How Do Translation Companies Handle Test Translations?

— A Clear Explanation from Elite Translation

Before starting an official project, many clients request a test translation to evaluate a translation company’s quality and suitability. This step is more than a simple sample — it’s a key part of building trust, ensuring accuracy, and setting the tone for future collaboration. So how exactly do professional translation companies approach test translations? Elite Translation is here to walk you through the process.

1. What Is the Purpose of a Test Translation?

A test translation involves a short excerpt of content (usually 200–300 words) provided by the client, which the translation company translates — either for free or for a small fee — to demonstrate:

• The quality and fluency of the translation

• Familiarity with subject-specific terminology

• Consistency with the desired tone or writing style

• Responsiveness and project management capabilities

This helps both sides align expectations before entering a formal working relationship.

2. What Is the Test Translation Process?

At Elite Translation, test translations follow a structured, quality-first workflow:

Step 1: Needs Assessment

We communicate closely with the client to clarify:

• Industry and content type (e.g., legal, medical, technical, literary)

• Target language and preferred tone (formal, conversational, etc.)

• Whether a glossary, style guide, or reference material will be used

• Word count and delivery deadline for the test piece

We typically recommend a 200–300 word excerpt for effective evaluation.

Step 2: Translator Assignment

We assign the test to a subject-matter expert translator with relevant domain experience, ensuring the test reflects real-world translation quality.

Step 3: Internal Review

Even for test translations, Elite Translation follows a two-step quality control process. After the initial draft is complete, a second linguist reviews and edits the content for accuracy, clarity, and style.

Step 4: Delivery with Notes

We submit the test translation along with a brief explanation of:

• Terminology choices

• Translation strategies

• Tone/style decisions

This shows our attention to detail and helps the client assess more than just surface-level accuracy.

Step 5: Feedback & Follow-up

After delivery, we welcome client feedback and are happy to revise or explain elements as needed. This exchange helps us align with the client’s preferences for future projects.

3. Is There an Obligation to Proceed After the Test?

Not at all.
We understand that clients may be comparing multiple providers. Elite Translation respects a client’s need for careful vendor evaluation, and we are confident in letting our work speak for itself.

That said, when a client is satisfied with the test translation, we are ready to take the next step with:

• A dedicated project team

• Custom glossary and translation memory setup

• Defined workflows and turnaround schedules tailored to the client’s needs

Conclusion

A test translation is more than just a sample — it’s a demonstration of a company’s linguistic quality, process reliability, and service attitude. At Elite Translation, we approach every test translation with care, precision, and professionalism.

Elite Translation — Where long-term partnerships start with one excellent page.

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