How to get Certified Translation Services?

A very common misconception about translation is that it is very easy and everyone can do it. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Translation is a delicate process of changing words from one language into another. It can take years to perfect the art of translating.

This is a very critical reason to aim to get a certified translation. But what is a certified translation? What are the types of certified translations? What are certified translators? And how to get certified translations?

What is translation?

Simply explained, translation is the act of changing a word or text from one language to another while keeping the original meaning of the message that is meant to be conveyed.

This translation can be done either by a freelance translator or a localization Agency.

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation that is accompanied by a signed proof of its accuracy by the translator.

This type of translation is required for certain types of documents like:

Marriage certificates
Divorce certificates
Medical documents
Birth certificates
Death certificate
Insurance claims
Bank statements and Reference letters
Immigration Papers

Countries have different rules and laws regarding certified translations as some countries require that a translator approved by the state be the one to do the translation otherwise it will not be accepted.

Other countries simply require that the translator who will be doing the translation attach a document proving the accuracy and the originality of said translation.

Types of Certified Translations:

There are 3 types of certified translation, they are all similar in the process yet the differences are quite important.

1. Certified translation:

This is simply when a translator translates a document from a chosen language into another and attaches proof of its accuracy.

2. Notarized translation:

This is when a translator translates a document from one language into another and sends it to be verified by a notary.

A notary is a person who performs certain legal matters, in the case of certified translation, he verifies and affirms the identity of the translator.

3. Apostilled translation

This is when a translator translates a document from one language into another and sends it to be verified by an embassy or consulate for accuracy.

What are certified translators?

Not all certified translations are made by certified translators.

A certified translator is a person who has a specific certification in translation in some countries or a translator with many years of experience in others.

In countries like the USA and Australia, a certified translator must take a specific test to be part of the national translation association of the country.

Those tests are usually long and hard and require a lot of time to practice.

Other countries like the UK don’t require such tests or the need to join an association to be certified, it is simply required to show your skills as a translator.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that in the UK you can’t join an association for translators. It is just not necessary.

Qualifications of a translator

A translator needs to have certain qualifications to be able to produce a certified translation.

Be fluent in the target language/s.
Pay attention to small details,
Understanding of different cultures
Able to work accurately and objectively.
Initiative and research skills.
Able to maintain confidentiality.
Broad general knowledge.

Being part of an association for translators is a big plus for a professional translator but not necessary.

How to get a Certified Translation?

Getting a certified translation is not as complicated as it seems. It just needs a professional translator or a translation agency to get the job done for you.

When choosing the former or the latter, you need to consider all the factors to be able to get a great quality for your document.

Africa Localize will definitely be able to help you with all the documents that you might need, whether certified or any other type of document.

Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Translation Services:

To get a certified translation of a document, you must find an accredited translator, send them the original record, pay their fee, and receive the certified translation. You can find a certified translator online or by asking your local library or government office. The cost of a certified translation will vary depending on the length of the document and the language combination. The turnaround time for a certified translation typically takes 24-48 hours.

The cost of getting certified to translate can vary widely, ranging from $200 to $2,000 or more. The price depends on various factors, such as the certification program you choose, the language pair you wish to be certified in, and any additional requirements or exams involved. It’s recommended to research and contact specific translation organizations or institutions for accurate pricing information.

Translation software: $50-$200+
Books and resources: $50-$100+
Translation courses or workshops: $100-$500+

This is often required for legal, immigration, and educational purposes. A certified translation is a translation that has been reviewed and certified by a qualified translator. The translator will sign and date the translation, and they may also affix their seal or stamp. This certification ensures that the translation is accurate and that the translator is qualified to translate documents.

** Here are some of the reasons why you might need a certified translation:
-To apply for a visa or permanent residency in another country.
-To submit documents to a court or other legal authority.
-To enroll in a foreign university or college.
-To get a job in a foreign country.
-To obtain a financial loan or other type of credit.

Conclusion

Translation is quite important in all fields nowadays. They’re so many types of translations.

Certified translation is quite an important form of translation. It has certain criteria to be followed as they are used in legal destinations, like a council, embassies, and ministries.

To translate a certified document, you don’t need a certified translator, you only need a professional one to get everything done.

That translator needs to have certain qualifications in order to be able to present the final quality of your certified document.