Dealing with certified translation in the UK can seem like navigating a barrier of legal and procedural obstacles. Understanding the difference between certified, sworn and notarised translations and when they are needed can be overwhelming without the support of an experienced language solutions provider.
In part 1 of this topic, we answered typically asked questions such as what is certified translation in the UK, what is meant by certified translation, how do I certify a translation and how do I know if a translator is certified? As well as exploring whether you can do a certified translation yourself, how much does a certified translation cost in the UK, what is meant by certified translation and how long does certified translation take?
In this article we’ll delve deeper into the topic, exploring the distinct roles and differences between certified and professional translations and looking into the nuances of sworn translations.
Do translators need to be certified?
Whilst it’s not unknown for companies to engage the services of translators without formal qualifications, such as multilingual staff working within the business, more formal certified translation will need to be undertaken by someone official. This typically means formal recognition or validation of their skills and professionalism, often gained through membership of professional bodies such as the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI), attesting to their competence and adherence to industry standards.
If you are opting to use a language solutions provider to give you wider access to different languages and specialities, such as NRL, you’ll need to look for a supplier who also holds professional body membership. We have been an accredited corporate member of the ITI for over 15 years, which means translation work we deliver is certified for its high standard.
What is the difference between certified translation and professional translation?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a clear distinction. A professional translation is any translation carried out by a skilled and experienced translator, often someone who specialises in a particular field, such as legal or medical translations. These translators usually have formal qualifications and are considered professionals based on their experience and expertise.
A certified translation typically refers to a document that has been translated and then accompanied by a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. This form of certification is necessary for many official processes, including immigration applications and court documents. Typical documentation can include birth certificates, divorce paperwork, bank statements and academic qualifications gained in another country.
How do I know if a translation is certified?
A translation is considered certified when it comes with a signed declaration by the translator or translation company, verifying that it is a true, complete, and accurate translation of the original document. This statement usually includes the translator’s credentials, contact information, and date of certification.
If you need a certified translation, it’s important to request this in your initial conversation, so your provider fully understands your requirements.
What is the difference between a sworn translation and a certified translation?
The distinction between sworn and certified translations often depends on the country’s legal requirements. In the UK, there is no requirement to have sworn translations in the same way that European countries have. Typically sworn translations can only be carried out by linguists who have been accredited by official organisations which, depending on the country, may include a court of law, a foreign affairs ministry or a translation organisation with the credentials to issue qualifications.
Certified translations in the UK, however, do not require this judicial step. Instead, the professional integrity and acknowledgement of the translator or translation company is verified through their membership of a professional body.
The need for a certified translation will depend on the specific requirements of the receiving party. For government offices for example, certified translation may need to be notarised and legalised by a public official, something that a trusted language solutions provider can facilitate.
NRL’s role providing certified translation in the UK
We have a community of experienced linguists who can provide certified translation in over 135 languages. Our team will work with you to understand your requirements and timescales before taking meticulous care to ensure certified translation are delivered to the highest of standards.