When clients need to translate personal documents (certificates, diplomas), company statutory documents or customs declarations, they often face the requirement to certify the translation. However, the wording of requests to our translation agency varies: some ask for the services of a "certified translator", others - "attested". Let`s figure out the difference between these concepts.Who is a certified translator?
Certification is a voluntary procedure confirming the professional qualifications of a translator. It is carried out by independent organizations or associations. For example:
In the USA - certification from the American Translators Association (ATA).
In Europe - diplomas of translation institutes (for example, CIOL in the UK).
In Russia - certificates from professional communities (Union of Translators of Russia).
The certificate confirms that the translator has passed the exam and meets quality standards. Suitable for documents where a guarantee of accuracy is required: legal translation, contracts, medical certificates, academic works. However, the certificate does not give the right to certify documents for government agencies.
Certification is an official procedure, often regulated by the state. Such translators have the right to work with documents that require legal force. Examples:
In Russia - certification through the Ministry of Justice or the notary chamber.
In Germany - sworn translators.
In France - expert translators included in the register of appellate courts.
Certification gives the right to certify translations with a seal and signature, which is often equivalent to notarization. Certification is mandatory for documents submitted to government agencies: courts, tax services, registry offices, customs and requires periodic confirmation of qualifications.
Advice to clients
Check the requirements. For example, the Russian registry office or the Federal Migration Service usually require translations certified by a certified translation agency or notary.
For international documents (visa, work abroad), a certified translation is often suitable, but check the requirements of the specific country.
Notarization is not a translation. The notary certifies the translator`s signature, but is not responsible for the quality of the translation.
Confusion between terms arises due to differences in the legislation of countries and the requirements of organizations. Always check with the receiving party whether a translation with the seal of a certified specialist is required or a certificate from a professional translation agency is sufficient.
