SDL Certification Frequently Asked Questions
SDL.com

SDL Certification Frequently Asked Questions

SDL Certification Frequently Asked Questions

Please browse through the frequently asked questions for answers in relation to SDL Certification. If you cannot find the answer you require please contact us directly.


  1. What is SDL Certification?
  2. Do I need to be SDL Certified to accept project work?
  3. What is the process to become SDL Certified?
  4. How long will it take to become SDL Certified?
  5. How much does SDL Certification cost?
  6. How long do I have after I have purchased the exams to take the tests?
  7. Do I need to renew my SDL Certification when new versions of the software are released?
  8. What happens when I successfully pass the exam of the SDL Certification? 
  9. I am currently SDL Certified for the SDL Trados 2007 option. What do I have to do to upgrade my Certification? 
  10. How much does SDL Trados training cost?
  11. What is the difference between trainer-led classroom and trainer-led online training?
  12. Where are Trainer-Led classroom courses delivered?
  13. How is the Trainer-Led online training delivered, in which language, is it interactive and who is the caller?
  14. What is the duration and workflow of the Trainer-Led online training?
  15. How can SDL Certification help me win business?
  16. Do I need to be trained in SDL Trados Studio and SDL MultiTerm to be SDL Certified?  

 

What is SDL Certification?

SDL Certification is the industry's premier technology based certification which provides a recognized standard of excellence in SDL software knowledge.

Do I need to be SDL Certified to accept project work?

Absolutely not, however holding the credential proves your level of expertise in the translation technology and will make you more interesting to a potential employer.

What is the process to become SDL Certified?

The process for becoming Certified is simple:

 1. Select your certification exam for either SDL Trados Studio or SDL MultiTerm.

 2. To help you prepare for your certification exam we recommend you take the relevant SDL Approved Training course or work through the course manual and sample files provided as part of your SDL Certification exam.

 3. You can move up the Certification ladder by mastering each level

How long will it take to become SDL Certified?

This depends largely on your current experience in using SDL Trados technology. Some Translators and Project Managers pass on the first try, and others who are just starting with the software prefer to take training courses or simply download our courseware to prepare themselves for the exams.

Find out more about our training options to prepare you for the exams.

How much does SDL Certification cost?

All SDL Certification exams are priced the same at: $69, £39, € 49, 6,000 Yen if purchased separately. SDL Certification exams are included with every SDL training course you purchase.

How long do I have after I have purchased the exams to take the tests?

There is no time limit for you to become SDL Certified.

Do I need to renew my SDL Certification when new versions of the software are released?

Yes, your SDL Certification will be specific to the version of SDL Trados Studio and SDL MultiTerm and is valid for 60 days after a new exam is published for any new product version release.

What happens when I successfully pass the exam of the SDL Certification?

You will have achieved Certification for your respective level upon successful completion of the exams e.g. successful completion of the Level 1 exam will issue Level 1 certification. Once you have passed your chosen exam you will receive a link to download a Certification logo that you can display in your email signature or on your website.  

What do I have to do to upgrade my Certification?

We have made the transition to the new version as easy and quick as possible. You will find that your account has automatically been updated with everything you need to update your Certification. When you log back into your SDL My Account you will find a range of new Certification exams to chose from. Please select and take the ones that are best fitting to your role and software usage. All the equivalent SDL Trados Studio 2011 and SDL MultiTerm  2011 exams will be provided free of charge and be automatically placed in your My Training and Certification area of your SDL My Account.

Transitioning your SDL Certification from SDL Trados Studio 2009 and SDL MultiTerm 2009 to 2011

For Translators

SDL Trados Studio Certification

To keep their Certification status current, anyone with SDL Trados 2007 certification will need to retake the equivalent SDL Trados Studio 2011 Certification exams of the same level.  Anyone with 2007 and 2009 exams in their account will receive the corresponding 2011 exams, of their current level as soon as they are released, at no additional cost.

