Let’s say you’re perusing a garage sale and stumble upon a first-edition, autographed copy of a famous book. You’re considering giving the book to your closest friend as a present, but you must figure out the signature’s authenticity. If there is no way to verify the signature’s authenticity, how can you tell if the book has any collectible value?
This signed book illustrates a problem in many translations, especially those required for legal purposes. Similar to how a signed copy of the book or other memorabilia needs a “certificate of authenticity” to attest to its integrity, certified translations are necessary for specific circumstances.
When does a certified translation of language services documents become necessary? What follows is a summary that should answer your question.
What Is a Certified Translation?
Certified translations, as defined by the American Translators Association, include a signed declaration from the translator attesting that the translation is accurate and comprehensive to the best of the translator’s knowledge and skill. A translation accuracy statement, or TASS, is drafted by the translator or language solutions partner who worked on the paper. As if that weren’t enough, this seal of approval guarantees that the job is of the finest quality.
Due to the extra time and cost involved in quality control, many independent translators cannot offer certified translations. As a result of their in-depth quality assurance processes and access to in-house subject matter experts and linguists, language solutions partners are in a better position to manage certified translations.
What Is a Certified Translator?
A “certified translation” differs from a document created by a “certified translator” despite the similar terminology. A certified translator has completed a certification exam to demonstrate professional translation skills in a given language. Unfortunately, not all languages have a corresponding certification test, and not all nations or projects necessitate professional translators. A “certified translation,” on the other hand, a ” certified translation ” is a declaration attesting to the accuracy of the translation. It can be provided by either a certified translator, a non-specialist translator, or a language solutions provider.
How is a Certified Translation Different from a Notarized Translation?
A notarized translation is not subject to the same quality assurance standards as a certified one because its sole focus is on adhering to the official process. The quality of the translation is irrelevant to the notary’s approval. A notary’s role is limited to identification verification, an oath that the translation is accurate, and obtaining a signed affidavit from the translator. Once this is done, the notary will sign and affix an official seal to the translated document. Transcripts from universities and diplomas from other countries are examples of official papers that typically require notarized translations rather than certified ones.
When Is Certified Translation Required?
Due to the importance of the subject matter and the seriousness of the possible outcomes, most legal papers must be translated by a professional translator. Affidavits, trial transcripts, contracts, and anything else requiring the approval of a government agency are all excellent examples. Translations of official government papers, such as birth certificates, must be validated. All foreign documentation submitted to USCIS for processing in immigration proceedings, for instance, must be certified translations into English.
