Certifications and Standards
CGSB-131.10 - Canada’s National Standard for Translation Services
The CGSB-131.10 National Standard for Translation Services is Canada’s recognized benchmark for certifying Translation Service Providers (TSPs).
The Canadian Language Industry Association (formerly AILIA) firmly believes that the business processes behind translation delivery are fundamental to ensuring quality. By working with suppliers who undergo independent audits, Canadian buyers of translation services gain stronger protection and greater confidence in the results.
Certification to an independent standard should serve as the foundation of procurement policies and practices. One of the key objectives of the Translation Services Standard is to establish a level playing field among certified providers, ensuring that each one is held to the same rigorous professional requirements.
The Association advocates that all organizations offering translation services in Canada demonstrate independent proof of their competence through certification to CGSB-131.10. This standard provides a reliable, industry-recognized baseline for contracting authorities when selecting translation partners.
National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services
The Canadian Language Industry Association Certification based on the National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services (NSGCIS) provides for the highest level of professionalism and reliability on the part of interpretation service providers, thus inspiring confidence among clients that Canadian Language Industry Association accreditation represents an assurance of quality.
The National Standard Guide specifies the requirements for the provision of quality community interpreting services to ensure reliability in the provision of such services nationwide.
Community interpreting (also known as institutional interpreting) is usually done in the consecutive mode in a dialogue-like interaction. It enables communication between Limited English/French Proficiency speakers (LEP/LFP) and providers of public services such as:
Healthcare/Hospitals
Government agencies
Community centres
Courts and other legal settings
Educational institutions
Social services
Find out more.
ISO/TC37
The Canadian Language Industry Association holds both a national and international mandate to promote and strengthen Canada’s language industry. In recognition of this role and its longstanding leadership, the Standards Council of Canada has delegated the Chairmanship of ISO/TC 37 SMC (SCC National Mirror Committee) to the Association. Technical Committee 37 on Language and Terminology focuses on the standardization of concepts, resources, technologies, and services relating to terminology, translation, interpreting, and other language-based activities in today’s multilingual information society.
As Vice-Chair, the Canadian Language Industry Association coordinates nationally with stakeholders across the language sector and serves as Canada’s official liaison with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Maryse Benhoff, a member of the Association’s Board of Directors, was appointed Chairperson for a nine-year term (2014-2023), leading the Canadian delegation of experts to ISO Annual Meetings and overseeing collaboration across the country. In 2018, Ms. Benhoff was also elected by international members of TC 37 as the International Chairperson of TC 37/SC 5 (2018-2026).
The Canadian Language Industry Association is proud to serve in this leadership capacity, contributing to the growth of Canada’s language industry while ensuring Canada’s strong representation on the international stage.
The ISO TC 37 Canadian Mirror Committee works with experts from 65 countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Together, members develop standards in translation and terminology management aimed at improving multilingual communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
Click here to visit the Canadian Language Industry Association's ISOTC7 page
ISO has many Standards under Technical Committee 37 in various stages. Visit their website.
