Our current global economy means that anyone, anywhere could be looking at your company’s website, products or services. This has been great news for translation providers who have been rather busy in recent years with businesses expanding and new companies starting up within the language sector. However, for the customer of these services, it can lead to a few difficult decisions…
For instance, how do you know how to select a reputable translation provider? Do you need a certified translation? Or, should you use native speaking translators?
Many of these topics have been covered in our previous blogs, but we have only really considered certified document translations in the context of specific technical translations.
This blog will give you the information you require to make an informed choice about choosing providers that offer certified document translations for work such as, legal, medical and technical translations.
What is a Certified Document Translation?
In a nut shell, a certified document translation is a document that has been translated from one language to another by a translation provider that has certified (assured) that:
• The translator is fluent in both the original and target language
• The translation is complete, accurate and reliable
Certified translations are a guarantee for both the person ordering the translation and the person (or company) receiving the translated document. Once translated, the document is then considered to be reliable for use in a court of law, abides by government regulations, and is acceptable for commercial or business use.
Types of Certified Translations
There are three main types of certified documents translations, these are:
• Documents that have been translated by a ‘sworn translator’ while within a country that authorises their status as such.
• A translation can be certified in front of a solicitor or a notary public. This is sometimes considered inferior due to the fact that the solicitor does not certify the translation quality, only that it has been signed by the translator in their presence. There are some instances when this type of translation is insufficient for specific purposes.
• ‘True certification’ is when a fully qualified, expert translation company, or translator, has certified that a translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. The translator that certifies the translation must be authorised to do so.
The Benefits of Certified Translations
The reliability of certified translations is a prevailing reason to use translators, or a translation company, that can offer this service.
A certified translation is more reliable than one which has either not been certified, or has only been translated by a ‘sworn translator’. Recent studies have suggested that 1 in 5 documents, which have been through the translation process, are technically inaccurate or fraudulent. This is obviously worrying for those such as, government bodies, schools, businesses and so on, who rely on the accuracy of these documents to highlight their professionalism, skill, and expertise in their fields.
When to use Certified Translation Services
There are many instances that will require the use of an accurate, concise, legible and certified translation service.
Most instances fall into the following categories:
• Immigration – birth certificates, medical records, citizenship status, and criminal records all require translation in order for people to move from one country to another. Processing these documents is faster when certified translations have been applied to them. In some cases, documents that have not been through a certified translation process are unacceptable.
• Licences and certificates – from drivers’ licences to work permits, there are a multitude of certificates and licences that require specialist translation services such as certified translations. Some of these require in-depth evidence to show training, ability, good conduct and so on, and all require at least an overview translation of each document.
• Applying to overseas universities – competition for top university places in the UK or European countries is fierce; there are few places and many applicants. There are also strict guidelines for entry documents for overseas applicants. One common requirement is that prospective students must offer their educational history in the language of the target university. This is due to the university’s need to provide evidence of entry, to local or national government when requested, with regard to overseas students.
• Legal cases – international disputes, court cases and government policies all require the services of translators. Evidence must often go through a certified document translation process before becoming admissible in court. New policies must be translated for ease of access by all parties and it is advisable to have this done as certified translations. Mistakes made in translation can be costly and embarrassing for those involved at high levels.
• Commercial or business purposes – as previously mentioned, the international marketplace we have the pleasure of experiencing at present, requires cross border communication to a level previously unseen. Patents, qualifications, CVs, regulations, instructions, minutes from meetings, and so on, all require translation or transcription. Depending upon the purpose of the documents these may also need to be translated by a certified translator.
Ultimately, the decision regarding the use of certified translations falls to the person who holds the original document. However, before discounting it as an option, it is vital you check the requirements of the organisation who are requesting the documents as it might be a legal requirement.
Certified translations should guarantee you a certain level of security, knowing that they are translated with accuracy by experts.
If in doubt about the need for certified document translation, it is always worth checking before wasting time and money on a translated document that is not valid.
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