Working within your competence

Only accept work you are qualified and able to do well. As a rule, translate into your native language or the language you're fully fluent in.

Translating out of your native language

This is acceptable only if you have equivalent fluency, or the text will be revised by a native speaker.

Good to know

• Breaking the law in your professional work is also a breach of the code.
• The code applies to everything you do as a translator or interpreter, including unpaid work.
• The Professional Practice helpline can talk through a tricky situation before it becomes a problem.

Downloads

• Complaints procedure (PDF, 220 KB) (members only)
• Guidance on machine translation and AI (PDF, 160 KB)

Page last reviewed 13 January 2026