ISO 17100:2015
Translation Services — Requirements for Translation Service Providers
AUDIT CHECKLIST
Organization / TSP Name:
Audit Date:
Lead Auditor:
Audit Scope:
Standard Reference:
ISO 17100:2015 + Amd 1:2017
Legend
Y
Yes — Compliant / Requirement met
N
No — Non-conformity identified (record finding)
NA
Not Applicable — Justified in Observations column
OFI
Opportunity for Improvement
Page
HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST
Purpose: This checklist supports internal and third-party audits against ISO 17100:2015 (Translation services — Requirements for translation service providers). It maps directly to the normative clauses of the standard.
Instructions for Auditors:
1. Review the project specification, contracts, and QMS documentation before the audit.
2. Interview key personnel (Project Managers, Translators, Quality Managers) during the audit.
3. For each line item, mark the Compliant column: Y (Yes), N (No), or NA (Not Applicable).
4. Record specific evidence reviewed in the Observations column.
5. Flag all non-conformities with a brief description of the finding.
6. Use the Summary table on the final page to compile overall results.
7. Issue a formal audit report based on findings and agree corrective actions with the auditee.
CLAUSE 4 — General Requirements
4.1 Establishment and Management of the TSP
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
4.1
Has the TSP defined and documented its organisational structure, roles, and lines of responsibility?
Org chart, job descriptions, policy documents
4.1
Are legal and contractual obligations clearly defined and documented?
Standard contracts, service agreements
4.1
Does the TSP have a documented quality management system relevant to translation services?
QMS manual or equivalent documentation
4.2 Human Resources — Translators
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
4.2.1
Does the TSP verify that all translators meet the competence requirements of clause 3.1.1 (translation competence)?
CV/résumés, test translations, certificates, reference checks
4.2.2
Does the TSP verify linguistic competence of translators (proficiency in source and target language)?
Language qualifications, diplomas, proficiency tests
4.2.2
Are translators required to translate only into their language of habitual use, unless agreed otherwise?
Translator profiles, contractual agreements
4.2.2
Is thematic competence (subject-matter knowledge) verified for each language pair and domain?
Portfolio, references, domain-specific qualifications
4.2.2
Is research competence (ability to find and use terminology resources) assessed?
Terminology tests, tools proficiency records
4.2.2
Is technological competence (CAT tools, TMS, MT systems) verified?
Tool certifications, practical tests
4.2.2
Is cultural and social competence assessed?
Cultural localisation samples, interview records
4.3 Human Resources — Revisers
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
4.3.1
Are revisers distinct from the translator for the same translation?
Workflow records, project management logs
4.3.2
Do revisers meet the same minimum competence requirements as translators?
Reviser profiles, qualifications on file
4.3.3
Is the revision process documented and is a bilingual revision performed as required?
Revision checklists, revised files with track changes
4.4 Human Resources — Other Roles
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
4.4.1
Are proofreaders, project managers, language leads, and other roles clearly defined with competence requirements?
Role descriptions, competence matrices
4.4.2
Does the TSP maintain a process for verifying and updating competence records?
Competence evaluation forms, annual reviews
4.5 Outsourcing to External Providers
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
4.5.1
Does the TSP have a process for selecting, evaluating, and monitoring external providers (freelancers, sub-contractors)?
Vendor qualification procedure, approved vendor list
4.5.2
Does the TSP ensure that external providers meet the same competence requirements as internal staff?
External provider profiles, signed NDAs and agreements
4.5.3
Are confidentiality and data protection obligations contractually imposed on external providers?
Signed contractor agreements with confidentiality clauses
4.5.4
Does the TSP verify that outsourced work meets its quality requirements before delivery?
QC records for outsourced jobs, spot-check audits
CLAUSE 5 — Pre-Production Processes
5.1 Customer-TSP Interaction
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
5.1.1
Does the TSP have a process for reviewing and clarifying client requests and project specifications?
Client brief templates, request clarification emails
5.1.2
Is a feasibility assessment performed for each project (scope, deadline, resources)?
