Today's machine translation can be remarkably good—but it still needs a final human touch to truly shine. This is called post-editing and ISO 18587 provides the gold standard for this kind of editing process.

In translation context, post editing is basically improving the machine translation output for high quality content performance and naturally fluent texts. The reason is that it's important to catch the audience by talking “their language” and offering culturally adaptive subject matter scripts.

What is ISO 18587?

ISO 18587:2017 is a globally recognized standard for machine translation services. It sets clear requirements for full post-editing of machine translation output. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard ensures that post-edited content meets professional quality norms comparable to traditional human translation

The ISO 18587:2017 standard emerged from the ISO Technical Committee focused on translation services. As AI tools translation technologies began reshaping the language industry, experts recognized the urgent need for standardization in machine translation post-editing (MTPE) practices.

The Core Objectives and Scope of ISO 18587:2017

The main purpose of ISO 18587:2017 is providing consistent quality parameters for post-editing processes. The standard covers several crucial areas:

• Post-editors' qualifications and skills
• Step-by-step process requirements
• Translation Service Provider (TSP) agreements
• Quality assurance procedures

Unlike light post-editing which aims to make machine output understandable, ISO 18587:2017 - full post-editing does extra work. It produces translating results identical to human writing. This distinction matters especially for organizations where accuracy isn't just preferred—it's non-negotiable.

Key Requirements for Full Post-Editing Compliance

The post-editing process demands to follow the rules in order to meet key requirements to be fully compliant. Meeting these requirements impacts not only the process but also the team, quality and final product (post-edited content). Key requirements to comply the full post-editing rules are:

1. Process requirements
2. Quality requirements
3. Documentation requirements

1. Process Requirements Under ISO 18587

Being ISO 18587 compliant isn’t enough; quality standards in post-editing operations should meet specific processes as well. Organizations must implement specific processes including:

• Pre-editing assessment to determine if content is suitable for machine translation
• Selection of right machine translation systems based on content
• Finding qualified post-editors with subject-matter expertise
• Implementation of quality management system procedures
• Maintenance of consistent project based terminology.

These process requirements are a commitment for consistent results. Whether you're translating legal contracts or medical device documentation they ensure workflows remain systematic and repeatable.

2. Quality Expectations for Post-Edited Content

First criteria for the quality of post-edited content is providing content with no machine translation feeling at all. To keep up with, best practice is finding a suitable tone, going with that flow while making sure that terminology meets the context and audience expectations.

Post-editing content is like a product of writer and translator in one. From idioms to jargons and metaphors the must-have attitude should be delivering the content which feels natural and fully human.

Post-editors are responsible for all grammatical aspects, syntax, semantics, spelling, punctuation, and style guidelines to ensure the final text is fluent, accurate and natural to read. It’s demanding but that’s what it takes from quality post-edited content.

To sum up, typical post-edited content which meets quality expectations are:

• Semantically accurate and complete
• Grammatically correct
• Aligned with required tone and style
• Terminologically consistent and relevant for the domain
• Culturally appropriate for the target audience

3. Structured Documentation and Record-Keeping Standards

ISO 18587 takes documentation seriously and requires detailed records of every step in the post editing process. To ensure that record keeping standards are applied accurately some documentation must be present to check. These documents are not only proof but also a valuable archive to keep track of the processes.

Record-keeping documentations to meet the standards are:

• Project specifications and client instructions
• Post-editor qualifications and assignment records
• Quality assurance procedures and results
• Version control and revision history
• Client feedback and issue resolution

These transparent processes create accountability—particularly crucial for regulated industries like life sciences, legal, and financial services where a single mistranslation could have serious consequences.

Post-Editor Qualifications and Competencies

ISO 18587 is implementation of translation services quality management standard. These quality management principles require organizations to have professional experts with required skills and technical knowledge as well as ongoing training.

Required Skills and Technical Proficiency

ISO 18587 makes standards high for qualified post-editors. Being bilingual isn’t enough. Qualified post-editors must be fluent in both, two languages and appropriate technology. Also, soft-skills shouldn’t be skipped. One of the highly appreciated skills of post-editors is being able to work in tight deadlines or high volume contents.

ISO 18587 also places importance on the editors ability to know when and which action should be taken in the process. This requires an instinctive approach coming from long-term experience.

For best practices transforming raw machine translation into smooth, natural, human written content post-editor should have:

• Advanced proficiency in both source and target languages
• Understanding of machine translation technologies
• Ability to identify and correct machine translation errors
• Knowledge of post-editing techniques and best practices

It doesn’t matter if the editor is specialized in marketing documents or legal translations; they must find balance between readability and relevance.

Professional Expertise and Domain Knowledge

Language skills are the foundation of the post-editing process. ISO 18587 requires specialized domain knowledge in areas such as law, medicine, finance, engineering or IT. These industries need special attention when it comes to translating for organizations because even a single mistranslation can lead to compliance issues, safety risks and damage to reputation.

Each domain comes with its own rules and post-editors are expected to know and follow them. Beyond language skills, post-editors need specialized knowledge which are:

• Subject matter expertise in relevant domains
• Familiarity with specialized terminology
• Cultural knowledge of target markets
• Understanding of content-specific requirements

Continuous Learning

Meeting ISO 18587 standard is crucial for the post-editor profession but it shouldn’t be enough. This profession, like any other profession, demands continuous growth. The standard emphasizes that post-editors can't rely on their degrees. They need ongoing training and development which expands their knowledge.

Post-editors are expected to improve their speed, accuracy and stylistic adaptability. Engaging in training and professional certification programs, webinars and participating in professional communities will sharpen their skills while being up to date with industry specific changes.

