Practice Test

Because the exam is taken under specific conditions, it is recommended to simulate those conditions as much as possible.

• The exam is strictly limited to three hours, during which you must translate two passages. When taking the practice test, you should adhere to the same time limits and translate one passage in 90 minutes.
• Because you do not get to preview the exam, you should not look at the practice test until you begin.
• To learn more about exam conditions, see About the Exam and Exam Day Tips.
• Closely adhere to the detailed Practice Test Instructionsthat you will receive in your confirmation email after ordering a practice test.

Important points to keep in mind

• Passing a practice test does not guarantee that you will pass the exam. But, if you fail the practice test, the chances are high that you will fail the exam.
• Plan to complete and upload your practice test at least three months before taking the exam. It may take as long as eight weeks to receive your graded results.

Order Your Practice Test

See if you're ready to take the ATA certification exam and to earn the credential that can open doors to advancement.

Practice Test FAQs

Do I have to take a practice test before I register for the exam?
No. The practice test is strongly recommended, but entirely optional.

When will I get my practice test?
If ordered online, you will receive instructions for downloading your practice test immediately in your confirmation email. Please fully read your confirmation email.

How long does it take the practice test to be graded?
You must allow 6-8 weeks for your practice test to be graded.

May I take more than one practice test?
Yes, but you must select a different test each time. You cannot take the same test twice.

Do I have to be an ATA member to take a practice test?
No.

Will the grader know who I am?
No.

If I pass the practice test, will I pass the exam?
There is no guarantee that you will pass the exam.

If I fail the practice test, will I fail the exam?
The chances are high that you will fail the exam.

What do I do if I fail the practice test?
Look for ways to gain more translation experience and improve proficiency skills. ATA provides strategies, articles, and advice from successful exam candidates and graders. Read more

Why do people fail the practice test?
Important causes of failure are major omissions, major mistranslations where the meaning of the original is lost, or an accumulation of target-language writing errors. Tests taken from the candidate’s mother tongue into a second language account for a high percentage of failures.