ProZ.com frequently asked questions

1 - What is the ProZ.com API?

The ProZ.com API is a web service that makes it possible for companies other than ProZ.com to connect their systems to ProZ.com, and conveniently find translators and retrieve profile information (in accordance with the profile owners' privacy preferences) without having to visit ProZ.com.

The API is therefore one more means by which ProZ.com members may come into contact with potential clients (and vice versa).

2 - What is the TPX format?

The Translator Profile eXchange format (TPX) is a proposed standard for the exchange of profile data for translators and interpreters.

In practice, translators will be able to create TPX resumes/CVs and send these to language service providers (LSPs) in lieu of, or in addition to, their regular resumes/CVs.

The proposed standard contains a unique TPX identifier that will make it possible to obtain up-to-date profile data from TPX-registered translators from time to time, in a standardized or even automated manner. It will make sense for information such as availability to be updated regularly in one place by a translator, and then passed automatically using TPX standard tagging to all interested clients.

The current version of TPX is an early draft being evaluated and improved by the TPX working group.

3 - What are the benefits of TPX?

By providing a standardized way of presenting the services, skills, experience, rates and other information in a translator's profile or CV, TPX will make the process of locating and qualifying language professionals more efficient for LSPs. It will also make the process of marketing oneself, and keeping information such as availability up to date among existing clients, easier for language professionals.

TPX will make it possible for LSPs to request and share translator data in a standardized way. This will enable companies to effectively connect their vendor management systems together, transferring vendor data from one system to another using automated tools.

Because of the standardized format, it will be possible for LSPs to process applications more efficiently than they can now. Automated tools will be able to extract, display and search whatever data is of particular interest or need to a given company. A peripheral benefit of having a standard set of fields is that completeness of data will be encouraged.

One possible application in which the TPX standard would be useful is in checking on the current availability of known translators. Many translators maintain their availability data at ProZ.com now, but can not be expected to maintain availability data with all the customers for whom they work. A TPX standard will define a way for LSPs to query ProZ.com's servers to check the availability of known translators when new projects arise.

Another possible application in which TPX would be useful is from within desktop tools such as project management software. A project manager working from within one of these tools could ask for a list of translators working in a certain pair and field. The software could query ProZ.com's servers for a list of appropriate professionals.

4 - Will third-party companies have access to private information in my profile?

No. The TPX API only provides another way to access your public profile information--the same information that could be seen by viewing your profile page in a web browser.

5 - I want to develop a service that uses TPX. How can I get an API key?

If you would like to make use the TPX API in your own web site or product, submit a request through http://proz.com/support.

6 - Where can I find more technical documentation about the TPX API?

Technical documentation related to the TPX API is available online. ProZ.com is also providing a TPX Client Library written in PHP that uses the popular Zend Framework. The client library can be used quickly in existing PHP-based applications to integrate with the TPX API.

7 - How can I opt out of receiving messages through the TPX API?

You can opt-out of having your profile information included in TPX API requests. You may also opt-out of receiving profile messages sent through the TPX API. Both of these preferences are available in the TPX API preferences panel in your profile page.

8 - What is the profile UUID being displayed on my profile screen?

The profile UUID value is the global unique identifier used by third party companies to refer to your translator profile on ProZ.com.