Anyone can translate documents from different languages into English. However, it takes a certified English translator to produce accurate translations for legal and official use. They produce certified translations that are acceptable for all legal and formal applications and processes.
So, it’s not enough to get your documents translated into English. You must ensure that you get a certified translation for wider validity. But how can you get a certified translator for your English translations? And if you’re a translator, how do you get a certification as a translator? This article answers all these questions in detail.
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What Is a Certified English Translator?
A certified English translator is one whom the government recognizes as qualified to translate documents from one language into English. Fortunately, it is not only a federal government agency that can certify an English translator. Other reputable legal organizations in the translation industry can also certify an English translator.
However, the translator must qualify for the title to receive this certification. To qualify, the individual must prove his experience translating documents from that foreign language into English. Additionally, he may need to pass a test in the target language and English to qualify for the certification.
Once certified, a translator can produce certified translations in English. Their translations may not even need notorization for acceptance in legal processes.
How To Find a Certified English Translator
If you have experience dealing with foreign authorities, you must know the importance of certified document translations. Certified translations are also important to English-speaking countries, especially the US and UK.
However, you can only get such translators from qualified translators. So, this section will show you how to find a certified English translator for your documents.
You can easily find English translators online from the internet, even certified ones. However, many people are still uncomfortable with online translators for such important tasks. Rest assured, several certified and reliable translators are online, and this section will show you how to find them.
Find Certified Translators From Google
The simple search query “Certified English translators near me” on Google will provide lots of options. Using your location, Google will list several translation agencies and companies offering certified translations near you.
You’ll see a list of Google Business profiles on the result page, highlighting agencies for certified English translations. The features of this tool make it effective for finding reliable translators for legal documents translations.
The Google Business profile is a digital profile that describes the business. You can learn about a business, agency, or translation company from their Google profile. There, you’ll find the details of their services and their contact information. The profile also carries accurate reviews from past customers to help you verify their service.
Use Review Sites To Find Translators Certified Document Translators
You can also search review sites like Trustpilot and Yelp to find and verify certified translators. Here, you’ll find a list of certified English translation companies. These sites are popular tools for verifying the credentials of a business from its previous customers.
On Trustpilot and Yelp, companies receive a star rating based on their service to previous customers. These customers also leave reviews of the companies based on their experiences. From the reviews, you can learn about the company’s services and what to expect.
You can also find more information about the business from their profile on the platform. There, you’ll find their contact information and their service description. Comparing the information and reviews of different companies on this site can help you find a reliable agency to engage.
4 Tips To Help You Choose a Certified Translator
Whatever methods you explore to find a certified translator online, you’ll always have multiple choices to choose from. So, how do you find the translator to engage? Some features give credence to the experience and expertise of the translator. This section outlines four tips for choosing a translator for certified translations.
1. Choose a Translator With Verifiable Certification
Translators can receive their certification from government agencies or other organizations. Since this certification can come from several sources, anyone can fake it. So, when looking for a translator, it helps to request their certification to verify it.
You can verify a translation certification by its title. English translator certifications usually hold Translator at the top of the certificate. You can verify the certification from their website when certified by other organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA).
The translator’s or company’s name should appear on the list of translators on ATA’s website.
2. Get a Certified Translator With Industry Expertise
Translation goes beyond converting words from one language to another. It’s important to ensure you accurately share the idea in the original document in the target language.
So, it is insufficient to hire a translator who is fluent in both languages. Choose one with experience in your range of industry. This way, he can accurately translate your document using industry-specific terminologies for better communication.
For example, it’s best to get a certified translator experienced in legal translation to translate court documents. Then, you can choose one specializing in business documents for intellectual property translations.
3. Find Certified Translators Offering Your Language Pair Translation
Finding a certified translator that can translate your language pair is important. Remember, an individual receives a translation certification statement per language pair. So, a certification for English-to-Spanish translations is invalid for English-to-French translations.
Unfortunately, many people often overlook this point despite its importance. A single translator can receive certification for a few language pairs but not too many. So, when one translator offers translation into several languages, he’s likely using machines for translation.
Therefore, it is important to find a translator certified in your language pair and ensure they offer human translations.
4. Read Reviews and Feedback From Previous Clients
Most certified translators boast a rich customer base, having worked for many people. Some of these publish their customer’s feedback and rating on their website to give credence to their efficiency.
You can also find more accurate reviews of translators on reviews and freelancing sites that publish their profiles. Navigating the reviews of others can help you discern the quality of service a translator offers. That can help you choose a translator for your certified English translations.
How To Become a Certified English Translator
As an English translator, improving your brand is the best way to grow your business. The first step in this direction is getting a translation certification. Therefore, to help you on this path, this section outlines how to become a certified English translator.
Generally, you become a certified translator when you prove your proficiency in the language. That may require you to take a course or exam with a reputable linguistic organization.
Below are five ways you can gain certification as an English translator:
- Apply for the Chartered Institute of Linguistics (CIOL) CertTrans and DipTrans examinations.
- Get a government translation certificate
- Take a certification exam offered by a translator’s association like ATA
- Gain a university-awarded translation certification
- Obtain certification after a course with independent language trainers
Do You Need a Certified English Translator for USCIS?
You don’t need a certified translator for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents. You need certified translations to file USCIS applications, but any translator can certify your translation. Legally, anyone can certify a translation, even if he is not an accredited translator. Therefore, you can use anyone to translate your documents for USCIS.
The USCIS accepts certified translations, even from family members, provided they certify it properly. However, it is best to get USCIS translations from a professional translator. That will ensure maximum accuracy and a smooth application.
Since they don’t require notorization, the USICS can easily dismiss erroneous translations. So, always get a professional, preferably a certified English translator for your USCIS translations.
You’ll find several certified translators for different language pairs at Rapid Translate. These experienced translators ensure accuracy and quick turnaround time in delivery.
Are you applying for the United States citizenship? Or do you need high-quality translation with 24-hour delivery? Working with Rapid Translate, you can rest assured of the confidentiality and security of your documents.
From immigration translation to notarized translation and notarized translations for your birth certificates, we’ve got you covered. Order now to experience a world of seamless communication!
