When translating official documents, you’ll often need a certificate to prove their accuracy to the institution receiving them. This requirement covers legal, academic, and immigration documents. Thus, what is a certificate of translation accuracy?
Translators and translation companies provide signed statements to show that their translations are accurate. While some translations do not require these statements, they’re usually necessary if you use the translation for official purposes.
Read on for more information about the topic!
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What Is a Certificate of Translation Accuracy? What Does It Mean?
Typically, a certificate of translation accuracy is a signed document from a translator or translation agency. It signifies the accuracy of a translated document and shows that translations are complete and accurately represent the original documents.
Essentially, these certificates establish the validity of translated documents. They show the receiving institutions or organizations that a professional translator did the job. This certificate is important if you submit documents to government agencies or educational or financial institutions.
These certificates prove to agencies and institutions that a professional takes responsibility for the work and vouches for its validity. They also show that the translations are complete and accurate. Therefore, they are reliable for official use in place of the original documents.
A certificate of translation accuracy, also called the certification statement, usually contains some specific information. Here are the details you’ll find in this document:
- A statement that indicates the translator’s qualifications.
- A statement that shows that the translation is accurate and complete.
- The translator’s full name and their signature.
- The date you received the certification statement.
- The original and translated documents’ languages.
- The individual translator or the agency’s official stamp.
Other agencies and translators add extra information, such as the document type and the translation project’s assigned number. The certification statement may also include the translator’s or the translation company’s contact details.
What Is a Notarized Certificate of Translation Accuracy?
A notarized certificate of translation is one with a seal from a notary public verifying the translator’s identity. In this case, a notarized signature on a certification statement does not vouch for the translated document’s accuracy.
Also, it does not confirm the original document’s authenticity. Instead, it shows that the signer of the certificate of accuracy is who they say they are. Different states have different laws when it comes to notarization. A notarization in one state is valid almost everywhere else.
Again, notarization is only available for a certified translation. Still, many people ask about what a notarized certificate of translation is and how to obtain it. Generally, obtaining this document requires two parties: the notary and the signer of the certificate of accuracy.
During the process, the notary verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses them sign the certificate of accuracy.
Afterward, the notary signs and stamps the certificate to complete the process. Notaries usually keep records and logs of these notarizations in case there is a need to revisit them in the future.
The need for notarization depends on the institution receiving the translated documents. In the U.S., you may need to notarize the certification statement for these documents:
- Court documents
- Passports
- Loan agreements
- Employment contracts
- Bank statements
- Vital records
- DMV documents
- School transcripts
- Medical records
Getting a notarized translation is often necessary if you send U.S.-issued documents to other countries. You may also need this authentication for personal documents like adoption papers, powers of attorney, and medical records.
5 Reasons Why Certificates of Translation Accuracy Are Important
Certificates of translation accuracy play important roles in many official processes and situations. Essentially, it adds to a translated document’s integrity. But here are five reasons why you may need one.
1. They Provide Credibility to the Document
You’ll need certificates of translation accuracy when submitting translated documents for your immigration application or to educational institutions. You’ll also need these when expanding your business into another country.
These certificates show that the translated documents accurately represent the original documents, improving their credibility and reliability.
2. They Make Translated Documents Legally Valid
For most government agencies, courts, and other institutions, a certificate of translation accuracy is among their translation requirements. While you may obtain an accurate translation of your documents, authorities and organizations may question their validity.
Therefore, these certificates formally attest to the accuracy and completeness of your translated documents. In some cases, they help meet compliance requirements and standards.
3. These Certificates Help With Compliance
Different organizations and institutions have specific requirements for the documents they accept. You must get a translation certification for most of these institutions to gain acceptance. For this reason, always ensure that you go through their requirements beforehand.
4. They Offer Quality Assurance
Certificates of translation accuracy offer quality assurance by indicating that a professional handled the project. First, these certificates show the credentials of the translator or agency that handled the job, indicating their expertise.
Also, translators and agencies guarantee the accuracy of the translation. Therefore, they take responsibility for the work because errors and inaccuracies could affect their reputation and standing.
5. Certificates of Translation Accuracy Can Save You Resources
You must translate your documents again if the first translation is inaccurate or unreliable. To avoid wasting time and effort, choose translators who offer certificates of translation accuracy. This will ensure a more reliable result that will help your application.
How To Get a Certificate of Translation Accuracy
After establishing that you’ll need a certificate of translation accuracy for your documents, find translators who offer certified services. Most translators and agencies offer multiple options for their services, making the process easier.
For instance, you’ll need to choose between certified and notarized translations of your documents. Most individual and freelance translators, as well as translation agencies and companies, offer this service.
Therefore, follow these steps to get a certificate of translation accuracy:
- Find a reputable professional who can translate the language combinations you need.
- Get a quote on how much their certified translations cost.
- If you’re okay with the price, make payment and submit the required documents.
- Wait for the translator to work on the documents and return the results with the certification statements.
Translation agencies, members of professional translation associations, and sworn translators can issue certificates of translation accuracy.
FAQ
Is a translation certificate worth it?
Yes, getting a translation certificate of accuracy is worth it. Since most organizations, agencies, and institutions require translations with these extra attachments, they often come in handy.
What is an accuracy certificate?
An accuracy certificate is a signed document from a translator showing the accuracy and completeness of a translated copy. These certificates contain the translator’s qualifications, signatures, the source and target language, and the issuance date.
What is the ATA certificate of accuracy?
An ATA certificate of accuracy is from a member of the American Translators Association. Translations with this certificate usually comply with the association’s rules and protocols. It also carries the association’s stamp.
Get a Certificate of Translation Accuracy From Rapid Translate
Now that you understand what is a certificate of translation accuracy, do you need an official translation with this certificate? If so, get accurate services from our translators at Rapid Translate, a reputable online agency.
Besides providing accurate translation for your documents and certificates, we offer 24-hour deliveries. We also provide notarized translations and rushed mail options for customers who need urgent services.
Our 24/7 customer support and affordable services make us one of the best in the business.
