Checklist for translation projects

Checklist and marker pen

Before embarking on a (translation](/translation) project a project manager must ensure that they have received all the necessary information from the client to successfully complete the project.

The simple checklist we have prepared is based on our personal experience, combined with suggestions from various fellow project managers, all following the guidelines contained in the standard which defines the requirements for translation projects, ISO 17100: 2015 Translation services - Requirements for translation services.

The list is divided into two categories:

  • administrative data and
  • technical data.

As well as being a workplace tool for our PMs, the checklist is also useful for those who require translation services to understand what information they need to be served in the best possible way. Our PMs have it integrated into the online management system we use. For everyone else, the checklist is included below with some comments, while the ready-to-use version can be downloaded as a PDF at the bottom of the page.

Administrative data

  • name and description of the project
  • unique project identifier - usually the internal reference number assigned by the management system.
  • name of the client
  • contact person
  • client reference number - This number often has to be indicated on delivery notes and invoices.
  • confidentiality agreement - Indicate whether the client has asked us to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement).
  • commercial conditions - What rates or discounts apply to this client.
  • date of receipt of original text
  • date of receipt of any additional texts
  • volume of the project
  • date and time of delivery
  • delivery address, if different from the contact address - Errors can often occur when this information is missing, i.e. that the project is to be delivered to someone other than the person who requested it.
  • date of confirmation
  • reference to any ongoing contracts or special agreements with the client
  • any other comments relevant to the project

Technical data

  • language of the original text
  • target language or languages, including local variants
  • original file format
  • required delivery format
  • purpose and use of translation
  • existing terminology (glossaries)
  • reference material
  • client style guide
  • processing of illustrations, images, photographs
  • need to format the translated text

Download PDF checklist