Unlike some foreign countries, the United States has no examinations for certified or sworn translators. Since there is no licensing examination on the federal, state, or local level for translators, professional experience, formal education in translation, and membership/certification from organizations such as the American Translators Association are good indications of a serious translator. Clients often request a "certified translation" for immigration documentation, legal papers, or sensitive material. As with the misnomer "certified translators", there is no such thing as a "certified translation" in the United States. A notarized statement from the translator or by the translation and/or interpretation company fulfills this requirement for official purposes.

Most individuals can handle general material with minimal difficulty. However, if your translation or interpretation assignment involves specialized terminology and industry knowledge, you will do well to seek out someone whose background and qualifications match your needs. If your prospective provider is uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the subject matter, s/he should refuse the assignment, but may be able to refer you to a specialist.

For both translation and interpretation projects, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible about the documents, the intended audience and subject matter. Be prepared to field questions regarding industry jargon, highly specialized terminology, or text that is not clear in the source document. If your company has glossaries or previously translated materials, make them available to the translator—it will ensure terminology consistency and improve the final product.

Specify clearly your timeline, any special formatting or desktop publishing expectations and how you would like the final translation to be delivered.

For interpreting assignments, be prepared to provide background information and reference material regarding the subject matter and nature of the assignment. The sooner the interpreter receives this information, the better prepared he or she will be at the time of the appointment. Whether he or she will be interpreting for two individuals or in a conference setting with a large audience, it is helpful for the interpreter to know how many and what type of people will be participating.

When the project is complete, don't be afraid to provide constructive feedback. As a specialist in your own field, you can offer valuable tips, terminology or reference materials to which the translator or interpreter may not have access. Sharing your viewpoint will serve only to improve future work.

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