You’ll often encounter the term “certified translation” when dealing with official documents. A certified translation is a precise, word-for-word rendering of an original document, and it’s often required for legal, immigration, or academic purposes.
Accuracy and completeness are key to a certified translation. If you’re trying to submit documents to the government or a university, you’ll want to make sure that the translation you provide is correct.
In this article, we’ll define certified translations, explain the certification process, identify what documents typically need to be certified, and give you some tips on finding a translator who can provide you with a certified translation.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation that comes with a signed statement guaranteeing its accuracy and completeness. The goal of certification is to reassure the person receiving the translation that it’s a true and correct representation of the original document.
It’s important to understand that a certified translation is different from a certified translator. The certification applies to the translation itself, not necessarily to the qualifications of the person who did the work.
Technically, anyone can certify a translation. But it’s usually best to hire a professional translator, especially if you need the translation for legal or official purposes.
What is a certificate of translation accuracy?
A certificate of translation accuracy is a signed statement attesting that a translation is complete and accurate. It’s often required when submitting documents to government agencies or educational institutions.
If you need to certify a translation, the certificate should include these essential elements:
- Translator’s qualifications. The certificate should spell out the translator’s qualifications, including fluency in both the original and translated languages.
- Accuracy confirmation. The certificate must confirm that, to the best of the translator’s knowledge, the translation is accurate and complete.
- Document reference. The certificate should clearly identify the original document, including its title, date, and any identifying numbers.
- Translator’s signature and date. The translator must sign and date the certificate.
- Contact information. Be sure to include the translator’s contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address.
Notarized Translations: What’s the Difference?
A notarized translation means a notary public has verified the identity of the translator. It doesn’t mean the notary is vouching for the quality or accuracy of the translation itself.
The notarization is simply a confirmation of who the translator is.
Some institutions or legal processes require notarization. Always check with the requesting party to confirm whether you need a notarized translation.
The Certification Process: Getting it Right
When you get a document translated for official purposes, the certification has to be accurate and complete. Here are some key points:
- Format: The translated document needs to look like the original as much as possible. That means using the same fonts, layout, and even page numbers.
- Accuracy: The translation must be word-for-word correct. There is no room for interpretation or summarization.
- Quality Control: Professional translators use proofreaders, editors, and other quality control measures to make sure the translation is free of errors.
- Speed: If you need the translation quickly, many agencies offer rush services. Just know that you will likely pay more for the accelerated timeline.
What documents usually need certified translation?
Many official documents require certified translations. These often include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Legal contracts
- Immigration documents
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), courts, schools, and other government agencies usually want certified translations.
Most of the time, you don’t need to certify translations of web content or marketing materials.
Finding and working with a professional translator
When you need a document translated for official purposes, it’s important to find a qualified translator and communicate your needs clearly.
Finding a qualified translator
There are several ways to find a translator who can provide certified translations.
- American Translators Association (ATA): The ATA is a professional association for translators and interpreters. Their online directory can help you find a translator with the expertise you need. ATA-certified translators have passed a rigorous exam, so you can be assured of their professionalism.
- Recommendations and referrals: Ask colleagues, friends, or family members if they can recommend a translator they’ve worked with in the past.
Communicating your needs
Once you’ve found a potential translator, be sure to communicate the purpose of the translation and provide clear copies of the documents.
- Tell the translator that the translation is for official use and specify the requirements of the requesting institution.
- Submit high-quality, legible copies of the original documents to ensure an accurate translation.
Confirming experience
It’s also a good idea to ask about the translator’s experience with specific institutions and their success rate with translations submitted to those institutions, especially if you need a document translated for USCIS.
Why you shouldn’t use machine translation for certified purposes
If you need a certified translation, don’t use machine translation tools like Google Translate. These tools are often inaccurate, and they may not truly capture the meaning of the original document.
Certified translations require a human translator who can understand the nuances and context of the source document.
Submitting a machine translation for official purposes could lead to rejection by the institution requesting the translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I certify a translated document?
To certify a translated document, you’ll need to attach a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation, as well as your competence as a translator. This statement should include your name, signature, and the date of certification. If you’re using a professional translation service, they’ll typically handle the certification process for you.
How do I certify myself as a translator?
There’s no single, universally recognized certification to “certify yourself” as a translator. However, you can enhance your credibility by obtaining certifications from professional organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA). These certifications often require passing an exam to demonstrate your proficiency in specific language pairs and subject areas.
Can a notary certify a translation?
A notary public cannot certify the accuracy of a translation. A notary can only verify the identity of the person signing the certification statement. They are attesting to the signature, not the quality or accuracy of the translation itself. So, while a notary can notarize a translator’s certification, they aren’t certifying the translation.
How do I certify a translation to USCIS?
For translations submitted to USCIS, you must include a signed certification statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation and your competence as a translator. This statement must include your name, signature, and date. You don’t need to be a certified translator in the formal sense, but you must be fluent in both languages and take responsibility for the accuracy of the translation. USCIS provides specific requirements for the certification statement on their website, so it’s important to follow them carefully.
Wrapping Up
When you need a translation that’s accurate and reliable, it’s important to remember that a certified translation can make all the difference. Certified translations are often required for official uses, like immigration paperwork, court cases, and college or university admissions.
To get a certified translation, you’ll want to find a qualified translator, give them clear instructions, and make sure the certificate of accuracy includes all the necessary information.
If you’re not sure where to start, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help. Working with a professional translator is the best way to be confident that your certified translation will be accurate and accepted.