Project feasibility records, go/no-go decision logs
5.1.3
Is a formal agreement/contract established with the client before work commences?
Signed purchase orders, work orders, or project confirmations
5.2 Specification
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
5.2
Is a project specification document (or equivalent) created for each project?
Project briefs, work orders, style guides per project
5.2
Does the specification include target language, target audience, purpose, and format?
Review of project specification samples
5.2
Does the specification address use of MT, reference materials, glossaries, and TM?
TM/glossary specifications in project files
5.2
Does the specification define deadline, quality level, and applicable standards?
Project timelines, SLA documents
5.3 Content Analysis
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
5.3
Does the TSP perform a content analysis of source documents before commencing translation?
Pre-analysis reports, word count, complexity assessments
5.3
Are special requirements (terminology, formatting, DTP needs) identified in advance?
Source file analysis records, DTP requirement notes
CLAUSE 6 — Production Processes
6.1 Translation
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
6.1.1
Is translation performed by a competent translator with the required qualifications?
Translator assignment records, CV on file
6.1.2
Does the translator follow the project specification and client instructions?
Project briefs sent to translators, confirmation records
6.1.3
Does the translator use approved terminology resources and reference materials?
Glossaries, TMs, style guides used in project
6.1.4
Are translators prohibited from translating into languages that are not their habitual target language (unless specified)?
Translator agreements, project assignment policy
6.2 Checking by Translator
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
6.2
Does the translator perform a self-check of the translation before delivery to the next step?
Translator declaration/sign-off, QA checklists
6.2
Does the self-check cover accuracy, terminology, style, grammar, and format?
Completed translator QA checklist
6.3 Revision
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
6.3.1
Is each translation subject to a bilingual revision by a qualified reviser?
Revision logs, track-changes records, revised files
6.3.2
Is the reviser different from the translator?
Workflow records confirming separate translator and reviser
6.3.3
Does revision include checking for accuracy, completeness, terminology, style, and fitness for purpose?
Revision checklist or annotation records
6.4 Review (optional but if offered)
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
6.4
If review is offered as a service, is it performed by a qualified subject-matter expert?
Reviewer qualifications, subject-matter expert profiles
6.4
Is the distinction between revision (bilingual) and review (target-language only) clearly communicated to clients?
Service descriptions, contracts, quotation templates
6.5 Proofreading (optional but if offered)
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
6.5
If proofreading is offered, is it performed by a qualified proofreader on the final formatted target document?
Proofreader profiles, proofreading job records
6.5
Is proofreading distinguished from revision in documentation and client communication?
Service scope definitions, client proposals
6.6 Handling Production Queries
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
6.6
Is there a documented process for handling and resolving translation queries raised during production?
Query log, query resolution records, client communication trails
6.6
Are query responses documented and archived with the project?
Project files with embedded query records
CLAUSE 7 — Post-Production Processes
7.1 Final Verification
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
7.1
Is a final verification step performed before delivery to the client?
Final QC checklist, verification sign-off records
7.1
Does final verification confirm compliance with project specification, formatting, and completeness?
Pre-delivery checklist completed per project
7.2 Delivery
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
7.2
Is there a documented delivery procedure ensuring correct files are sent in agreed formats?
Delivery procedure document, delivery records/logs
7.2
Are delivery confirmations tracked and retained?
Email delivery confirmations, client receipts
7.3 Post-Delivery Activities
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
7.3.1
Does the TSP have a process for handling client feedback and complaints?
Complaint register, feedback forms, response records
7.3.2
Is post-delivery feedback analysed and used for continuous improvement?
Feedback analysis reports, process improvement logs
7.3.3
Is there a process for receiving, tracking, and implementing client corrections or revision requests?
Post-delivery revision log, corrected files with version control
CLAUSE 8 — Technical and Other Resources
8.1 Technological Resources
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
8.1
Does the TSP use appropriate technology tools (CAT, TMS, MT) suited to project types?
