The rapid advancement of technology has undoubtedly had an impact on every domain of human activity, with the field of translation being no exception. As part of their everyday work, translators nowadays rely on a wide range of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, including terminology management software, translation memories, localization technologies, grammar checkers and quality-assurance applications. The extensive integration of these technologies has determined a reconsideration of the traditional concept of translator competence and, implicitly, of the skills required for producing appropriate translations. The present study adopts a theoretical framework grounded in Translation Studies, pointing to the shift from linguistic conceptions of competence to multidimensional competence models that incorporate technological skills. The discussion is mainly informed by the European Master's in Translation (EMT) Competence Framework (2017) and the PACTE translation competence model (2003), while also mentioning earlier models proposed by Bell (1991), Hatim and Mason (1997), Neubert (2000), and Schäffner (2000) with the purpose of illustrating the historical development of the concept.

Methodologically, the study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining the theoretical review with an empirical investigation of the novice translators' perceptions regarding the type of contribution made by the technological ability to the general translation competence. The data collection instrument is a questionnaire administered to 48 beginner translators between March and June 2026. More specifically, quantitative data were obtained by means of a ranking exercise evaluating the relative importance of six translation sub-competences, while qualitative data were generated by open-ended questions referring to the contribution of the technological competence to the quality of the target text. The evidence of both theoretical and empirical nature is discussed by the author, with a view to arriving at conclusions of relevance for the field of translator training.