This is the most frequent question I get asked from translators and would-be translators. First off, there are many organizations throughout the world that offer certification various language pairs. In Indonesia, the most common organization for translator certification is the Faculty of Humanities of University of Indonesia c/o. International Language Institute (ILI). This organization offers certification tests in various language pairs, but there is a process for becoming certified. According to the ILI’s website, you have to:

“For years, we have been conducting an annual qualification examination for translators in two categories of translation: translation of general texts and that of legal texts. UI certificates are awarded to those obtaining the minimum score of 65. Applicants of legal texts certification who reach the minimum score of 80 (grade A) are entitled to be nominated as sworn translators. Their oaths are taken by the Governor of Jakarta Province.

This year, we are going to adopt a new exam scheme, producing only two types of results: pass or fail. With the support of Association of Indonesian Translators, we will disseminate to our clients the need to refer to this certification to guarantee the quality of the translators they are hiring.

Also, starting this year, we are going to broaden the scope of our examination to cover other areas outside Jakarta. In three years, we aim to conduct this exam in several major cities throughout Indonesia, and should demand arise, we will also facilitate the local governments to take oaths of the translators dealing with translation of legal documents”.

We, in Indonesia, also have a translation association, called Indonesia’s Translators Association (HPI), In order to become a HPI/LBI member, you shall satisfy the eligibility requirements by providing proof of a combination of education and work experience.

Hopefully this information will help you decide whether or not to become a certified Indonesian  translator and where you can go to become certified, if that is what you choose to do