The main goal of a translation to be certified is to verify that it is complete and faithful. For instance, you need a certified translation of your grades should you decide to pursue graduate studies in other countries. This is because a lot of applications for further learning need copies of transcription in English or other languages verified by official institutions or proper authorities.

Certified Translation Overview 

Are you among the many people out there asking what certified translation is? This refers to a translation by an expert translator who was certified and confirmed or demonstrated by a legal representative. For instance, if you are an international firm doing business in the US, you might require bringing foreign-language papers needed by the US federal agency to be interpreted into English.

When the professional translator has completed his job, he represents it to a representative at the notary public office. The legal representative will check and certify the translator’s credentials and that he completely understands the document’s meaning without distorting or omitting any details.

Then he will check the paper for its preciseness and arrange a certification showing that it’s a valid and precise translation of the original certificate. He examined both certificates personally and is set to testify under vow as such should his service be called upon.

Certified Translation Services 

People are likely confused regarding certified translation, so that this guide will clarify the mistaken ideas. In the US, a certified translation includes the translated certificate and a signed declaration made by the professional translator or the translation firm indicating that the translation is an accurate and complete rendering of the source or original text. This statement is called Certificate of Accuracy.

This doesn’t signify that a translator must be “licensed “to carry out a certified translation service. Unlike in other regions, there’s no requirement for a translator to get state or federal certification in the US. However, it’s a smart idea to search for a translator who is accredited and certified by industry associations or organizations.

Other requirements like a short statement showing the credential of the translator might be imposed, like papers submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Also, the certification is evidence that an expert translator rendered the certificate or document, not only an ad hoc translator. Official and legal organizations can utilize certified translations.

Certified Translation vs. Notarized Translation: The Difference 

Notarized translation is all about following certified protocol and doesn’t have a similar standard for a quality oath.

Notaries aren’t needed to approve the accuracy of the translation prior to granting it. Rather, notaries are just anticipated to verify the identity of the translator, ask him to swear under vow that the document translated is precise, and have the translator make a sworn statement. After this, the legal representative signs and stamps the translated certification or paper with an executive seal. The official documents, which often need notarized translation instead of certified translations, take account of foreign diplomas and school transcripts.

When Certified Translation Service Needed? 

You will need this service if you’re an outsider and need to submit papers written in another language to a regulatory body, a law court, an immigration service firm, and an educational institution. The requirements might vary. Some organizations need certified translation to be notarized, while others require the inclusion of the qualifications or resume of the expert translator.

When Certified Translation Not Needed? 

Unofficial certificates like marketing materials, personal writing, and web content wouldn’t require certification. On the other hand, these must be translated by an expert provider who can adapt the content precisely and culturally perceptively for the new audience.

Where and When Can It Be Applied? 

In some instances, use this service for legal means, for instance, business and corporate dealing. Here are other documents where the certified translation is needed.

• Official papers needed for the applications for visa
• Legally required documents for court cases
• Transcript and diplomas
• Marriage, death, birth as well as divorce certificates
• Visas and passports, and driver’s license
• Criminal record checks for HR, recruitment
• Patent filings
• Business Contracts
• Bank statements and financial reports
• Medical records

How does It work? 

The main source must be directly translated in its whole. The translated document must integrate dashes, periods, commas, and other symbols like seals, stamps, and signatures. When parts aren’t clear, the translator puts in a “non-readable” sign or mark.

The visual set-up of the translated text must match that of the main or original document. The positioning of stamps, seals as well as other markings must be simulated in the translation.

A certified translation takes account of different documents such as:

• Copy of the main or original document or source language
• Document translation in the focus language

The CoA or Certificate of Accuracy, which shows the ability of the translator to provide the service, the full name of the translator or the agency/company, the seal of the company, the exact date where translation was done, and the signature of the translation firm representative or the translator.

If you’re going to present the document, you don’t have to need to be notarized. However, if you will send the documents to the embassy or consulate outside the US, then they must be notarized.

How to Determine if the Documents Are Certified or Not 

Certified translation is a form of legal translation and is basically utilized for official and legal purposes. Certified translators need the direct transformation of the main document or original source along with the Certified of Accuracy (CoA).

For other tasks, the documents are translated to meet the targeted language requirements. However, the creative writing skills of the translator make the delivery of the information and the message that the original documents want to deliver.

There are many certified translation services out there, so make sure to find one that is reliable and has been in the business for many years.