What Does Full Post-Editing Process Include?

The post-editing process achieves best results by going step-by-step. This type of approach ensures that content is understandable, accurate, error-free and adapted to cultural contextual elements.

Let’s look at how this process is implemented.

1. A Structured Workflow

Post-editing under ISO 18587 follows a structured workflow explained in step-by-step methodology to reach consistency, quality and reliability. The structured approach is a complete guideline for a quick fix professional-grade translation process.

The full post-editing workflow typically follows these methodical steps:

1. Initial review of source content and machine translation output
2. Comprehensive editing for accuracy, fluency, and style
3. Terminology alignment with reference materials or term bases
4. Stylistic editing to match target audience expectations
5. Final quality check

This post-editing workflow ensures nothing falls through the cracks during the post-editing process.

2. Content Assessment and Evaluation

Qualified and experienced post-editors don't treat every content segment equally. They evaluate content based on the things that matter most and give their focus to identify the details.

Also, not all machine translated content needs the same level of attention. Sometimes it’s even a waste of time. Except, the post-editors determine which parts need deeper focus. This kind of approach lets them prioritize:

• Content segments that require substantial revision
• Recurring error patterns that highlight machine translation system limitations
• Content that’s not suitable for machine translation
• Cultural or contextual elements requiring adaptation

This assessment optimizes the post-editing workflow and boosts efficiency by focusing attention where it's most needed.

3. Content Refinement and Proofread

To achieve human-like translation, post-editors must bring linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and editorial touch. Full post-editing is about completely translating content keeping human-crafted feeling. This is especially crucial for industries where content directly impacts customers and its perception about the brand.

Therefore, alongside bilingual fluency, an intuitive feel for the language and ability to understand readers' expectations is a must-have. Regarding this, the gold standard for post-editors must:

• Rephrase sentences that sound unnatural or machine-like
• Ensure cultural appropriateness and idiomatic language
• Maintain consistent voice and tone
• Implement formatting rules consistently
• Apply nuances and feeling missed by machines

This level of refinement separates full post-editing from light post-editing and makes it suitable for customer-facing content where quality can't be compromised.

How to Implement ISO 18587 in Your Organization?

Applying ISO 18587 includes reviewing, developing current post-editing processes and maintaining the certification. This means taking a close look at how the organization handles machine translation approaches including tools and qualifications of post-editors.

Implementing ISO 18587 includes these steps:

1. Assessment and Gap Analysis

Assessment and gap analysis will help determine where the current fails are in terms of ISO 18587 requirements. Fails could include an inconsistent quality check, lack of documentation or insufficient training. To start with a reality check, follow these steps:

1. Analyze current post-editing practices against ISO 18587 requirements
2. Identify gaps in processes, skills, or documentation
3. Check the suitability of applying current technologies
4. Review team qualifications and training needs

This gap analysis creates a clear implementation of the roadmap by highlighting specific areas needing development or improvement. By pointing up to the gaps early, the right steps can be taken in appropriate time leading to right changes, use resources effectively and avoid extra cost.

2. Developing Compliant Workflows

Once gaps are identified the next step is to design and implement workflows that are compatible with ISO 18587 requirements. This includes renewing post-editing, quality assurance and final delivery procedures making them meet standards.

Creating ISO 18587-compliant workflows means efficient, scalable, structured processes that bring high-quality results every time. This workflow goes step-by step as:

• Defining and documenting standard operating procedures for post-editing
• Implementing quality control checkpoints
• Setting up feedback points to improve machine translation performance
• Creating clear client communication protocols
• Developing resource planning and project management strategies

These workflows should be repeatable, measurable, and adaptable to different content types and client requirements. Don’t forget flexible workflows accommodate unique needs but structured ones ensure consistent quality. These both are must-have.

3. Certification Process and Maintenance

Achieving ISO 18587 certification requires structured commitment to quality. It marks that organization has reached a professional pattern in machine translation post-editing.

But there is one point: obtaining a certification is a one-time action, but staying certified is a long-term commitment. Achieving formal certification typically involves:

• Internal audits to verify compliance
• Engagement with accredited certification bodies like TÜV SÜD
• Documentation of all relevant processes and qualifications
• Formal audit and certification
• Regular reviews and recertification

Companies must actively check their compliance, update documentation, make revision to any issue during the audits. Also, as technology improves fast, organizations must check their post-editing practices match with current technologies and there are no outdated procedures.

At Transpose, we adopted the first computer-assisted translation technologies and two additional 17100 and 18587 ISO certifications 15 years ago and still obtain them.

Frequently Asked Questions About ISO 18587

What are Key Differences of ISO 18587 and ISO 17100?

While ISO 18587 deals with post-editing processes, 17100:2015 covers legal translations.

How to Implement ISO 18587 in Your Organization?

Applying ISO 18587 includes reviewing, developing current post-editing processes and maintaining the certification. This means taking a close look at how the organization handles machine translation approaches including tools and qualifications of post-editors.

What Does Full Post-Editing Process Include?

The post-editing process achieves best results by going step-by-step. This type of approach ensures that content is understandable, accurate, error-free and adapted to cultural contextual elements.

What is the ISO standard for post-editing?

ISO standard for post-editing is ISO 18587 standard which outlines process and documentation requirements and quality expectations.

What is the post-editing distance?

Post-editing distance (PED) is a metric used to determine how much effort is needed in the editing process of machine translations to get high-quality readable content.

How much does MT (Machine Translations) post-editing cost per word?

The cost of post-editing machine translations differs depending on light or full post-editing varying from $0.03$ to $0.09. Interested in translation services? Get a quote and learn our prices.