Why Translation of Assessment Content Requires Careful Planning
Developing content for assessments, admission tests, certification exams, and surveys is a complex, resource-intensive process. From content creation to delivery and ongoing maintenance, every step requires careful planning, expert knowledge, and a dedicated budget.
If your organization is considering localizing or translating assessment materials, it’s essential to pause and ask the right questions. A thoughtful, strategic approach will help you avoid unnecessary costs, maintain test integrity, and deliver a fair, accurate experience for test-takers.
Here are five key questions to ask before translating exams and assessment content
Is There a Real Need to Translate Your Content?
Before starting the assessment translation process, determine whether there is genuine demand for your content in another language. Some companies localize tests for marketing purposes alone, hoping to expand their global footprint. However, localization without a clear return on investment can strain resources — especially when you consider the ongoing effort required to maintain multiple language versions, perform item refreshes, and conduct psychometric analyses.
Make sure the need for localization aligns with your audience, goals, and long-term strategy.
Do You Have Access to Bilingual Subject Matter Experts?
Translating assessment materials isn’t a simple language task — it requires industry knowledge and technical accuracy. Bilingual subject matter experts (SMEs) are crucial to the success of your localized content. They understand both the subject matter and the target language, and they can collaborate with translators to ensure terminology is correct, culturally appropriate, and consistent.
Without experienced SMEs, you risk introducing errors or confusion that could impact test-takers’ performance.
Is Supporting Study Material Available in the Target Language?
A common oversight in assessment localization is focusing solely on the test while neglecting the preparation materials. If test-takers do not have access to the necessary study content in their own language, their performance may suffer — even if the exam itself is perfectly translated.
To avoid this, localize your supporting materials first and ensure key terms, concepts, and glossaries are aligned between the study materials and the exams.
Can You Ensure a Fair and Unbiased Translation Process?
One of the biggest challenges in assessment localization is avoiding translation bias. Fair and accurate adaptation requires more than linguistic expertise — it requires deep knowledge of test development principles, psychometric properties, and cultural sensitivity.
Many localization vendors specialize only in translation. At Targem Translations, our team brings experience in both localization and the test development industry. Our translators are trained in psychometric standards and work closely with SMEs to ensure the validity and fairness of your translated assessments.
Are You Ready to Handle Test Security Challenges?
Localization can introduce unique test security risks. Cultural attitudes toward academic honesty and cheating can vary from country to country. However, with proper planning, these challenges can be mitigated.
Targem Translations offers cultural training and guidance to help your organization maintain test integrity while expanding into new markets.
Best Practices for Localizing Certification Exams
Effective localization of certification exams and assessments requires careful consideration of these essential questions. By taking the time to evaluate your needs, assemble the right team, and prepare supporting materials, you can ensure a smooth and fair translation process that benefits both your organization and your test-takers.
Ready to Make Your Assessments Accessible to a Global Audience?
Localizing exam content can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Targem Translations specializes in unbiased, accurate assessment translation backed by deep industry knowledge.
Contact us today to start your localization journey with confidence.
