Is the ATA exam worth taking?
Perhaps. Many translation vendors view the ATA exam with some skepticism, in part because the exam is so brief and general as to provide only a minimal assessment of a translator’s skills, and in part because the grading of the exam is highly subjective, and therefore some skilled, experienced translators do not pass, while less capable individuals pass. Also, the exam is expensive, requiring you to become an ATA member, then pay a fee to take the first tier or the exam, then another fee to take the second tier, and finally to keep your membership active if you want to claim accreditation. On the other hand, the ATA exam is a recognized credential, one of few available in the United States, and so for a new translator who has no academic training, certification, or any other evidence of translation ability, it is probably worthwhile.