If you are already fully certified on SDL Trados Studio 2009 you will need to take a New Features upgrade exam, "SDL Trados Studio 2011 New Features". Once you have successfully passed this you will automatically upgrade your Certification status to SDL Trados Studio 2011.

If you are part way through you SDL Trados Studio 2009 exams e.g. already Certified to Level 1, you will need to take the "SDL Trados Studio 2011 New Features" exam. This will then automatically upgrade you for Level 1 Certification to SDL Trados Studio 2011 Level 1. You will then need to take the Level 2 and Level 3 SDL Trados Studio 2011 exams to become fully Certified.

Anyone who has not completed their SDL Trados 2007 Certification will need to start the exam process again by taking Level 1 SDL Trados Studio 2011.

SDL MultiTerm Certification

Anyone with SDL MultiTerm 2009 Certification will automatically be Certified to SDL MultiTerm 2011.

For Project Managers

SDL Trados Studio Certification

To keep their Certification status current, anyone with SDL Trados 2007 certification will need to retake the equivalent SDL Trados Studio 2011 Certification exams of the same level. Anyone with 2007 and 2009 exams in their account will receive the corresponding 2011 exams, of their current level as soon as they are released, at no additional cost.

If you are already certified (by passing the SDL Trados Studio 2009 Project Managers exam) you will need to take a New Features upgrade exam, "SDL Trados Studio 2011 New Features".  Once you have successfully passed this you will automatically upgrade your Certification status to SDL Trados Studio 2011.

SDL MultiTerm Certification

Anyone with SDL MultiTerm 2009 Certification will automatically be Certified to SDL MultiTerm 2011.

How much does SDL Trados training cost?

To find out more details on pricing for the various Training courses and delivery types we offer please see our Training Pricelist

What is the difference between Trainer-Led classroom and Trainer-Led online training?

Trainer-Led Classroom courses are practical 1 day training sessions that can either be held at your company's office or through one of our Approved Training Centre facilities.

Trainer-Led Online training is a 3 hour training session delivered by a live trainer via the internet (WebEx).

Where are Trainer-Led classroom courses delivered?

Trainer-Led classroom courses are delivered through our network of Approved Training Centers or at a customer's own chosen site

How is the Trainer-Led online training delivered, in which languages, is it interactive and who is the caller?

Trainer-Led online training can be delivered in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish and Japanese.

The Trainer-Led online training is delivered by a live trainer and there is the option to ask questions at the end of the session.

What is the duration and workflow of the Trainer-Led online training?

The duration of our Trainer-Led online courses is 3 hours. The workflow is a detailed in the individual course outlines.

How can SDL Certification help me win business?

For Freelance Translators:

The SDL Certification program has been developed with the aim of helping freelance translators achieve their professional development and career advancement goals. Additionally, all major translation community websites such as Proz.com, Aquarius, TRADUguide, have recognised the importance of technology Certification alongside linguistic credentials and have added fields to display SDL Certification in their translator's profile area. Search results from these websites have shown that outsourcers actively look for persons who have the SDL Certification credential as a means of validating their level of expertise in the world's leading translation technology tools.

For Translation Companies:

Translation companies around the world have shown great interest in the SDL Certification program as they can see the benefits of ensuring a level of competency in translation software for themselves. Currently there are over 200 Language Service Providers around the world who have embraced the program. Additionally most  of these companies are using the SDL Certification as a  way to add value and attract more business, by differentiating themselves from the competition and actively demonstrating to their clients how they can leverage the efficiencies in the technology to their benefit.

Do I need to be trained in SDL Trados Studio and SDL MultiTerm to be Certified?

There are several ways to prepare for SDL Certification and definitely the best recommended option includes training for the translation tool of your choice either SDL Trados Studio or SDL MultiTerm. In fact according to SDL Training figures over 93% of the Translators and Project Managers that attended one of our training session passed their Certification exam on the first attempt. To find out more about the different training options available to suit your particular needs please visit our training page.