Certified/official translations

What are the differences between a certified and official translation?

As a matter of fact, they are all the same. The official name in Spain is sworn translation but it is also known as certified translation or official translation. However, a sworn translation is indeed official and certified.

This confusion is normal and comes from the fact that the term “sworn translation” is not widely known outside of the translation industry. Given that this translation is an official translation, with legal status and includes a certification, it is normal that it is also called a certified translation. It is important to note that regardless of whether we are talking about a sworn translation, an official translation or a certified translation, they are all the same, there is no difference between them.

In the end, the most important thing to know is that there are different types of translations and that one or the other may be required depending on the client’s needs. Furthermore, certified translations are the only translations with legal status that may be required for procedures both in Spain and abroad.

However, it is important to bear in mind that in other Spanish-speaking countries these translations have different names as well. Below you will find examples from several English-speaking countries with the different terms and some important facts that you may find useful.

How do certified/official translations work in English-speaking countries?

• United Kingdom: In the UK there is no such thing as a certified translator. Unlike in many other European countries, the translation industry in the UK is not regulated, meaning that technically anyone can call themselves a translator. Confusing, right? If the need for an official translation arises, it is advised that you look for a translator who is registered with a professional body or association, such as the Chartered Institute of Linguistics or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, that can attest to the translator’s competence.
• Canada: You would think that Canada and USA would have similar systems, right? Well no, you would be wrong. The system in Canada is a bit different. Translators in this country can become ‘certified’ by receiving accreditation from one of the provincial bodies of the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council. Each of these provincial bodies is responsible for its own members, and only the members who are in good standing with their association and who have passed the certification exam or who meet the requirements can become certified.
• Australia: Australia has its own system of certifying translators. For a translator to be able to provide certified translations, they must be accredited by the Australian National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Translators must pass a rigorous process in order to receive this accreditation, meaning that any translator with this status has been deemed competent and capable of producing high-quality work.
• South Africa: In order to become a certified translator in South Africa, translators must receive approval from the High Court. Only then can they be listed on the Register of Sworn Translators and Interpreters, which is a comprehensive list of qualified professionals who can provide such a service.

Is a certified translation the same as a legal translation?

Unlike what the name legal translation, official translation or certified translation may imply, these kinds of translations not only cover documents of a legal nature (such as wills, birth certificates, contracts or commercial documents, among others), but also other documents such as medical reports, academic documents or even documents for export or import (such as bills of lading or packing lists) may require a sworn translation.

Other related information: