This article tells you everything you need to know to become a sworn translator. In Italy and some other countries, sworn translations of legal and official documents are often needed. Sworn translators are experienced professionals who have acquired and refined their translation skills over the years.
So letโs discover how to become a sworn translator.
What is a sworn translator?
The title of โsworn translatorโ is given to a court-appointed professional who translates official documents into a foreign language for the court. Many individuals, companies, and organizations from different countries need sworn translations for immigration or business purposes. For example when moving to or setting up a foreign business in Italy.
Now, the first thing to clarify is that in Italy there are no specific professional bodies authorized to issue credentials for doing sworn translations. Instead, there are professional translators registered as technical consultants with the Italian court system or in some cases with the local Chamber of Commerce.
What happens is that the sworn translator must appear in court together with the original text in question and submit a sworn statement or oath in front of the designated public official.
The translator then signs the statement and verifies their identity and the official translation made by them. Finally, the sworn statement is time stamped and sealed by a public official making it legal and binding.
In legal terms this is called an affirmation โ it makes the translation official. This is not to be confused with certified translations which include just the translator or agency stamp.
In other countries, authorities use a different process to legalize documents for official purposes (notarized translations by a notary public in some cases). This replaces the need for a sworn statement by the translator. For example, documents originating from the UK intended for use overseas and requiring legalized translation receive an apostille from the Foreign and Commonwealth office, the equivalent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in other countries, to be affixed to the document. In other countries, authorities use certified translation services to verify the accuracy of translated documents.
Note: The American Translators Association does not offer certification as a sworn translator. In the USA, documents must have a copy of the translatorโs certificate of translation accuracy attached instead.
What is the role of a sworn translator?
A sworn translator acts as a technical consultant serving the judge and court and helps in legal proceedings that involve translating foreign language documentation so that the court may understand its content.
The purpose of this legal document translation service is to render documents written in one language into another. The sworn translator must be able to maintain the original linguistic meaning and legal authenticity of the translated documents.
Usually, they areย documents needed to live/study/work/invest in a foreign country. For example,ย translators might provide sworn translations ofย documents such as birth certificates, driving licenses, diplomas, and court judgments for individuals.
Examples include students who need a sworn translation of academic certificates before visiting a European country as part of an education abroad program. Also, young people doing an internship abroad, or anyone who needs their driverโs license translated to be able to drive in a foreign country may need to provide a sworn translation, depending on the destination country.
The services of a sworn translator may also include translating contracts, financial statements, and other business information for overseas businesses wishing to set up or invest in a country where such documentation must be legalized.
These are legal documents, and so must be translated by a sworn translator. The translator must also perform the translation with great accuracy ensuring that none of the original content is lost in the translating process.
Also Read: What is a sworn translation?
What qualifications do you need to be a translator?
A translator must master at least one foreign language in order to be awarded the title of sworn translator. For example, they might have an MA degree in Foreign Languages and Literature or be a native speaker. But people without a masterโs degree can also become sworn translators. The main requirement is that you can prove your mastery of the language. To get started, you might take a degree in translation, language proficiency tests, or other courses. These may be useful to stay up to date with all current translation best practices in order to increase your chances of success.
Actually, as mentioned before, Italy has no professional list of sworn translators. Becoming a sworn translator usually requires:
- Listing in the Court of residence (CTU register)
- Registration in the Chamber of Commerce
- Membership of professional associations of translators and interpreters with public relevance, in accordance with Law 4/2013
- Being quality-certified to carry out translations
Other requirements sworn translators must comply with include in-depth knowledge of legal matters, aspects of confidentiality, and maintaining their expertise in the field in which they practice their activity (international trade, business and commerce, engineering, etc.).
Note: The process of becoming a sworn translator is not the same as that of a certified translator who only signs and stamps the translated materials, ensuring their professional quality and official certification status. Nor is it the same as a legal interpreter for the courts who is responsible for translating legal matters.
What do you need to become a sworn translator?
In Italy, as we have already said there is no national register of translators. However, sworn translations must be carried out by a professional registered under CTU (a court-appointed expert), so they play a crucial role in many court proceedings. Although not all translations require sworn statements, being designated as a court technical consultant gives you credibility in the eyes of the law. Qualified translators, who become recognized official technical consultants may also undertake other main court or court of appeal appointed assignments.
Documents to be attached with the application for CTU registration
- Front and backย copy of the original identity card with tax code, and certificate proving the absence of a criminal record.
- Authenticated copy of candidateโs CV, stamped and signed on each page.
- Certificates, diplomas, and other supporting evidence of language skills relevant to the specialized sector in question.
