What is Certified Translation and Do I Need It

If you’ve ever needed to translate official documents, such as a birth certificate, contracts, or medical records, you may have come across the term “certified translation.” But what is it, and do you need it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of certified translation and explain why it’s important for certain situations.

What is Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a translation that has been verified by a professional translator or translation agency to be accurate and complete. The translator or agency provides a signed statement, along with the translated document, attesting to the accuracy of the translation.

A certified translation is usually required for legal or official purposes, such as immigration, academic enrolment, or legal proceedings. These documents must be translated into the official language of the country or institution where they will be used.

Why Do I Need Certified Translation?

If you need to submit official documents to a government agency, educational institution, or legal authority, a certified translation is typically required. Failure to provide an accurate translation can result in your application being rejected or delayed.

Here are some situations where a certified translation may be necessary:

Legal Documentation

When dealing with legal documents such as contracts, patents, and certificates, businesses may require certified translations to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

Immigration Purposes

For businesses that operate in different countries or hire employees from abroad, certified translation of immigration documents such as visas and passports may be necessary. Furthermore, solicitors may require translation of immigration documentation and other certificates for legal proceedings.

Regulatory Compliance

Many industries such as finance, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals are subject to strict regulatory requirements. Certified translation may be necessary to comply with these regulations and ensure that all stakeholders receive accurate information.

International Trade

Businesses that engage in international trade may require certified translations for shipping documents, customs forms, and commercial invoices.

Brand Protection

Companies with global brand recognition may require certified translation for marketing and advertising materials to ensure that their messaging is consistent and accurate across different languages and cultures.

How to Get a Certified Translation

To obtain a certified translation, you should hire a professional translation provider that specialises in the industry within which you operate. The agency should provide a signed statement, along with the translated document, attesting to the accuracy of the translation. When selecting a translation provider, look for those who are certified by a professional organisation, such as the Association of Translation Companies (ATC). This ensures that the translator has the necessary qualifications and expertise to provide accurate translations. Furthermore, professional translation agencies will often provide sworn translation and notary public services for documentation that requires additional certification.

So, if you’re working on a project that requires official approval, get in touch to discuss our certified translation services today.