The information on this website concerning certification of translations is based on data available to me at the time of writing (July 2007) and is for general information only. Certification requirements depend on the agencies involved in each individual case. It is up to individuals to check the certification requirements of the agencies, employers, government departments or other parties that have stipulated certified documents.

UK Translation Certification Options

Certificate of Accuracy by a Non-professional Translator

Some establishments may accept certification by an unqualified translator. In this case, the person who translated the document states his competence in the two languages concerned and confirms that he has carried out the translation to his best knowledge and ability. Please always check with the agency concerned what their specific requirements are. Agencies do not tend to take YOUR word for it. For example, even a qualified translator will not usually certify documents which are in their own name.

Certification by a Professional Translator

A professional translator can certify his translation by signing a declaration containing:

• Name and address (headed paper)
• Date
• Professional qualifications including membership of professional bodies
• Source and target language of the translated text
• Assurance of competence in both languages
• Details of the translated text(s) in hand
• The declaration that the translation was done to the translator's "best knowledge and ability" and that it is "accurate, true and correct".

The original document (some agencies may accept a copy) and the translation have to be attached to the certification document.

Certification by a Translation Agency

When the translation is undertaken through an agency, the agency provides a certificate in which it confirms the required certification details (see above) on behalf of the translator who carried out the work. This certificate carries no more or no less weight than the certificate by the original translator.

Notarized Certification

Some government agencies require notarization: A notary confirms the identity of the person signing the certification document. The translator has to visit a notary, prove his identity to him and sign the certificate in the notary's presence. This process is significantly more costly, and it adds to the required time for obtaining the translation. Notarization does not guarantee the quality of the translation.

Certification by the Applicant's Native Country's Embassy/Consulate

Many embassies and consulates offer a certification service. This may include certifying the authenticity of documents issued in their country, the certification of a translator's signature or the certification of a translated document, provided the official speaks both languages involved. The cost for these services varies and one should check with the embassy/consulate regarding the time scale involved and methods of delivery to the embassy/consulate and back to the applicant.

As a rule, embassies do not provide translations themselves.

©2005 Ms Mechtild Testroet MCIL Dip Trans IoL BDÜ
 
English-German translator of most commercial texts; certification of birth, marriage and school leaver's certificates, divorce papers etc.
 
Tel +44 (0)1769 581823
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