Professional translators must confirm their experience providing translation services. To do this, invoices for translation and interpreting services covering the last five years must be produced. The requirement is only three years for native speakers.
It shall then be the duty of a commission to review all necessary documents and paperwork so they can determine whether or not the applicant meets the requirements for him/ her to become a CTU. Becoming a sworn translator does not require you to be an Italian citizen per se, but you must have a residence permit and no criminal record in both your home country and Italy.
Note: Rules may differ from one court to another, so always inquire at the court where you wish to register.
Certification exam preparation
Anyone who wants to become a sworn translator must first pass an exam before registering with the local Chamber of Commerce.
What does the exam evaluate?
- Theย translatorโs language skills
- In-depth understanding of legal and regulatory concepts
- The ability to translate official documents
An examiner tests the English language proficiency of each candidate and how well they know their specialized field of translation.
How do you register for the exam? Apply to your local Chamber of Commerce. You will receive an appointment date, time, and location for the exam.
It, of course, requires a lot of language learning but also acquiring knowledge in the subject you are interested in. If you pass the exam, then you can become a sworn translator upon receiving proper authorization by law in your jurisdiction.
Necessary documents to apply
In order to take the examination at the CoC, candidates must submit a copy of their identification document, copies of relevant language qualifications, CV, and proof of payment along with the registration form for the specific exam.
Note: Again, specific requirements vary from one location to another, so always ask exactly what your local CoC requires.
Evaluation procedure
If a candidateโs CV already shows that they are unsuitable, they will probably be rejected at the initial review stage. Otherwise, translators are often interviewed and undergo screening, which covers all topics related to the area of specialization of the candidate and their foreign language knowledge. Written and oral tests require the candidate to translate from a foreign language into Italian and from Italian into the target foreign language. The candidate must be able to translate economic, commercial, legal and administrative documents.
How long does it take to become a sworn translator?
It depends on eachย individualโs qualifications and experience. Those who speak the language as their mother tongue may already possess the required linguistic knowledge but need to follow specialization courses to become familiar with translating techniques, and gain a thorough understanding of the legal system, and business terminology, for example.ย
The courts generally require native speakers to have a minimum of 3 years of experience doing specialized translations before they can become members of the register. Non-native speakers should obtain relevant language degrees and have 5 years of professional experience before applying for the profession of sworn translator.
What jobs are available for sworn translators?
Typically, translators are freelance or work for a reputable translation agency. Sworn translators can work on various projects. A lot depends on their area of specialization.
For instance, there are more English than Arabic translators, so the latter is much less competitive. However, being a specialist in a somewhat rare language may mean that there is insufficient demand to warrant becoming a sworn translator.
Some areas of specialization, such as commercial, administrative, and legal translations, are always in demand because of the importance of the subject matter.
How much does aย sworn translator make?
The income of a sworn translator will vary depending on the mode of work and their professional status. Freelance translators enjoy greater flexibility in general. And they can typically charge more per case than an employee in an agency. However, they also need to market their services and constantly be looking for new work.
On the other hand, a translator who works for a translation agency or similar institution may earn less per case. But they will probably have a steady flow of work through the agency. On average, they will typically complete more cases per week, per month, etc.
How much a sworn translator earns also depends on the area in which they work. Obviously, there will be much more demand for sworn translations in a large city than in a small town or village.
The translatorโs area of specialization will also influence how much they earn. For example, an expert in a specific language or subject matter that requires greater in-depth knowledge or expertise will, typically, be able to charge more for professional translations than they would for simply translating birth or marriage certificates for the court.
Also Read: How does a sworn translation work?
How much does a sworn translation cost?
The price varies and is affected by factors such as:
- Language pairs (common or rare target languages)
- Type of content and number of words
- Legal and technical complexity of documents
- How urgently itโs needed
- The method of delivery: mail, courier, etc.
The cost of certified or notarized translations increases if the translation project requires a high level of expertise. The same applies for cases involving two languages that are uncommon in translation work. A professional translator working for an agency will typically charge around $85 for the certification procedure.
What are the tasks ofย sworn translators?
The main task is to guarantee the accurate translation of a document for the court. In other words, the translator assumes the legal responsibility (and liability) for the documentโs verification. Even if the translator works for an agency, the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual sworn translator whose name appears on the sworn statement issued by the court.
Note: In a case where the validity or authenticity of the original document is questioned, the translator bears no legal responsibility. However, where a forgery is clearly apparent to anyone examining the document, and should have been obvious to the translator, they may become complicit in a fraud case.