How to apply for on-dossier certification (for terminologists)
You will find below complete details on the eligibility criteria, what should be included in your application package, and pricing.ATTENTION
We no longer accept on-dossier submissions by postal mail.
Emailed applications should have the attached files numbered with the prefix 01, 02, 03 etcetera for them to be sorted correctly (if the candidate is unable to combine their files into a single document). submit your email to dossier@atio.on.ca. ATIO Staff is not responsible for the correct order of dossier submissions; it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure a coherent presentation of their package.
PLEASE NOTE: Prior to submitting your on-dossier application package, you must successfully complete the language proficiency exam. For more information, please visit our Prerequisite Exam webpage.
On-dossier is an ongoing process that is available for Candidates for Certification with ATIO.
To submit a request for certification by dossier, you must first obtain the status of a Candidate for Certification in the relevant category. Click here for more details on our application process and to learn more about the admission criteria.
As a Candidate for Certification in terminology, you must first meet ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA to be eligible to apply for certification on-dossier:
Eligibility Criteria – Option A:
Hold a university degree in terminology, or in translation with a specialization in terminology, that is recognized by ATIO and have the equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience in the language combination for which you seek to become certified.
(In cases where your experience is on a part-time basis, you must have completed approximately 450 days of work as a terminologist during the last five years)
– OR –
Eligibility Criteria – Option B:
Have the equivalent of five (5) years of full-time experience in terminology in the language combination for which you seek to become certified.
(In cases where your experience is on a part-time basis, you must have completed approximately 1,125 days of work as a terminologist during the last ten years.)
- ATIO considers ‘full time’ to be represented by either 30 hours or more per week if working for an employer, or 180 days or more per year if working as an independent/freelance terminologist.
- Your experience must be attested to by at least one letter of reference from an employer, or at least 2 letters of reference from clients if working as an independent/freelance terminologist.
- Such letters must be signed originals and must clearly establish that you have been practicing your profession, in the same language combination for which you are applying, for the requisite number of years in an autonomous manner, without the need for supervision.
- You must also submit a list of all terminology publications of which you are the author, co- author or collaborator.
- Depending on individual cases, supporting samples provided should include lexicons, vocabularies, glossaries, terminology index cards, articles, terminology files, word research, lists of terms.
When assembling your application for certification on-dossier, each section MUST be clearly identified, and your submission must include the following:
- Your completed ATIO certification by on-dossier application form.
- A cover letter that explains why you should be considered for on dossier certification.
- Your resume should include courses of study, experience, positions held, publications, awards, etc. Make sure to enclose proof of the education and/or experience required as part of the ‘eligibility criteria’. Copies are accepted.
- Reference letters from three (3) of your clients or employers which confirm that you have the experience required in the eligibility criteria. These individuals must be different from your sponsors. Copies are accepted.
- Sponsor letters from three (3) certified terminologists, or certified translators that specialize in terminology, who have accepted to support your application, if possible.
- Each sponsor must be a certified terminologist, or a certified translator that specializes in terminology, in the same language combination for which you seek to become certified.
- Each sponsor must be a member of ATIO or be a certified member of another provincial association under CTTIC, or with OTTIAQ.
- Information in each sponsor letter must include the number of years they have known you and details about their knowledge of your professional activities.
- If you are unable to find (3) three individuals to sponsor your application, you must explain the steps you took to search for sponsors and the reason(s) why you could not secure the required number of sponsors.
- A list of all terminology publications of which you are the author, co- author or collaborator. Depending on individual cases, supporting samples provided should include lexicons, vocabularies, glossaries, terminology index cards, articles, terminology files, word research, and lists of terms.
- You must provide proof that you are indeed the author, co- author or collaborator for each sample you submit. This can be done by providing letters from clients, employers, supervisors, department heads or by any other means; as long as it provides assurance to the Recognition and Certification Committee that you are indeed the author, co- author or collaborator as pertains to the work offered for evaluation.
- Each sample piece must be clearly identified and show the source and target languages.
- Optionally, if you have successfully passed a professional proficiency evaluation (usually administered by an employer), you may submit proof thereof along with your on-dossier submission package, with information as to the nature of the assessment, its role in the overall process, the level of achievement, etc.
- Make use of the on-dossier application checklist to ensure a complete application package and enclose it with your submission package.