Il certificato di accuratezza è a tutti gli effetti un documento che viene rilasciato dal traduttore, o dall’agenzia di trThis certificate certifies the accuracy and precision of the translation. In other words, the translator or the translating agency has accurately translated the original text into the target language. Some entities, institutions, and offices require this certificate to verify it is an accurate translation.
- Translator details: Name and surname of the translator, author, project manager, contact details, and where applicable agency credentials.
- Declaration of accuracy: This states the “quality” or “fidelity” of the translation compared to the original text.
- Date: Day, month, year of the translation.
- Signature: The translator or person in charge of the translation agency must sign the certificate, manually or electronically.
- Stamp or seal: Translator or agency’s official stamp or seal.
- Document references: All necessary data to identify the original document, header, title, date, etc.
- Document type: Not necessary but recommended to specify the type of translation (e.g. legal, medical, commercial, etc.)
Espresso Translations can certify any document in over 150 different languages, fast and at very competitive rates. Our Certificate of Translation Accuracy is accepted by the American Translators Association (ATA). Also, accepted USCIS applications for citizenship of the United States require certified document translation.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is the work of a professional translator who may work alone or in partnership with an agency with the necessary qualifications – academic training and certified experience – to do such work.
The word “certified” is used because the translation is accompanied by a formal certificate. This certificate simply states that the translation was done professionally and translated according to its meaning. It also offers all pertinent information about the translator and the agency, along with contact details in case of any complaints or concerns regarding the translation.
With this signed and stamped declaration, the translator takes full responsibility for the work performed and remains available for any future clarifications.
Also Read: What is a certified translation?
When do you need a certified translation?
Going abroad for relocation, work or studies means submitting official documents to courts, offices, and other government agencies.
In many cases, a certified professional translator is needed to break down foreign language barriers and ensure full understanding of the documents. Usually certified translations are requested by public administrations, government institutions, professional bodies, or other entities.
Let’s see some official documents that often require a certified translation:
- Birth certificate: This document proves date and place of birth and is one of the most important documents when moving to a new country or applying for a visa.
- Death certificate: Gives essential details, and may require translation if the deceased person was abroad at the time.
- Marriage certificate: When moving abroad with a spouse or married in a foreign country the marriage certificate proves marital status and is necessary to get a visa or have the marriage recognized legally.
- Academic certificates: Whether studying abroad or continuing studies in the USA after studying elsewhere, it’s essential to have a certified translation of academic transcripts, diplomas and other documents that prove educational background and qualifications.
- Legal documents: These may be requested by foreign courts in case of disputes or to enter into business agreements. Certified translations prevent misunderstandings.
- Immigration & travel visas: For each residence permit application documents need to be submitted to the immigration service or relevant government entities for evaluation. These documents must be certified.
- Business contracts: These are complex documents and it’s crucial to avoid ambiguity. So a certified translation is often necessary.
- Medical procedures abroad: When seeking treatment abroad or wishing to participate in clinical research, you need to present previous diagnoses. To prevent potential misunderstandings a certified translation of medical records and related documents may be required.
- Real estate transactions: Buying property abroad is a complex process where mistakes in interpretation are not acceptable. Certified translations are often required for land registry documents and other related paperwork.
- Adoption processes: When adopting a child born and living in a foreign country a certified translation of several documents about both the future parents and the child may be required.
Among the many translation agencies out there Espresso Translations is the best choice, we are competent, reliable, and fast.
What is a certified translator?
A certified translator has academic qualifications that prove their studies—usually a degree in languages—and experience in their field of expertise. There is no official register of translators but a certified translator should be a member of main professional associations and ideally have a track record in a specific field (medical or legal translation).
A certified translator can work as a freelancer—an independent professional who manages their own clients and is personally responsible for the translations they produce. In this case, the certification statement includes the translator’s contact details, signature and stamp.
Or a certified translator can work with a translation agency. In such cases, the translator and agency share the responsibility. But it’s important to note that a certified translation ensures accuracy and completeness but doesn’t have legal obligation to verify the authenticity of the original document.
It’s also important to distinguish a certified translator from a sworn translator. A sworn translator after completing a translation takes an oath or gives an affidavit before a notary public or another public official from the Ministry of Justice stating the translation is faithful to the original document – in other words, certifying its correctness. This raises the degree of accountability for the validity of translated document (along with the source and affidavit) and carries the full force of law.
Although uncommon in the US, sworn translations are often required in European countries for official use only. Sworn translators also have expertise in the validation proceedings and are listed on the CTU (Court Technical Experts) lists in their respective countries.
A translator who is not certified and has no sworn translator status can’t provide a certificate of accuracy.
What does a certificate of translation mean?
For official purposes a certificate of accuracy guarantees a high quality translation process. The certified translation must include:
- Contact details: Agency and/or translator’s contact information.
- Declaration: This states that the translation is an accurate copy of the original.
- Language details: Source language of the original and target language of the translation.
- Signature and stamp: Signed and stamped by the translator.
Not all translators can be official certified translators. This is reserved for language professionals and expert translators or collaborators, preferably native speakers, who are affiliated with a translation agency with credentials recognized by local or international authorities and members of leading professional associations. Specific requirements must be met by individuals and agencies in order to issue such professional certification for translations.
Espresso Translations exclusively uses native speakers to provide certified translation certificates. This is part of our quality control process.
What is a notarized certificate of translation accuracy?
