NAATI’s online directory lists translators and interpreters who hold a current NAATI certification or Recognised Practising credential.

Practitioners can choose whether they are listed in the directory, and which details to share with the public.

Note: People listed in the online directory do not work for NAATI. They are usually self-employed or work for a language service provider.

NAATI is the only organisation in Australia to issue professional credentials, or certification, to translators and interpreters.

NAATI-certified translators and interpreters are practising professionals who:

• have completed formal training
• demonstrated their English proficiency
• demonstrated ethical and intercultural competency
• undertake ongoing work practice and professional development.

They are also bound by a code of ethics.

Learn more about the different certifications >>

• Look for someone who holds current NAATI certification. This means they are a practising professional who has met the minimum standards to work in the industry.

• Verify their credential by entering their Practitioner Number into our ‘Verify a Credential’ tool on the website homepage.

• If the translation or interpreting assignment is complex, look for a translator or an interpreter who has expertise in the field of the assignment (such as health or legal).

• You don’t need to find a translator in your local area, as most translators will accept translation jobs via email and NAATI credentials are the same everywhere in Australia.

• Get a recommendation from a friend or colleague who has used the service of a NAATI-certified practitioner before.

• Ask for references, particularly for interpreters, or if you need a more complex translation.

• Ask for quotes from two to three translators, interpreters, or service providers and ask about availability for your job.
  • Be aware that a very low quote may indicate poor quality or inaccurate service.
  • Translators generally charge per source word or document (for official documents like driver’s licenses or birth certificates), while interpreters charge by the hour or assignment.

If you are seeking the services of an Indigenous language translator or interpreter, please contact the relevant organisation listed below.

• Northern Territory: Aboriginal Interpreter Service, NT 
• Western Australia: Aboriginal Interpreting Western Australia
• South Australia: Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service (ALIS)
• Queensland: 2M Language Services
• Other states: Contact NAATI and we will support you to connect to an interpreter.