1 - What is the ProZ.com Certified PRO Network?

The ProZ.com Certified PRO Network is an initiative to provide qualified translators and translation companies with an opportunity to network and collaborate in an environment consisting entirely of screened professionals.

Frequently asked questions regarding the Certified PRO Network can also be found here.

If you have a question on the Certified PRO Network and cannot find the answer, please contact staff via support request.

2 - How good of a translator does one have to be to be admitted into the program? Is the idea that only elite translators will be admitted?

No. The screening process seeks to establish only that an applicant meets or exceeds certain minimum professional standards in the three screening areas (translation ability, business reliability and “citizenship”). In other words, the level screened for is not “elite” but “adequate”.

3 - What screening process is used to determine whether or not a translator qualifies for admittance into the program?

A three-part process is used to check for translation ability, reliability and "good citizenship". For more details, see: http://www.proz.com/pro-tag/info/about/freelancers

4 - I am certified as a translator by a major industry association. Does that qualify me for admission into the netwok?

In part. A verified industry credential may fully satisfy the "translation ability" portion of the screening process. (Reliability and "good citizenship" must be established separately.)

5 - I have an industry credential but I have not yet reported it to ProZ.com. What should I do?

Please report your credential and then ask for it to be verified by site staff members. See: http://www.proz.com/faq/credentials for information on how to do that.

6 - I have not earned an industry credential. May I still apply?

Absolutely. Assessment of your translation ability will be performed based on other information that you supply.

7 - Can the Certified PRO network be discussed in the public forums?

Yes.

8 - Is there anything about the Certified PRO network that can not be discussed in the public forums?

In order to protect the integrity of the screening process, specific details about the application review process should not be discussed in the site forums. Please see: http://www.proz.com/siterules/forum/12#12

9 - Are companies able to participate in the program?

Yes. A distinct set of requirements has been established for companies. For example, instead of "translation ability", companies must meet certain requirements related to their processes. See: http://www.proz.com/pro-tag/info/screening-criteria

10 - Is the present list of program participants final?

No. Qualified translators will continue to be admitted on an ongoing basis.

11 - Who will review my application?

ProZ.com staff members. If you tick the option allowing peers to review parts of your application, portions of it may also be reviewed by peers (for example the translation sample) who have already been admitted into the network.

12 - Do I have to apply in my top language pair?

No, you can apply in any of your pairs. However, applying in your strongest pair is advised.

13 - The application requires that I select just one of my language pairs. Is it not possible to apply in additional language pairs?

Please select your strongest pair and apply with that to gain admission to the program. It will be possible to apply for screening in additional pairs at some point in the future.

14 - What happens if my application does not get accepted?

Whether you decide to take part in this program or not, and whether or not your application is accepted, your use of ProZ.com will not be affected. The Certified PRO program is an optional program intended to operate in parallel with existing site features.

15 - If my application is not accepted, will I be able to reapply?

Yes. You can reapply at anytime as long as your application has not been denied for administrative actions.

16 - Will I get feedback on my application and have a chance to submit additional information?

Yes, if appropriate. However, it is in your interest to submit an application that is as complete as possible, as this will help to ensure that it is processed without additional delay.

17 - Who makes the final decision on applications?

Although input from existing PROs plays an important role in the overall process, final determinations are made by site staff members.

18 - Is there an appeals process?

Yes, it is possible to request that your application be re-evaluated.

19 - I understand that peer reviews can play an important part in the screening process. How, then, was the initial group of Certified PROs selected?

For the core group, a verified, tested credential from a major association was required. In addition it was necessary that there be clear evidence of business reliability, good citizenship, ie. agreeing to be bound by the professional guidelines as a condition of participation as well. These select members were contacted and screened on a person-by-person basis.

20 - What exactly is meant by "ongoing review"?

The details of the ongoing review portion of the program have yet to be determined. The program will be formulated among program participants once a representative number has been admitted.

21 - What fulfills the requirement for ongoing professional development?

The details of the ongoing professional development portion of the program have yet to be determined. The program will be formulated among program participants once a representative number has been admitted.

22 - I am already in an organization that has requirements for continuing education. If I participate in this program as well, will my meeting the requirements of the other program be considered?

Yes. In some cases, complying with the requirements of existing programs may be sufficient to satisfy one or all of the ongoing requirements of the ProZ.com Certified PRO program (for example in the area of translation ability.)

23 - What about interpreters - is there a screening process for them?

Not yet. A distinct screening process will be developed for interpreters in the future.

24 - Is it possible for a person to be removed from the network?

Yes. If it becomes clear that a participant does not (or no longer) meets the minimum requirements of any of the three parts to the screening process, that person would be subject to removal from the program.

25 - What does it cost to participate in the program?

The ProZ.com Certified PRO network is being provided as a service to ProZ.com members. If admitted, members pay no additional fees.

26 - Is it necessary to remain a paying member of ProZ.com to continue participating in the Certified PRO network?

Yes.

27 - I am a "partial" member of ProZ.com. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you are accepted into the program, you would be asked to upgrade to full membership. (The value of your remaining "partial" membership period would be applied toward the additional fee.)

28 - I am not a paying member of ProZ.com at all. Can I apply?

Yes. If your application is successful, you will be asked to become a member as a condition of participating in the program.

29 - Is there a deadline to apply for the program?

No.

30 - What are the benefits of the program?

The principal benefits are (1) access to a network of all screened professionals, and (2) an additional means of distinguishing yourself as a professional. Many program participants view this also as an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the industry.

31 - Will the names of my clients and references be kept confidential?

Yes. They will be used only to confirm data in your application.

32 - Will people who I provide as references be contacted? What will they be asked?

Your reference(s) will be contacted by email (where possible) and asked to provide overall feedback in the three areas of screening for the program: translation ability, business reliability and good citizenship. Phone calls may also be made in some cases.

33 - Do I have to write in English in my application?

For now, applications are being accepted in English, Spanish, German, French, Ukrainian, and Russian. However, if you would like to apply outside these languages, please note that a portion of your application would require review from a Certified PRO and could take more time for processing.

34 - Will the application form be localized?

Yes, localization into the community's major languages will be done over time. No dates have yet been set.

35 - How much time will be expected of me to participate in the program?

Strictly speaking, the program only requires that you keep your profile updated, and stay current on program-related news. However, the degree to which you benefit may depend on how much you participate.

36 - If I am interested in the program, but not able to participate now, will I be able to apply in the future?

Yes.

37 - Does acceptance into the Certified PRO network confer upon a participant special legal standing in any country?

No, being admitted into the program does not confer upon a person any special legal status in any jurisdiction. Being PRO certified does not mean the person is a “certified” or a “sworn” translator.

38 - Is there any area on the site to which only Certified PRO participants have access?

Yes, a private forum has been set up for those admitted into the network. New features may also be developed exclusively for program participants.

39 - How are translation samples evaluated?

Sample translations are presented to PRO peer reviewers without any personally identifiable information in them (name, application, profile, etc.). Only the title, field, source and target text are shown. Sample translations are evaluated by reviewers who evaluate separately using an interface and process that involves the SAE J2450 Translation Quality Metric. Ratings are not published, and are not shared with Certified PRO peers.