FAQs
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FAQs
‘Verified but expired’ means the practitioner was previously certified by NAATI, but their certification is no longer current. NAATI certifications must be renewed every three years through a process called recertification. If they are not recertified, they expire. NAATI cannot confirm that a practitioner with an expired credential meets the current professional standards.
For translations: If a translation is completed by a NAATI-certified translator while they held an active certification, it remains valid indefinitely.
Translations do not have an expiry date. Once a document has been translated by a NAATI-certified translator, it remains valid indefinitely. However, some organisations, such as government agencies, may request a recent translation or confirmation that the content hasn’t changed, so it’s always a good idea to check their specific requirements.
Some information in practitioner profiles is optional and self-reported. NAATI allows practitioners to choose whether to share details such as qualifications, services or areas of expertise. Because of this, the information is not verified by NAATI.
If a field is not displayed, it simply means the practitioner has chosen not to share it. It does not mean they lack training or expertise in that area.
This tool allows you to check whether a translator or interpreter is currently certified by NAATI and view their certification details.
It confirms the practitioner you plan to engage is qualified, certified, and able to provide professional services. Or allows you to check if a translation you have received was completed by a NAATI-certified translator.
If no NAATI-certified practitioner is available, there may be other options depending on the language and situation.
Read our article “What to do when there are no NAATI-certified interpreters or translators available” for practical guidance and next steps.
It depends on your needs. Read our article “Choosing an individual or language service provider” for more guidance.
Domain expertise refers to a practitioner’s knowledge and experience in a specific subject area, such as legal, medical, health, education or community services.
Choosing a practitioner with relevant domain expertise can help ensure the interpreting or translation is accurate, appropriate and fit for purpose. Listing domain expertise in the NAATI online directory is optional and chosen by the practitioner, and is not verified by NAATI. If a practitioner has not listed domain expertise, it does not mean they lack experience in that area.
In some cultures, a person may only feel comfortable speaking with an interpreter of a certain gender. For example, a woman may prefer a female interpreter for sensitive health or legal matters. Providing this option helps clients feel safe and respected, and ensures communication is accurate.
Displaying gender on the online directory is optional and up to the practitioner.
NAATI has a public online directory of translators and interpreters who hold a NAATI certification. This is one of the main ways the community can find a certified practitioner to work with.
Search results in the directory show the highest credentials first, and then names appear in random order so no one practitioner is prioritised over another.
Translators and interpreters opt in to be displayed on the directory. NAATI does not share contact details for practitioners who are not listed.
Translators deal with the written word. They translate written documents from one language to another.
Interpreters deal with the spoken word or signed languages (such as Auslan). They interpret what each speaker is saying or signing into the other person’s language.
For more guidance, read our article “Translator vs interpreter: Which do I need?”