A certified translation is different from a notarized certification. Notarization involves a notary verifying the identity of the translator. A notarized translation doesn’t guarantee the quality or accuracy of the translation itself. In other words, the notary applies their official seal or apostille confirming who did the work but not the translation itself is true to the original text.
This adds an extra layer of formality and legal recognition to the translation project, to prevent fraud and to show that the document has been processed according to legal protocols.
Notarized translations are required for:
- Declarations and oaths
- Powers of attorney
- Private deeds
- Mortgage deeds
- Property deeds
- Copies of passports, driving licenses, and identity cards
- Certificates issued by educational institutions
- Patents and trademarks
- Business and corporate contracts
- Invoices and other commercial documents
In short:
A certified translation does not involve a notary or other public official; it’s a statement of conformity and quality and a way to track the translator if needed.
A sworn translation requires the translator to take an oath before a public official which gives the document legal value. The translation is submitted with the minutes of the oath, signed statement by the translator, and a copy of the original document.
A notarized translation is simply verification of the translator’s identity but doesn’t guarantee the accuracy of a translated document or give it legal status.
To make sure you get the right type of translation when you need one, you need to know exactly what the requesting office or organization requires, so get clear instructions from them.raduzione necessaria, è fondamentale ricevere le indicazioni dell’ufficio richiedente.
What kind of documents require translation accuracy?
The accuracy of the translation is crucial in several cases. Correct translations also avoid a lot of legal or administrative complications.
Business: Commercial agreements, partnership contracts and financial statements must be translated word for word so they are clear. Technical translations may also be required for patents and other such documents.
Law: In the case of contracts, court orders and submissions, high grade skills in translation are essential for all parties to understand a particular terminology and legal wording.
Medical: Patient records, diagnoses, and medical reports have to be translated carefully without any room for error.
Academic: Diplomas, transcripts and certificates require accurate translation to validate qualifications for admissions or employment.
Immigration: Visa applications, residency permits and other immigration paperwork must be translated to meet immigration authority requirements.
Why is a certificate of translation accuracy needed?
Some documents require a translation certification because a simple translation is not enough to guarantee the content is reliable. This certificate of accuracy assures the requesting office the translation is good and eliminates potential misunderstandings that can be very harmful – like medical documents, contracts, legal certificates and more.
Translation is an industry where many unqualified people can try to work – people without the proper training, experience, or translator qualifications. Choosing a reputable translator or agency when you need a certificate of translation accuracy avoids any risk of getting an incomplete or even wrong translation.
What is included in a certificate of translation accuracy?
The certificate of accuracy includes:
- Details of the translator or agency
- A statement that the translated text is true to the original
- The stamp and signature of the translator or agency
The certification of accuracy must be attached to a copy of the original document.
What are the requirements for a certificate of translation accuracy?
Not anyone can certify a translation. It must meet the following:
- Issued by a qualified translator or agency: The translator must be a professional with verifiable education and authorized to provide a certified translation. An agency is usually accredited and a member of national and international associations, and must meet the translation requirements set forth to issue CTAs.
- Accurate and complete: A good translation is more than just word for word translation. The translated document’s accuracy must preserve the original meaning, tone and nuances. No omissions or additions of any kind are allowed.
- In a specific format: Some authorities require that any certification that attests to the work done is in compliance with a specific format and on the agency’s letterhead.
- Confidentiality: Both the agency and the translator must commit to keep the content of personal documents confidential and not to disclose it under any circumstances. The process of sending and receiving documents must be secure and private.
- Competence: The translator must be specialized in the field of the document – medical, legal, commercial, etc. – to make the translation as close as possible to the original.
- Availability: The contact details of the translator and agency must be clearly and accurately presented, ensuring they are complete and up-to-date.
Who issues a certificate of translation accuracy?
The Certificate of Translation Accuracy is directly issued by the translator or translation company in the United States. It typically reads as follows: “I, (name), certify that this is a complete and accurate translation of the original.”
Each translator or agency issuing such a certificate must meet the qualifications and experience to guarantee accuracy.
Certification of translation accuracy sample
Here is an example of a translation accuracy certificate
Are certified translations accepted everywhere?
Certified translations are not accepted everywhere. Here’s why:
- Each country has its own standards for accepting certified translations. These can even vary between institutions within the same country.
- In some countries, sworn translations are preferred over certified translations and vice versa. Sometimes certification alone is not enough and a notarized translation is required, especially for legal and administrative documents.
- Some countries have agreements that make it easier to accept certified translations between them.
- New laws related to immigration, education, trade and other areas can affect how documents need to be certified for official use.
- Translations done by members of internationally recognized professional associations are more likely to be accepted.
- Translations that need certified in specific fields have different acceptance criteria compared to those in other fields.
So it’s best to check with the relevant authority or organization whenever you require certified translations to make sure you get the right type.
Espresso Translations does this for you through our global translation and localization services so you don’t have to.
How much does a certified translation cost?
The cost of a certified translation can be very different depending on several factors: document length and complexity, language pair, turnaround time and level of urgency. Some are billed per word, others are a flat fee for the whole document.
To get a precise quote when you need certified translation services, fill in the form on the Espresso Translations website or email the document to be translated. Within 24 hours you’ll get a reply with all the details on cost, timeline and process.
Also Read: How much does a certified translation cost?
Why choose our certified translation services
Espresso Translations has been providing all types of professional translations (certified, sworn, and notarized,) for many years. We are a leading global translation provider.
We are a global network with proven translation and interpreting experience in over 150 languages. We can have all of your official translations fast tracked with no loss to quality.
