What Is a Certificate of Translation Accuracy?

A Certificate of Translation Accuracy makes the difference between a certified translation and a non-certified translation in the United States.

Any key document authored in a foreign language and intended for use in immigration applications, legal proceedings or other official decisions must be certified. For example, an individual applying for residency in the US will need to get a certified translation of their birth certificate, among other requirements.

Some translators or translation companies charge extra for a Certificate of Translation Accuracy, but Responsive Translation is happy to provide a Certificate of Translation Accuracy free of charge for any translation we do.

What’s In It? Elements of a Certificate of Translation Accuracy

A Certificate of Translation Accuracy commonly contains the following elements:

• Date: The month, day and year the translation’s accuracy is certified.
• Document Name: The name of the file or a description of the document.
• Number: The number assigned to identify the translation or project.
• Language Pair: The language of the original document is specified (also called the source language), as well as the language that the document was translated into (the target language).
• Name: The name of the person certifying the accuracy of the translation.
• Position: The title or position of the certifying person. This may be the translator herself, or a project manager or other employee at the translation company. Sometimes both people are included.
• Accuracy: A sentence or two confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation. It is also common to state that the translator is qualified and has performed the translation to the best of his or her abilities.
• Signature: The signature of the certifying person.
• Contact Information: The phone number, email address and mailing address of the certifying person in case there are any questions.

The Certificate of Translation Accuracy is attached to the final translation.

Notarization: To Notarize or Not to Notarize?

Whether a Certificate of Translation Accuracy requires notarization or not depends on who is requiring the certified translation and for what purpose. You should always be able to ask the requesting party or agency if notarization is required. But if in doubt, you might consider getting the notarization just in case.

Responsive Translation can provide notarization services if you need them. We can also send your notarized Certificate of Translation Accuracy to you electronically or via mail (your choice of USPS or FedEx).

More Than 30 Years of Experience Providing Certified Translation

Responsive Translation offers certified translation services in more than 80 languages. You can get your free translation quote here.