What is Apogee Certification?
Apogee has been in the business of identifying quality translators for over sixteen years. For most of those years, we used those translators for work that Apogee then resold to client publishers. Starting February 28, 2011, Apogee will begin releasing the names of its top translators to the public. These translators are all Apogee Certified and are authorized to use the Apogee Certified emblem on their communications. Further, their names and contact information will be available for free download from our website.

Where do I get the latest information on Apogee Certification?
This website contains all of the general information. It is highly recommended that you add yourself to the Apogee Certification interest mailing list, here. All official news, updates and changes will be issued there first.

Are these just translators who have worked for Apogee in the past?
The list released February 2011 will only have current Apogee translators, culled from over 500 translators we've worked with over the past five years. We’re proud of them and their work, and we think that you will be, too. Starting in April 2011, we will be releasing lists of newly Certified translators to the public. Once a quarter, you’ll see the list updated with new names as translators get added.

What’s the difference between fully Certified Translator and a Beta Translator? Beta is bad, right?
Not necessarily. When we first Certify a translator, the Certification is based on test results and checking references for previous work done. When a translator passes those, we Certify them at the Beta level. They could be the best translators in their language, but they will need to prove their abilities in real-world situations before we re-Certify them for the gold emblem. Once a Beta translator has worked on a series of projects for client publishers, and Apogee has been able to verify that translations went well, deadlines were met, email letters and texts were promptly returned, and business transacted professionally, we’ll bump them to full status.

How long does it take to move from Beta to Full?
It depends on the translator and how many assignments they are able to handle. Given the nature of the business, it will never be less than three months for someone to graduate from Beta to Full.

I’m looking at the initial list Apogee posted February 2011. Why is there only one translator for most of the languages? And why is Apogee missing so many languages (Finnish, Swedish, Hindi, Arabic, etc.)?
Good question! First of all, while Apogee has teams for each of the languages it offers, only a few translators are consistently excellent as well as communicate effectively at all times. For most languages, Apogee has chosen its very best translator for the initial list. For some languages, while Apogee has active teams involved, no single translator has been consistent either with translation quality or ability to communicate.

What’s the most common reason that translators might not be Certified?
While high-quality, on-time translations are, without a doubt, the main need, Apogee knows hundreds of high-quality translators who would not qualify for Certification due to dropped communications. Not answering emails, or answering hours late, is the most common reason for a translator to fail to qualify.

So, what’s the catch? Why are you distributing these lists for free?
Apogee makes a nominal charge for its testing and certification services. The fee is usually paid back in the first two days of work that they receive from this list. Further, Apogee offers services for client publishers which include priority information on new translators, consulting, specialized certifications and the like. But, if you are looking for a translator and don’t want to be a client publisher, feel free to simply download the list and use it.

I'm already a good translator, a member of various groups and my clients are happy with me. Why should I get Certified?
If you are happy with your current business, then there is no reason to become Certified. However, Apogee's Certification lists give publishers confidence in their hiring choices. A Certified Translator can more easily negotiate with a new client, is more likely to be found by a new client, and can charge higher rates than an
un-Certified competitor.

How do I get Certified?
To get the process started, send an email to cert@apogeecommunications.com. You will need to take a translation test, as well as supply us with contacts from previous assignments, so we can determine whether or not you qualify. Please have these details ready for us.

What if I get tested as a translator and fail?
We’re very sorry, but some translators will fail for one of several reasons. We’ll be very clear on the areas where we think you need work and, after six months, you will be welcome to re-apply.

How do I become a Client? And what do I get for becoming one?
Excellent! We admire your desire for quality! As a Client, you will receive updates on new translators immediately on their Certification. The free lists are only updated once a quarter, so Client Publishers have the first chance to employ new translators. Further, as a Client, you can request that Apogee actively seek out and Certify new translators in target languages of great importance to you. Finally, Apogee is available as a consulting resource for all of your localization issues. Send an email to cert@apogeecommunications.com to get started.

More questions are answered on our blog, here.