ATA Certified Translation Services vs Regular Translation Services: What’s the Difference?

Summary When it comes to translating important documents for official purposes, like immigration or legal matters, understanding the difference between ATA certified translation services and regular translation services is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of certified translations, explain when you need them, and why they matter for compliance and accuracy.

When you need to get documents translated—whether for legal purposes, immigration applications, or business—accuracy and professionalism are key. But not all translation services are created equal. There’s a significant difference between ATA certified translation services and regular translation services, and understanding that difference is crucial for ensuring your documents are handled correctly.

If you’re applying for immigration benefits, such as a visa or green card, you’ll need to submit official documents. These documents often need to be translated into English and meet specific requirements set by agencies like USCIS. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between ATA certified translation services and regular translation services, and explain why certified translations are crucial for official use.

1. What Are ATA Certified Translation Services?

ATA certified translation services refer to translations provided by translators who are certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). The ATA is a recognized and respected body that ensures translators meet high professional standards in their work. To earn certification, translators must pass an exam that tests their language proficiency, translation skills, and knowledge of terminology.

Why Choose ATA Certified Translation Services?

• High Standards of Accuracy: ATA certified translators are held to rigorous standards. They are tested on their translation skills, ensuring they can provide precise, contextually accurate translations for official use.
• Accepted by Government Agencies: Many organizations, including USCIS, require certified translations for documents like birth certificates, marriage records, or legal contracts. These translations must come from a certified translator to be accepted.
• Specialized Knowledge: ATA certified translators often specialize in fields like law, medicine, or business, ensuring that technical terms and legal nuances are properly translated.
• Ethical Standards: ATA certified translators are bound by a professional code of ethics, offering added peace of mind that your translations will be accurate and handled with integrity.

Choosing ATA certified translation services guarantees that your translation will meet legal and professional standards, especially when submitting documents for immigration, legal, or business purposes.

2. What Are Regular Translation Services?

Regular translation services refer to translation services provided by translators who may or may not be certified by the ATA or other recognized organizations. These services may come from freelance translators or agencies that offer lower-cost translation options, but the lack of certification can create risks, especially for documents that need to meet specific standards.

Drawbacks of Using Regular Translation Services:

• Lack of Certification: Regular translators may not be certified, meaning there is no formal guarantee of their translation’s accuracy or adherence to required standards for official use.
• Increased Risk of Errors: Without certification, translations may be less accurate, especially when dealing with legal or technical documents. This can result in serious errors, delays, or rejections from government agencies like USCIS.
• Not Accepted for Official Use: Many government agencies, courts, and businesses require certified translations. Regular translations do not carry the same legal weight and may not be accepted for official purposes.
• Inconsistent Quality: While some non-certified translators may offer high-quality translations, the lack of formal testing and oversight means there is no guarantee that all non-certified translators will meet professional standards.

While regular translation services can be adequate for personal or non-official use, they fall short when it comes to submitting documents to government agencies or in legal contexts. For official applications, it’s essential to opt for certified translations to avoid potential complications.

3. When Should You Choose ATA Certified Translation Services?

There are certain situations where ATA certified translation services are essential. Here’s a breakdown of when you should choose certified over regular translation services:

1. Immigration Applications (USCIS)

If you’re applying for a visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship, you will likely need to submit documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other personal records. These documents must be certified translations to be accepted by USCIS. Non-certified translations can lead to delays or even denials of your application.

2. Legal Documents

For legal matters, such as contracts, affidavits, or court records, certified translations are critical. These documents require translations that are legally binding and accurate, especially when presented in court or to a legal professional.

3. Business Documents

When dealing with international business agreements, intellectual property filings, or financial documents, certified translations ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards. For contracts and other legal documents, using ATA certified translation services helps avoid misunderstandings or errors.

4. Medical Translations

In the medical field, accurate translations are crucial. Whether translating medical records, patient history, or insurance documents, ATA certified translation services ensure that the language is clear, precise, and understood by all parties involved.

In these cases, choosing ATA certified translation services guarantees that your documents will be accepted by USCIS, courts, or businesses and meet the necessary legal and regulatory requirements.

4. When Are Regular Translation Services Sufficient?

While ATA certified translation services are necessary for official, legal, or immigration documents, regular translation services can be sufficient in some non-official cases. Here are some situations where you might consider using regular translation services:

1. Personal Use

If you need a document translated for personal use, such as a letter or an informal email, a regular translation service may be sufficient. However, make sure to verify the translator’s experience and knowledge, especially if the text involves any technical or legal language.

2. Internal Business Use

For internal business documents that don’t require legal certification, such as memos, internal reports, or casual communication, regular translation services can be an affordable option. However, if the document will later be used in a legal context or submitted to government agencies, certified translation is recommended.

3. Informal Communications

If the translation is for informal purposes—like personal correspondence or casual documents—regular services may be appropriate. Again, consider the complexity of the document, as this could affect the accuracy and quality of the translation.

While regular translation services can work for less formal purposes, always ensure that the translation meets the specific needs of your situation. For anything official, opting for ATA certified translation services is the safest choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between ATA certified translation services and regular translation services comes down to certification, accuracy, and reliability. ATA certified translators provide the highest level of accuracy, professionalism, and compliance, which is critical when dealing with official, legal, or immigration-related documents.

Whether you’re submitting documents to USCIS, preparing legal contracts, or handling sensitive business or medical records, ATA certified translation services ensure that your translations are accurate, legally compliant, and accepted by the necessary authorities.

At Connected Translations, we offer ATA certified translation services to help ensure that your documents meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Don’t risk delays or rejections—choose ATA certified translation services for your most important translation needs.

Key Takeaways:

• ATA certified translation services ensure accuracy, legality, and compliance.
• Regular translation services may be cheaper but lack the guarantees required for official use.
• ATA certified translation services are essential for USCIS, legal, and business documents.
• Regular translation services may be sufficient for personal or internal use but carry risks for official documents.