Certified vs. Non-Certified Translations: What’s the Difference?

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

The type of translation you need depends on the document’s purpose and the strict requirements of the requesting authority; knowing this difference could save you from costly delays or even legal complications.

Have you ever wondered why some translations carry a special stamp of approval while others don’t? Understanding the distinction between certified vs. non-certified translations is essential. This becomes especially essential when dealing with official documents or legal matters. Curious to find out which type fits your needs and why it matters so much? This guide outlines which translation type best suits your needs.

What is Certified Translation?

An accredited or certified translation is an official translation with a signed statement from the certified translator or agency affirming that the translation is accurate and complete. This certification is often required for documents to be accepted by government bodies, courts, universities, and other official institutions.

• The translator’s credentials and, in some cases, a stamp or seal
• A signed statement of accuracy from the translator or agency
• The date of certification
• The translation affidavit

What are the Different Types of Certifications in the World?

Certification requirements and types vary by country:

• United States and Australia: Certification typically involves a statement of accuracy signed by the translator, including their credentials and contact details. In Australia, the translation must be completed by a NAATI translator for it to be recognised as certified.
• Europe (excluding the UK): Many European countries require certified translations to be performed by officially appointed or sworn translators who have passed state-regulated qualifications.
• Professional Certifications: Various global bodies provide professional translation certifications, such as:
  • NAATI Certification (Australia)
  • United Nations Translation Accreditation
  • Federal Court Interpreter Certification (USA)
  • Certified Translation Professional (CTP) Designation
  • American Translators Association (ATA) Certification (USA)

What is Non-Certified Translation?

A non-certified translation is for everyday or personal use and does not include an official statement confirming accuracy and precision. Any translator who knows both the source and target languages can translate these documents, such as foreign articles, product manuals, books, proposals, websites, etc. They do not carry legal weight and are not accepted for official purposes.

Is Standard Translation the Same as Non-Certified Translation?

Yes! Standard translations are non-certified as they are used for personal use and are not official or legal. Here, translators translate word by word or according to cultural significance.

What are the Different Types of Standard Translations?

• Free translation is used to convey the meaning rather than the exact wording.
• Literal Translation is word-for-word translation, focusing on the direct equivalence of words.
• Literary Translation is used for translating novels, plays, poems, and other creative works while preserving style, tone, and artistic nuances.
• Business Translation translates marketing materials, sales proposals, websites, and white papers for business expansion.
• Financial Translation includes translating financial reports, bank statements, audits, and related documents. The translator must be familiar with financial terminology.

Furthermore, the technical, audiovisual, administrative, and personal document translations fall under standard translations. 

Certified Vs. Non-Certified Translations: The Key Differences that Set it Apart!

When is Certified Translation Required in Australia?

Certified translation Services are required for official purposes in Australia. Australia only accepts NAATI-certified translations for official and administrative uses.

NAATI stands for National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. The NAATI translators maintain accuracy, precision, and translation standards. Therefore, the government quickly accepts the translations. NAATI accredited translators have formal training in translation or interpreting, source and target language proficiency, ethical competency, and intercultural competency.

Certified translations are required in Australia for the following scenarios:

Legal Matters:

From court summons to deeds and legal papers, individuals need to translate their foreign certificates and documents into Australian English so the court will accept them without hassle.

Academic Applications:

Whether you wish to get admission in educational institutions for further education or switch institutions, you must translate your foreign language academic transcripts, diploma, and graduation documents into English to get accepted.  

Medical and Insurance Purposes:

If you wish to travel to Australia for medical purposes or need immediate medical assistance, having certified medical report translations will give you an edge and save time.

Business and Financial Documents:

Be it a trade licence or employment certificate, you must hire a certified NAATI translator in Australia to ensure the translation is accurate, precise, and matches the translation standard of the government.

Immigration and Visa Applications:

The DFAT only accepts NAATI translations for visa, passport, birth certificate and other paper for immigration, residency, and citizenship applications. Therefore, you must have your documents translated by certified translators. 

When is Non-Certified Translation Required in Australia?

Personal Projects:

Certification is unnecessary if you translate documents for personal understanding or informal sharing, such as letters, emails, or general information.

Marketing Materials:

When translating brochures, advertisements, websites, and other marketing content, you can opt for standard translation, as it is for internal use. Getting a certified translation is advised if you submit it to the government.

Internal Communications:

A non-certified translation is sufficient for employee handbooks, memos, or training documents.

How to Get a Certified Translation in Australia?

To get certified translations in Australia, you must visit the NAATI website and search for a translator matching your language pair from the NAATI online directory. You must provide them with original documents to get a quotation. Once you complete the payment, the translator will translate it and provide you with a certified document via email or post it directly to your address.

Important Note:

Hiring a NAATI translator is not as easy as it sounds. The NAATI website only give you a list of certified translators. You cannot order translations from there. Therefore, you will need to contact the translator to get translations.

Meeting tight deadlines for certified translations can be challenging. For greater convenience, consider utilising a reputable NAATI-certified translation service provider online.

How to Choose a Fast and Reliable Certified Translation Service Online?

You can search for fast and reliable certified translation services online on Google. To ensure reliability, check for professionalism.

• The translation services in Australia must offer NAATI certified translators and have proper knowledge of the document translation rules and regulations.
• They must be available 24/7 via phone, WhatsApp, email, or live chat to troubleshoot your problems and address your urgent requirements.
• Always take quotations from multiple websites before choosing one. Also, the quotation must be free and non-binding.
• You can check testimonials and reviews on Trustpilot and Google to determine the quality of their work. You can also ask for samples.
• The NAATI translation cost starts from AUD 69. Additionally, it may vary depending on the language pair, urgency, and translator’s availability.

How and Why Does the Cost Vary in Certified Vs. Non-Certified Translations?

Certification and Accreditation: The certification requirements usually increase the translation cost because of the translator’s qualifications and legal weight.

Purpose and Acceptance: The guarantee of government and authority acceptance justifies the cost.

Quality Assurance: The process is much more complicated, as the translator or agency is responsible for the quality and accuracy.

Furthermore, when it comes to certified translations, the translator translates manually. They cannot use translation technology as they must match the legal standards and formatting style. Translators use human-assisted machine translations for standard translations to reduce the time and cost.

Parting Thoughts

Certified Vs. Non-certified translations play a significant role, depending on the purpose. Therefore, when you order a translation, ensure you convey your requirements to get the best solution at an affordable price.

****************************************************************************************************