The NCTA is a professional association of translators, interpreters and language service providers (agencies) based in Northern California, and is a chapter of the American Translators Association (ATA). The NCTA web site has a searchable database of language professionals that provide translation and interpreting services. The NCTA also addresses the needs and concerns of professional translators and interpreters, provides guidance to those entering the field, and furthers the standards and public recognition of the profession.