDL Certified. Many translators are currently working through the steps of certification, and will become the first to be more employable because of their skills. If you would like to find out more on how to prepare for SDL Certification, please visit our Certification Training page or contact us to find out more.
Do I need to renew my SDL Certification when new versions of the software are released?
Yes, your SDL Certification will be specific to the version of SDL Trados Studio 2009 and SDL MultiTerm 2009 and is valid for 60 days after a new exam is published for any new product version release. SDL TRADOS will email you with the details of new exams as well as a reminder of when your Certification is due for renewal.
What happens when I successfully pass the exam of the SDL Certification?
You will have achieved Certification for your respective level upon successful completion of the online exams, for example, successful completion of the Level 1 exam will issue Level 1 certification, with an associated Certification pin-badge, web page and Certification logo.
What do I have to do to upgrade my Certification?
We have endeavoured to make the transition to the new version as easy and quick as possible. You will find that your account has automatically been updated with everything you need to update your Certification process to the SDL Trados Studio 2009 product. When you log back into your account you will find a range of new Certification exams to chose from. Please select and take the ones that are best fitting to your role and software usage.
All the new exams are delivered free of charge and will be automatically in your account .
I am currently going through Certification for SDL Trados 2007, how does this affect me?
We have endeavoured to make the transition to the new version as quick and as easy as possible. Your account will automatically be updated with everything you need to upgrade your Certification status to the SDL Trados Studio 2009 product. When you log back into your account you will find a range of new Certification exams to chose from. Please select and take the ones that are best fitting to your role and software usage. Please see diagram above SDL Certification Options available for Exisitng Users, guiding you in what you will find in your account.
These new exams are delivered free of charge and will appear automatically in your account.
How much does both on-line and on-site training cost?
To find out more details on pricing for the various Training courses and delivery types we offer please see our Training Pricelist
What is the difference between onsite and online training?
Onsite training is hands on, classroom based and is delivered at one of our Authorised Training Centre facilities or at a customers own chosen site.
Online training is live, non-interactive, WebEx based training delivered over the internet at an agreed time and duration. We see this as a valuable primer to hands on classroom based training.
Where is the onsite training being delivered?
Onsite training is delivered at one of our SDL or Authorised Training Centre facilities or at a customers own chosen site
How is the online training being delivered, in which language, is it interactive, who is the caller?
Online training can be delivered in the following languages, some of which are available on a public, schedule of course dates, some of which can be delivered on a request only basis. See the online course schedule for further information on this. The training is not interactive but is delivered live with the ability to ask questions at the end of the session. The online training sessions are delivered by an Authorised SDL Trainer. Online training is currently offered in the following languages:
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What is the duration and workflow of the online training?
The duration of our online courses is 3 hours. The workflow is a detailed in the individual course outlines.
How can SDL Certification help me win business?
For freelance translators:
The SDL Certification program has been developed with the aim of helping freelance translators achieve their professional development and career advancement goals. Additionally, all major translation community websites such as Proz.com, Aquarius, TRADUguide, have recognised the importance of technology Certification alongside linguistic credentials and have added fields to display SDL Certification in their translator’s profile area. Search results from these websites have shown that outsourcers actively look for persons who have the SDL Certification credential as a means of validating their level of expertise in the worlds leading translation technology tools.
Do I need to be trained in SDL Trados Studio 2009 and SDL MultiTerm 2009 to be Certified?
There are several ways prepare for SDL Certification and definitely the best recommended option includes training for the translation tool of your choice either SDL Trados Studio 2009 or SDL MultiTerm 2009. In fact according to SDL Training figures over 93% of the translators that attended one of our training session passed their Certification exam on the first attempt. To find out more about the different training options available to suit your particular needs please visit our training page.
