Summary
The translation profession can be difficult to navigate. The difference between a certified and a sworn translator can be especially murky to those outside of the field. Yet both types of translators perform services that are indispensable. Their functions, however, are not the same, especially when it comes to the legal and official contexts in which documents may require their input. In this blog, we will look at exactly what certified and sworn translators do, as well as the key differences between them. Our hope is that by the end of this reading, you’ll understand not only the distinction between these types of translators but also the context in which you might need one or the other.
1. What is a Certified Translator?
If you hear the term “certified translator,” you might think that these individuals hold some sort of official certification. And you’d be right! But what does that really mean? In the simplest of terms, a certified translator is a person who has a very recognizable certification from a professional body or association, such as the American Translators Association (ATA). This body certifies that the translator has the knowledge and skill set to produce accurate translations.
Certifications can mean many things, but in the case of translation, they usually signify that the holder has passed tests that demonstrate familiarity not only with the languages involved but also with the cultures they pertain to. And cultures include a wide range of precepts, not the least of which are laws, constitutions, and other legal frameworks.
When we talk about certified translators, we’re usually referring to those who operate within the context of the legal frameworks of the countries that issue these certifications.
Certifications from professional bodies like ATA can sometimes be used as a prerequisite for entering or working in a translation profession. But they can also serve as assurances for clients that the holder can accurately understand and produce translations.
Legal contexts aside, the value of a certification is that it signifies a broad and specific knowledge base and more than a modicum of skill.
2. What is a Sworn Translator?
Now, let us have a word about sworn translators—a term that often causes confusion because it sounds so legal. A sworn translator is, essentially, an official translator who has been authorized by the government or a court to provide translations of documents that have the force of law. You wouldn’t believe the kinds of documents that we send to our sworn translators. I’m talking about the translation of essential documents—birth and marriage certificates, for example—as well as translations of contracts, agreements, and other kinds of legal work.
Sworn translators do more than translate. When one swears an oath before a legal authority, it gives the translator the power to certify, in an official capacity, the accuracy of the translation. This type of certification is pivotal and always done at the behest of the agencies, courts, and other official entities to which the documents are presented.
Key Characteristics of Sworn Translators: Legitimate Authorization: Sworn translators are appointed by law and possess the credentials to render not just any translation but certified translations that are, in many cases, the legal equivalents of the original texts.
Translations that have legal force: In sworn translations, accuracy and thoroughness in respect to the source text are guaranteed. A sworn translator is a person who has taken an oath before a court or public authority to translate accurately and thoroughly.
Obligation and Responsibility: A sworn translator bears the legal responsibility to make certain that the translation possesses a high degree of accuracy and, most importantly, faithfully represents the original document.
When you need to present a translated document to a court or a government office, you’re usually required to submit what is known as a sworn translation. Sworn translators serve a very important function, not just in the United States, but all over the world. Here, they are most commonly associated with their work in international adoptions; however, in reality, they are much more than a niche service. They are a bridge to official recognition in all sorts of legal matters, including marriage and immigration.
3. Key Differences Between Certified and Sworn Translators
Comprehending the differences between certified translators and sworn translators is essential when figuring out which kind of translator you require for your particular scenario. Observe the principal distinctions:
Certification Compared to a Legal Oath: Translators can be certified by professional organizations, but they do not have to take a legal oath like sworn translators do. Sworn translators make their translations legally binding by taking an official oath before a legal authority.
Work Area: Certified translators usually labor in specialized zones, like the medical, technical, or academic fields, translating materials for those areas. Sworn translators mainly work with legal documents, ensuring that the translations they produce can pass muster with various government agencies and courts.
Acknowledgment: Legal entities recognize the work of a sworn translator, while a certified translator’s work is typically recognized for non-legal matters.
When to Use a Certified Translator:
Documents of an academic nature (e.g.,
transcripts, diplomas)
require certification, resolute proof of the translator’s qualifications.
(because many universities evaluate the translator’s qualifications as highly as they do the student’s)
User guides and technical manuals
Seminal works. Research papers that bring together ideas from many different disciplines.
Review papers. Research papers that summarize a whole area of work, including all the important references.
Important research papers with good ideas in them. Must-have works for a good research library.
Medical documents intended for unofficial purposes
When to Call Upon a Certified Translator: Legal contracts and agreements.
Certifications of birth, marriage, and death
Papers for welcoming newcomers.
Court decrees and judicial transactions
4. The Importance of Certification and Sworn Translation in Legal and Official Matters
In numerous instances, the difference between certified and sworn translators can dictate whether or not legal authorities will accept your document. For example, when you’re applying for a visa or submitting a document to a court, it’s vital that the translation be sworn, since this ensures the translation will hold up in official settings.
Sworn translators are held to an exalted accuracy standard because they are legally responsible for ensuring that their translations are true representations of the original text. This ensures that all parties can trust the translated document and that it meets all the necessary legal requirements.
Also, certain papers in some countries are only legally valid when translated by a sworn translator. For example, notaries, courts, and government agencies in countries such as Spain, France, and Germany will accept only sworn translations.
If you are unclear about which kind of translation is required, always verify with the body requesting the translation to make certain you are fulfilling all requisite legalities.
Conclusion
It is essential to understand the difference between certified and sworn translators to ensure that your translated documents meet the necessary legal or professional standards. Experts in their fields, certified translators provide highly accurate translations for a wide range of industries and instances—technical, scientific, academic, and governmental—as well as informal ones like communications between friends and family. Sworn translators are the go-to professionals for translations of legal and official documents. If you’re ever in doubt about which to use, check with the authority you’re dealing with to find out if they have a preference for certified or sworn translations. Regardless, if you need a translation that is both accurate and recognized as legal, you should always ask for one of these two types of translators.
Daniel Brooks is a New York City-based writer and content strategist with a deep curiosity for how language shapes connection across cultures. With over ten years of experience crafting digital content for global audiences, Daniel brings a thoughtful and practical voice to the Connected Translations blog.
