ISO 18587-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18587:2017 — Translation services — Post-editing of machine translation output — Requirements. This International Standard specifies requirements for the process of full, human post-editing of machine translation (MT) output and for the competences of post-editors; it is intended for translation service providers (TSPs), their clients and post-editors and applies only to content processed by MT systems.

Abstract

ISO 18587:2017 provides requirements for full (human) post-editing of machine translation output and defines the competences expected of post-editors. It clarifies responsibilities, required resources and quality expectations so that post-edited MT can reach a level comparable to human translation; it also points users to ISO 17100 for translation services in general.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; currently marked "to be revised").
• Publication date: April 2017 (published 2017-04-12).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 03.080.99 (Services — other services) and 35.240.30 (IT applications in information, documentation and publishing).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2017).
• Number of pages: 15.

Scope

The standard covers requirements for full post-editing of MT outputs — i.e., the human work required to produce a final target text meeting the agreed quality and suitability for the intended purpose. It sets out what a post-editing process should achieve, the tasks expected of post-editors, and the competences/qualification evidence post-editors should present. ISO 18587 applies only to content that has been generated by MT systems and does not replace ISO 17100 for broader translation service process requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and objectives of full human post-editing (aim: final quality comparable to human translation).
• Requirements for post-editor competences (linguistic/translation competence, research, cultural and domain competence, technical familiarity with MT/CAT tools) and acceptable evidence of qualifications/experience for appointment.
• Process requirements: use of client terminology, adherence to style and formatting, preservation of meaning (no addition/omission), and delivery in the agreed format.
• Quality checks and verification steps to ensure the post-edited text meets agreed quality levels and is suitable for the intended audience.
• Contractual/operational aspects: clarifying client instructions (scope/quality), measurement of post-editing effort, and provision for post-editor feedback on MT performance to support continuous improvement.
• Focus on full post-editing (comprehensive correction) rather than light/minimal post-editing; industry discussions distinguish light (minimal, "understandable") vs full (thorough, publishable) post-editing.

Typical use and users

Used by translation service providers, localization teams, project managers, clients procuring post-editing services, and professional post-editors. Organizations adopt ISO 18587 to define contractual requirements, staffing/qualification criteria for post-editors, and to ensure consistent, auditable post-editing processes when delivering MT-based translations.

Related standards

ISO 17100 (Translation services — Requirements for translation services) — referenced for general translation-service requirements and competences. ISO/TC 37/SC 5 is the technical committee responsible for translation- and interpreting-related standards. A revision/replacement project (ISO/CD 18587.2) has been registered to update ISO 18587.

Keywords

post-editing, machine translation, MT, post-editor competence, translation services, quality assurance, full post-editing, ISO 18587, ISO 17100, localization, CAT tools

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18587:2017 is an International Standard that specifies requirements for the full, human post-editing of machine translation output and for the competences of post-editors.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the objectives and required outcomes of full post-editing, post-editor tasks and competences, process and quality requirements, and contractual/operational considerations for delivering post-edited MT output suitable for the intended purpose. It applies only to content processed by MT systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Translation service providers, localization managers, project managers, post-editors, and clients who commission MT + post-editing work use ISO 18587 to specify and assess post-editing processes and personnel qualifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of its publication it is current (published April 2017). ISO lists the standard as "Published" but indicates it has been scheduled for revision (stage: to be revised) and a follow-on project (ISO/CD 18587.2) is under development; users should check the ISO catalogue for any formal replacement or new edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits alongside other ISO deliverables for translation and language services (notably ISO 17100 for translation services) and was developed under ISO/TC 37/SC 5 (translation and related technologies). A revision project (18587.2) indicates continued standardization activity in this area.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Post-editing, machine translation, MT, post-editor competence, translation services, ISO 18587, quality, CAT tools, full post-editing.