Quality Assurance

Quality assurance (QA) in translation is the systematic set of processes, checks, and standards applied to ensure that translated content meets defined accuracy, consistency, and quality requirements before delivery. QA is not a single step but a comprehensive framework that spans the entire translation workflow from project setup through to final delivery.

A robust translation QA framework includes pre-translation quality measures (translator qualification verification, project briefing, terminology and style guide preparation), in-process quality measures (Translation Memory leverage, real-time terminology checks, automated consistency verification), post-translation quality measures (bilingual revision by a second linguist, monolingual editing, automated QA checks for formatting, completeness, and terminology compliance), and continuous improvement measures (client feedback integration, quality scoring, and performance tracking).

Automated QA tools have become increasingly sophisticated, enabling checks that would be impractical to perform manually across large translation volumes. These tools can verify terminology consistency, check for untranslated segments, detect formatting errors, flag potential accuracy issues, and validate that all source content has been accounted for in the translation.

ISO 17100 establishes the international minimum standard for translation QA, requiring at least one revision (bilingual check) by a qualified second linguist before delivery.

LEXIGO's QA process exceeds ISO 17100 requirements, incorporating over 130 automated quality checks alongside human revision and editing. This multi-layered approach catches issues at every stage of the workflow, ensuring consistently high quality across all projects, languages, and content types.

Translation quality is only as reliable as the QA process behind it. Without systematic quality assurance, translation quality varies unpredictably depending on which translator handled the project, how rushed the timeline was, and whether anyone noticed an error before delivery. A robust QA framework removes this variability, ensuring consistent quality regardless of project circumstances.

For clients, understanding a provider's QA process is one of the most effective ways to evaluate whether they will deliver reliable quality. Providers who can clearly describe their multi-stage QA process and the specific checks applied are more likely to deliver consistent results than those who rely on translator skill alone.