Blog

What Is a Certified Translation?A certified translation is a translation that comes with a statement from the translator confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. This statement is often referred to as a "certificate of accuracy."In this case, the translator signs a declaration that the translation is true to the original document. Certified translations are used for a variety of official purposes, including:* Immigration applications * Academic transcripts * Medical records * Business documents The key point about certified translations is that the translator doesn’t have to be specially authorized by the government. They need to be competent in both the original and target languages. While some translators choose to have their certifications notarized for added legitimacy, the process doesn’t involve a formal oath or recognition by a government body.What Is a Sworn Translation?A sworn translation, by contrast, is a translation done by a translator who has been officially authorized by a government authority. Sworn translators have taken an oath or pledge to provide accurate translations, and they are recognized by the legal system in some countries, like Spain, France, or Argentina.The process of a sworn translation is more formal than a certified translation. These translations are often required for:* Court documents * Legal contracts * Government filings * Official declarations When a sworn translator works on a document, they sign it, and their stamp or signature indicates that the translation is legally valid in the country where they are authorized. This gives the translation additional weight, as it’s not just an accurate representation of the document—it’s legally recognized as such.The key difference here is that a sworn translation is specifically done by a translator who has been authorized to take on this official responsibility, often by a court or a government agency. This makes sworn translations particularly important for legal or judicial matters.Key Differences Between Sworn and Certified TranslationsAlthough both sworn and certified translations ensure that a document is accurately translated, they have important differences:1. Authority of the Translator :&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* A certified translation is done by a translator who attests to its accuracy but doesn’t need to have any special legal authorization.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* A sworn translation is done by a translator who has taken an official oath and is recognized by law, which makes it legally valid for specific purposes. 2. Legal Use: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Certified translations are generally used for administrative purposes such as immigration, educational, or business-related needs. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Sworn translations are necessary for legal and official documents, like those used in courts or for government-related matters. 3. Geographic Differences:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Certified translations are accepted in many countries, but what qualifies as "certified" can vary depending on the jurisdiction. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Sworn translations are required in countries where translators must be officially recognized and authorized, typically for documents that need to hold legal weight in courts or other formal settings. 4. Formality:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Certified translations are formal but don’t carry the same legal significance as a sworn translation. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;* Sworn translations are more formal, as they come from an authorized professional who has sworn to provide legally accurate translations. ConclusionWhile both sworn and certified translations ensure that your documents are accurately translated, the main difference lies in their formality and legal standing. Certified translations are typically used for official documents that don’t require legal authority. In contrast, sworn translations are necessary for documents that must be legally recognized, such as court filings or government procedures. If you’re unsure which type of translation you need, always check with the agency or authority requesting the document.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-0wvhosfe8emi24dvec"><img id="0wvhosfe8emi24dvec" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/491618768/photo/foreign-languages-translation-concept-online-translator.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=GLyw9eRePCJsxeKmFHKn4El0IhH_3t__0leKMGyQPG8=" alt="Foreign languages translation concept, online translator" title="Foreign languages translation concept, online translator" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/491618768/photo/foreign-languages-translation-concept-online-translator.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=GLyw9eRePCJsxeKmFHKn4El0IhH_3t__0leKMGyQPG8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Understanding Sworn vs. Certified Translations: What You Need To Know

Signature Pro Notary Services

Blog

Understanding Sworn vs. Certified Translations: What You ...