When you get something translated, you want it to be accurate. Using many of the available free, online translation services can get you ballpark results, but if you want something that’s guaranteed to be one-hundred percent correct, you may want to invest in a professional translation service offering certified translations.
What is a Certified Translation?
The term “certified translation” refers to any translated text that is checked by a native speaker of the secondary or target language or certified translator after translation and confirmed to be completely correct. This certification must be verified by a notary public in order to qualify as a certified translation. These rigorous regulations make these translations the highest-quality interpretations available, and make them perfect for a variety of uses that demand meticulous translation and perfect word choice.
What are Certified Translations Best For?
The primary reason you will need a certified translation is the case of legal documentation or paperwork. This can include a number of things, including:
- Translated birth certificates, marriage or death certificates
- Immigration paperwork
- Medical paperwork that is required for making accommodations in residency or elsewhere
- Court proceedings or trial notes that will need to be translated for either clients or legal professionals
In any instance where you believe you will need a copy of important text translated into a secondary language with total accuracy, consider the certified translation as your best and safest bet.
If you are looking for a provider of certified translations, check with local translators or look online for professional linguistic services. Be sure to confirm that certified translations are available from your provider, and whether you will need to provide access to a notary or if it will be done for you. Don’t risk things getting “lost in translation”; consult with a professional, and get your point across in whatever language you need to.