We’re ISO 17100 certified - what does that mean for you?

This year, after a lot of hard work, Sprachen Koll finally received our long-awaited ISO 17100 certification. But what does that actually mean, and how will it benefit you?

ISO is an organisation that develops and publishes international standards (read more about them here). Essentially, it’s a set of best practices on the most effective way to do something, covering both technical and nontechnical fields. When it comes to translations, ISO 17100 ensures that you, our customer, can order a translation with confidence without having to worry about unqualified translators, lost documents or data leaks.

ISO certification is something companies pursue for their clients - it’s for your benefit.

Sure, an ISO certification might not be important when we’re translating a love letter (yes, we’ve done this!), but it can have serious consequences when it comes to legal translations for embassies or courts – think of a marriage license, for example.

What hoops did we jump through to get certified?

ISO 17100 is a gold stamp of excellence, and the process to achieve it is rigorous. Here is a list of things that the ISO 17100 requires of translation service providers - and don’t worry, we will keep it short:

1. Translators and editors must have formal qualifications, such as a degree in translation, or equivalent professional experience.

2. The processes have to be defined. From pre-production to post-production, project planning, quality assurance and client communication, each stage must have a clear process that employees can follow (i.e. where do we save the documents, how do we upload it for the translator etc.).

3. The company must have a quality assurance system in place to review and verify translations for accuracy, clarity and client requirements. Most importantly, every translation must include self-checks by the translator and a revision by a second person.

4. Confidentiality is important. Strict measures must be implemented to protect client information.

5. The company must implement resource management to ensure that employees have access to the necessary technological tools (such as CAT tools) and maintain an up-to-date register of the professional skills required for each project.

Where did we even begin?

While we’ve only been ISO 17100 certified this year (in 2025), we have always worked according to the standard.

A few years ago, we developed an internal tool in collaboration with developers called TPM-Q, which streamlines and centralises documentation. We use this tool every day to ensure all our processes are efficiently managed, and we even plan to bring it to market in the future. It plays a crucial role in maintaining our high-quality standards.

The preparation for the audit itself took about three months.

It's voluntary - so why did we choose to become certified?

There are many “fly-by-night” translation companies out there, and this sets us apart from them and the competition. More importantly, it ensures a high-quality end result for our clients. When structured processes are in place internally, at any company, then human errors are minimised.

The ISO 17100 certification demonstrates that a translation service provider meets industry standards, follows best practices, and adapts to the needs of its clients. Ultimately, it builds trust and credibility!

Has it made work easier?

Yes! Our internal system, TPM-Q, has helped our project managers gain better overview of projects. Having set processes in place makes us faster and more efficient - and creates a better work environment for both our in-house and freelance translators.

Additionally, translation agencies and freelance translators use specific industry terminology. ISO 17100 provides a glossary that standardises commonly used terms, which makes communication with other ISO-certified providers and freelance translators clearer.

What’s our elevator pitch for this ISO certification?

It means we always, always conduct a revision of every translation by a second qualified translator. Nothing leaves our desk that hasn’t been checked by at least four eyes (i.e. two people!).

What about your privacy and data as a client?

To comply with ISO 17100, our Sprachen Koll team implemented a secure and traceable system for storing and archiving all files. This ensures that no document can get lost.

If we were to be audited, we have all the proof required to demonstrate compliance, as these processes are built into our internal system. We simply can’t go wrong.

Is this a once-off certification?

Obtaining the ISO 17100 certification was no easy feat. It involved a rigorous audit by an independent body to ensure that our systems, processes, services, employees, and suppliers met the standard’s requirements. These aspects are also subject to ongoing monitoring.

What does this mean for you, our client?

Whether you are a company, government agency, or an individual, you benefit from a translation service that operates to the highest quality standards. You can be sure that every translation is produced, revised, and checked by qualified professionals.

It really shows we’re committed to excellence!