The Different Types of Certified Translations

Because the business world has become so globalized and travel has generally increased to many world destinations the translating of professional documents has become far more commonplace. However, with the arrival of Covid-19, the world has been brought to a grinding halt. The translation of key personal documents like birth certificates, diplomas,s and degree certificates is virtually non-existent. Not only has international travel slowed considerably but migration between countries is at an all-time low too. However, this trend will not go on forever and soon the world economy will be back to normal or, as some people say, ‘’the new normal.’’ There will quickly be a demand for certified translations.

A “certified” translation generally refers to a translation that is accompanied by a certification statement from the translator confirming its accuracy. Requirements vary depending on the country and the authority requesting the translation. In Australia, official documents may need to be translated by individual translators who hold certification issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

In the United Kingdom, translators who are members of professional bodies such as the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) or the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) may provide certified translations, subject to the requirements of the receiving authority.

The different types of certified translations are:

• certified translations;
• notarized translations;
• apostilled translations.

A certified translation generally includes a certification statement from the individual translator confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. Requirements vary depending on the receiving authority. In Australia, certified translations are typically completed by translators who hold certification issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), and include a signed certification statement from the translator.

Notarized translations

A notarized translation is when the translated documents have been signed either by a Notary or there is a statement written by a Notary Public about the original document and its translation. This is not quite the same as a certified translation as the Notary’s signature doesn’t endorse the translation quality.

Apostille translation

Any legal document that has been released with an apostille certificate might need translating. An Apostille verifies that the signature is authentic and makes sure that the legal document will be recognized by all states that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention. It does not validate the document’s content or translation.

What documents might need to be certified?

When economies are on the move once again and people take up jobs and migration to other countries the legal documents that usually need certifications could be any of the following:

• passport translations
• medical reports
• marriage certificates
• insurance documents
• immigration documents
• driver’s licenses
• divorce certificates
• death certificates
• birth certificates
• adoption papers
• academic certificates.

How to obtain certified translations

Requirements for certified translations vary by country and by the authority requesting the document. In Australia, some authorities require legal documents to be translated by individual translators who hold certification issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). If you are seeking a certified translation of a legal document in Australia, you should ensure that the translation is completed by a translator certified by NAATI and that it includes an appropriate certification statement confirming accuracy.