Are you dreaming of studying abroad? Starting a new career under sunnier skies? Or maybe you’re planning a destination wedding in an exotic locale? If so, you’ll likely need official translations for some of your documents. But what exactly makes a translation “official”? Should it be certified or sworn? And what’s the difference? In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion around these terms and help you understand what kind of translation you need.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a certificate of accuracy signed by the translator. This certificate confirms that the translation is an accurate and faithful representation of the original document. Certified translators typically have a degree-level qualification and are registered with a recognized professional body, ensuring they’ve met rigorous standards for accuracy and professionalism.
For official purposes in common law countries like the UK, certified translations are usually sufficient. However, for certain legal or governmental purposes, a higher level of validation may be required, which brings us to sworn translations.
What is a Sworn Translation?
The term sworn translation varies significantly by country. In the UK and other common law countries, “sworn” translations aren’t a distinct category but may involve a certified translation sworn in front of a solicitor or notary public. This adds a layer of formal authentication, often called a notarized translation. Here, the translator swears an oath attesting to the accuracy of the document, which is then signed and stamped by the solicitor or notary.
In civil law countries such as Italy and Spain, sworn translators hold a unique legal status. In Italy, sworn translators must be authorized by a court and take an oath, making their translations legally binding. In Spain, sworn translators are certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs after passing a rigorous exam. Only these government-approved sworn translators can produce translations with full legal validity in these countries.
How Much does an Official Translation Cost?
Official translations typically cost more due to the legal expertise and validation required. Prices vary based on factors such as the language pair, the type of certification needed, and the complexity of the document. Before commissioning a translation, it’s wise to clarify exactly who will receive it and confirm any specific requirements they may have.
How to Find a Certified or Sworn Translator
With so many translation services online, how can you be sure you’re choosing a legitimate provider? To guarantee quality and reliability, consider using translators certified by professional bodies, such as:
- ITI or CioL in the UK
- ATA in the United States
- Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores in Spain
As a member of the CioL myself, I work closely with sworn translators registered with official bodies in Italy and Spain. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information or need a translation for official use.
