Translating tests and surveys is hard.

A translation and validation process is required to ensure that translated versions of testing and survey instruments consist of conceptual, semantic and pragmatic equivalents to the original version and ensure that the translated content is culturally appropriate, relevant and meaningful among target audiences.

Testing and survey instruments must be appropriate for each participating cultural and linguistic group and address the same concepts in multiple languages. They must demonstrate conceptual and item equivalence, cultural relevance, acceptability and psychometric comparability in order to make it possible to pool data and compare results across multilingual audiences and participants.

To achieve fair results for test takers and a defensible process for our clients, our translation workflows are designed in conformity with the internationally recognized standards of the ITC Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests (Second edition) from the International Test Commission. They allow translators to address the psychometric dimensions of all high-stakes surveys, assessments and certification instruments.

Since every project is unique, these standards are the starting point for translation planning to ensure fast, cost-effective and trouble-free translation outcomes. Not all steps are essential for all test translation projects, but the methodology remains the gold standard for translating for equivalence and conceptual accuracy.

To discuss your organization’s requirements, please contact Ken Clark at 1-212-355-4455 or [email protected].