Translation quality standards – what are they?

When partnering with a Language Service Provider (LSP), you will often hear about the quality of translations—and rightly so. This raises an important question: what are translation quality standards? 

According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), quality is defined as “the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs.” 

In the context of translation, quality refers to the ability to accurately capture and convey both the information and intent of the source content. 

 Why Translation Quality Matters 

Translation quality becomes mission-critical in fields such as medical, legal, accounting, technical documentation, and intellectual property (IP). 

Poor-quality translations can lead to loss of business value, regulatory issues, and in some cases, even risk to human life. 

 What Is an ISO Standard? 

ISO standards define internationally recognized best practices and business processes, agreed upon by experts worldwide. 

In translation, these standards focus on establishing a structured process for translation, review, and approval. When followed by qualified professionals, these processes ensure consistent, accurate, and reliable translations that meet specific customer requirements. 

 Key ISO Quality Standards for Translation 

ISO 9001:2015 The most widely recognized quality management standard, ISO 9001 provides a framework for achieving consistent performance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across an organization. Certification demonstrates a strong commitment to quality management systems and operational excellence. 

ISO 17100:2015 Designed specifically for the translation industry, this standard defines requirements for core processes, resources, and quality assurance. Certification to ISO 17100 reflects a provider’s dedication to delivering high-quality translation services that meet both client expectations and industry standards. 

 Industry-Specific Standards: A Medical Example 

Certain industries require more specialized standards. For example, ISO 13485:2016 applies to organizations involved in medical devices and related services, including translation. 

This standard ensures that organizations consistently meet regulatory requirements and maintain risk management processes. 

LSPs certified to ISO 13485, such as Morningside, work closely with medical device companies to manage translation risks. By implementing rigorous quality processes, they help reduce compliance risks, legal exposure, and potential harm to end users.  

Adhering to ISO translation quality standards ensures that translations are not only accurate, but also reliable, compliant, and fit for purpose. For organizations operating in high-stakes industries, choosing an LSP with the right certifications is essential to protect business value and minimize risk. 

International Standard for Security Management 

ISO 27001:2013 is a comprehensive framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It ensures that business information is handled with strict confidentiality and security, while proactively mitigating risks that could compromise client data integrity. 

Morningside, a Questel Company, is the first major patent translation and filing provider to achieve this certification and remains one of only a few Language Service Providers (LSPs) to do so. This prestigious recognition reflects a strong commitment to data protection, secure systems, and robust operational processes. 

 It’s All About People and Process 

While translation quality standards are essential, they are not a substitute for continuous training, expert feedback, and access to the right resources. 

High-quality translation relies on equipping translators and editors with: 

• Glossaries and terminology resources  
• Style guides and support materials  
• Clear context and subject-matter expertise  

Teams supported by these tools can deliver accurate, consistent, and context-aware translations, significantly outperforming approaches that lack proper background and guidance. 

 About Morningside, a Questel Company 

Morningside, part of Questel Company, provides accurate, high-quality, and professional translation services to leading global organizations. 

Specializing in highly regulated industries—including legal, life sciences, corporate compliance, and intellectual property (IP)—Morningside helps organizations expand globally while optimizing efficiency and cost control. 

With a network of 8,000+ vetted translators, including subject matter experts (SMEs) across technical and legal domains, Morningside delivers specialized expertise at scale. 

Supported by industry-leading technology and a quality management system certified to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO 17100, the company translates complex materials into 200+ languages for Global 500 companies, international law firms, and regulatory bodies