Examination-earned credential
IBCOT Certified Official Document Translator
Certification is a separate status from membership. It is earned only by passing the IBCOT certification examination while an active member in good standing.
How it works
How the credential is earned
The examination is a separate, optional purchase: $195 for one attempt. A retake, after a failed sitting and the waiting period, is $129 and covers only the section(s) not yet passed.
There is no requirement to pass in your first year. Members who do not pass keep training access while their membership is active.
The examination is a timed, standards-based examination, scored automatically. Training completion is never certification.
Passing unlocks the credential title, the certified seal, a credential ID, a public verification page, a digital credential certificate, and the option to order an official printed credential certificate for $49.
Core credential and endorsements
Core credential and endorsements
The IBCOT Certified Official Document Translator (CODT) credential is earned by passing the Core section of the IBCOT certification examination, which tests the standards that apply to every official document. Specialty endorsements are earned by passing an additional section for a document category. The first endorsement is Immigration Documents. An endorsement is held only while the CODT credential is in good standing.
- Immigration Documents
On passing
What passing unlocks
- The credential title and a credential ID.
- The certified seal, kept visually distinct from the Professional Member badge.
- A public verification page that always shows current status.
- A digital credential certificate, the Certification Statement Generator, and the option to order a printed certificate.
Kept distinct
What certification is not
- Not a government license, appointment, or sworn-translator status.
- Not a guarantee that any agency, court, or employer will accept a translation.
- Not a test of general language fluency. Languages are member-declared.
- Not continuing-education credit of any kind.
Verification
Verify an IBCOT credential or membership
Enter a Member ID or credential ID to see its current status. Verification shows the name, ID, status, issue date, and member-declared languages. Member-level verification only; IBCOT does not verify individual documents.