Tool inventory, software licences, tool usage in project files
8.1
Are tools regularly maintained and updated to ensure data integrity and security?
IT maintenance logs, software update records
8.1
Is staff trained in the use of required technological tools?
Training records, tool proficiency assessments
8.2 Translation Memories and Terminology Databases
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
8.2.1
Does the TSP maintain, back up, and protect translation memories?
TM backup procedures, version control, access controls
8.2.2
Are terminology databases maintained, verified, and kept up to date?
Glossary management procedure, last-update timestamps
8.2.3
Are TMs and glossaries made available to translators as specified in the project specification?
Project configuration records, CAT tool settings
8.3 Infrastructure and Work Environment
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
8.3
Does the TSP provide or ensure an adequate working environment for translators and staff?
Facilities assessment, remote-work policies, IT security policies
8.3
Are IT infrastructure, hardware, and software capable of supporting project requirements?
IT infrastructure assessment, hardware/software inventory
CLAUSE 9 — Quality Management
9.1 General Quality Management
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
9.1
Does the TSP have a documented and implemented quality management system?
QMS manual, quality policy, documented procedures
9.1
Is quality management integrated throughout all production processes?
Process flowcharts showing quality checkpoints
9.2 Quality Management Procedures
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
9.2.1
Are quality objectives defined and measurable?
Quality KPIs, targets, performance dashboards
9.2.2
Are quality procedures regularly reviewed and updated?
Procedure version history, review records
9.2.3
Is a non-conformance management procedure in place?
Non-conformance reports (NCRs), corrective action records
9.2.4
Is there a documented corrective and preventive action (CAPA) process?
CAPA register, root cause analysis records
9.3 Quality Measurement and Monitoring
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
9.3.1
Does the TSP use a defined error typology / quality measurement framework?
Error categorisation guide, QA scoring model
9.3.2
Are quality metrics tracked per project and/or per translator?
Translator quality scorecards, project error reports
9.3.3
Are quality results used to inform resource allocation and continuous improvement?
Analysis reports, improvement action plans
9.4 Internal Audits
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
9.4
Does the TSP conduct regular internal audits of its QMS and processes?
Internal audit schedule, audit reports
9.4
Are audit findings documented and acted upon in a timely manner?
Audit findings log, corrective actions with closure dates
CLAUSE 10 — Confidentiality and Information Security
10.1 Confidentiality
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
10.1
Does the TSP have a documented confidentiality policy covering all staff, freelancers, and sub-contractors?
Confidentiality policy, signed NDA/confidentiality agreements
10.1
Are staff and external providers trained on confidentiality obligations?
Training records, acknowledgment sign-offs
10.1
Are data handling procedures in place to prevent unauthorised disclosure?
Data handling procedure, information security controls
10.2 Data Protection
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
10.2
Does the TSP comply with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR or local equivalent)?
Data protection policy, DPO appointment records, DPIA if applicable
10.2
Are client data retention and deletion policies defined and enforced?
Data retention schedule, deletion records
10.2
Are data breaches managed through a documented incident response procedure?
Incident response plan, breach notification records
10.3 Intellectual Property
Clause
Requirement / Audit Question
Evidence Required
Compliant
(Y / N / NA)
Observations / Findings
10.3
Does the TSP clarify ownership of translation output in client contracts?
IP clauses in client agreements
10.3
Are translators and revisers made aware of IP obligations?
Contractual clauses with freelancers, policy awareness records
AUDIT SUMMARY
Clause / Section
Total Items
Compliant (Y)
Non-Conformant (N)
Not Applicable (NA)
Clause 4 — General Requirements
Clause 5 — Pre-Production
Clause 6 — Production
Clause 7 — Post-Production
Clause 8 — Technical Resources
Clause 9 — Quality Management
Clause 10 — Confidentiality & Security
TOTAL
Overall Audit Conclusion
Overall Conformance Level:
Critical Non-Conformities:
Major Non-Conformities:
Minor Non-Conformities:
Opportunities for Improvement:
Recommended Follow-up Date:
Auditor Signature:
Date: