Requirements to be a good technical translator

The first two requirements apply to all translators, technical or otherwise. In practice, the decisive factor is the target language: it’s not enough to translate into your native tongue—you must write it extremely well. Your translations should stand on their own and not read like translations.

Once language requirements are met, subject-matter knowledge is critical. No amount of willpower or time can compensate in cases like a mechanical maintenance manual for a nuclear reactor, a patent for a new polymer, or a bridge specification. Even experienced technical translators routinely decline assignments outside their competence.

What’s more, IT matters increasingly for every translator, and it evolves so fast that “some knowledge” isn’t enough. If IT bores you, or you feel overwhelmed when software misbehaves, this profession may not be a good fit.

See also: Requirements to earn a high income as a technical translator.

© 2025 Alejandro Moreno Ramos, www.ingenierotraductor.com