ISO 18587:2017 — Post-editing of Machine Translation
Requirements for the process of full, human post-editing of machine-translation output and for the competences of post-editors. The companion to ISO 17100 for providers who use machine translation in production. Certification issued by CAS under its own responsibility (By CAS).
Standard
ISO 18587:2017
Service type
By CAS
Issued under
CAS — own authority
What it is
ISO 18587:2017 sets requirements for the process of full post-editing of machine translation (MT) output by a human post-editor, so that the result is comparable to a human translation. It defines the post-editor's competences and qualifications, the pre-production, production and post-production steps, and what the provider must agree with the client about the use of MT. Like ISO 17100 it is a process requirements standard, not a management-system standard.
Who needs it
Translation and localisation providers that use machine translation with human post-editing, technical and e-commerce content providers, and language service providers whose clients require assurance that MT output is fully post-edited by qualified people.
Benefits of certification
- Demonstrates that machine-translated content is fully post-edited by qualified post-editors
- Defines post-editor competences and the full post-editing process end to end
- Gives clients a recognised basis for accepting MT-assisted translation
- Pairs directly with ISO 17100 for a complete translation-process certification
- Supports transparent pricing and turnaround for MT-assisted work
- Certificate issued by CAS, verifiable on the CAS register
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Does ISO 18587 cover light post-editing?
No. The standard covers FULL post-editing — output comparable to human translation. Light post-editing is described only informatively and is outside the certifiable requirements.
Do I need ISO 17100 first?
Not formally, but the two are designed as companions: ISO 17100 for human translation and ISO 18587 for MT post-editing. Providers offering both are usually certified to both.
Is it accredited?
No. Like ISO 17100 it sits outside the EGAC/IAF accreditation scope; CAS certifies it under its own responsibility (By CAS).
Ready to certify against ISO 18587:2017?
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