We often need document translation, especially for official matters like legal work, visa processing, or academic purposes. It’s important to know whether you need certified translation or non-certified translation. Both of these types serve different purposes. That’s why it is important to know the difference.
These two categories of translations have specific requirements and are acknowledged differently by authorities. In this article, we’ll explore the main differences, when you need each, and why choosing the right kind of translation service is important.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation document with a signed statement from the translator or company, confirming its accuracy and genuineness. This certification is required for most legal, academic, government purposes, or visa procedures to showcase the precision and accuracy of the translated documents.
What is a Non-Certified Translation?
A non-certified translation is simply a translation that doesn’t have any certification statement. It’s used for casual or internal purposes where it does not need to be approved by an official. Since it doesn’t have any certification, the precision or accuracy can’t be determined.
What Is The Difference Between Certified and Non-Certified Translations
Understanding the difference between certified and non-certified translation is very necessary, particularly when you are translating documents for serious matters. Here’s a simplified explanation of the main differences:
1. Purpose and Usage
Certified Translation: this type is needed for official documents that must be submitted to government bodies, courts, schools, or any other official authorities. Documents like birth certificates, legal agreements, school records, medical records need to be certified.
Non-Certified Translation: non-certified are mostly used for informal documents like personal letters, emails or internal business documents. Because it doesn’t have to be submitted to any external authority.
2. Certification Statement
Certified Translation: This document includes a certification from the translator or the translation company. This provided to show that the translation is accurate and complete. It’s usually signed and shows the translator’s qualifications.
Non-Certified Translation: there is no certification statement or any formal attestation of accuracy.
3. Recognition
Certified Translation: Officially recognized by legal bodies, government offices, schools, and other official authorities. It usually meets the rules or standards set by these groups.
Non-Certified Translation: it is not formally acknowledged for legal or administrative functions. It is usually applied to documents that do not need approval from external groups.
4. Accuracy and Quality
Certified Translation: it requires a very accurate and precise translation of the original document. The translator needs to be skilled in both the source and target languages to make sure the translation is accurate and detailed.
Non-Certified Translation: Accuracy is still important, but there’s flexibility for the translator. Translations without certification might use paraphrasing or summarizing and are usually not very strict about word to word.
5. Cost
Certified Translation: this is more expensive than non-certified as it requires a skilled translator and has some additional steps.
Non-Certified Translation: not that expensive since it doesn’t require certification or strict standards.
6. Translator’s Qualifications
Certified Translation: this is done by a qualified translator who has certification in this field. Sometimes, the translator’s qualifications are mentioned in the certification.
Non-Certified Translation: Any translator can do it, as long as the translation is clear and meets the client’s needs, qualifications are not questioned in this case.
7. Notarization
Certified Translation: the translator’s identity and the certification statement’s authenticity need to be checked by a notary public in some cases, which is why notarization is needed.
Non-Certified Translation: notarization is not required
