About Us

Keeping language professionals connected for over 30 years!

There’s always a lot going on in the nation’s capital. For those who want to keep their finger on the pulse of the language industry and the international scene, being part of NCATA is a must.  The political center of the country is also its hub of international relations and a major center of international commerce.

The National Capital Area Translators Association (NCATA) is a dedicated group of professional translators, interpreters, language translation services companies, and language-related institutions.  We foster quality and professionalism in foreign language translation services and interpreting in and around the nation's capital. From business seminars to software training workshops, networking events to international conferences, NCATA plays a central role in our members’ success and keeps the community vibrant.

The National Capital Area Translators Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit association run by and for our members. Founded in 1980, we are one of the oldest chapters of the American Translators Association. Many of our members are also members of ATA, but ATA membership is not required for membership in NCATA. We host ATA certification examinations twice yearly and organize professional development and educational seminars that can be used for ATA continuing education credits.

The diversity of our membership is an asset to our events. Freelance linguists, in-house translators, staff interpreters, and representatives of local translation agencies and organizations all get a chance to meet, make connections, and share expertise.

Mission

  • Promote the translation and interpreting professions in the greater Washington, DC area

  • Advance standards of professional ethics, business practices, and competence

  • Foster professional contacts among translators, interpreters, and translation consumers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area

  • Provide career support to translators and interpreters through professional development and mutual assistance

  • Advance the interests and concerns of professional translators and interpreters

  • Assist with accreditation of professional status

  • Maintain contact with related professional organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, private industry, and the media

Governance: How NCATA Operates

The National Capital Area Translators Association (NCATA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation registered in Washington, DC. It is also a chapter of the American Translators Association (ATA). The purpose of the corporation is to foster and support the professional development of translators and interpreters and to promote the professions of foreign language translation and interpreting.

NCATA operates according to its bylaws which are available by request to [email protected]. The governing body is a Board of Directors that consists of five officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Certification Chairperson. NCATA officers serve two-year terms.

In addition there are several committees and positions appointed by the Board of Directors that coordinate NCATA activities in different areas. These include:

Program Committee: Plans NCATA professional development seminars, social gatherings, and other events.

Membership Committee: Maintains membership records and conducts programs to reach new members.

Website Manager: Maintains the design, content, and performance of the NCATA website and database.

The elected Board of Directors, appointed committee chairs, and other appointees who keep the association running are all volunteers. NCATA has no paid staff. Serving on this team is a rewarding way for members to make new connections and contribute to a high-quality translation and interpreting environment in the greater Washington area.