Certified Translator vs Recognised Practising Translator — what's the difference?
A Certified Translator has passed NAATI's exam in that language pair. Recognised Practising status exists only for pairs NAATI does not test, and is based on documented work experience. Thai–English is a tested pair, so insist on a Certified Translator.
In-depth Answer
NAATI runs several credential tiers with confusingly similar names.
A Certified Translator (CT) has passed NAATI's examination in a stated direction — for example Thai into English, or English into Thai; the stamp states the direction.
Recognised Practising Translator (RPT) is not an exam outcome: NAATI grants it for language pairs it does not currently test, based on evidenced work hours and professional development.
Because Thai–English has long been a tested pair, Australian agencies expect a Certified Translator stamp; an RPT stamp on a Thai document should raise an immediate question.
Also check direction: a Thai-to-English translation must carry a Thai-into-English credential, not the reverse.
Assessing bodies such as VETASSESS do check this.
Related questions
Documents most Australia visa applicants translate into English
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