Certified Translation

Term from Translation industry explained for recruiters

Certified Translation refers to official translations that have been verified and authenticated by a qualified professional translator who is authorized to certify documents. These translations are required for legal, educational, or official purposes where the accuracy and authenticity of the translation must be guaranteed. It's different from regular translation because it comes with a signed statement confirming the translation's accuracy and completeness. Think of it like a notarized document, but for translations. This service is commonly needed for documents like birth certificates, diplomas, contracts, and immigration papers.

Examples in Resumes

Provided Certified Translation services for legal documents in Spanish and English

Completed over 500 Certified Translation projects for immigration cases

Managed quality control for Certified Translations and Notarized Translations in multiple languages

Typical job title: "Certified Translators"

Also try searching for:

Professional Translator Legal Translator Certified Legal Translator Court Certified Translator Official Translator Sworn Translator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex legal document translations that contain terminology from multiple jurisdictions?

Expected Answer: A senior translator should explain their research process, use of legal dictionaries, consultation with subject matter experts, and experience with different legal systems. They should mention maintaining glossaries and ensuring consistency across documents.

Q: What quality control processes do you use for certified translations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their review methodology, including proofreading steps, verification of numbers and proper nouns, formatting checks, and their process for certifying accuracy. Should mention experience with certification statements and notarization procedures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What types of documents have you certified, and what special considerations did each require?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list various document types (academic, legal, medical) and explain specific handling requirements for each, including formatting, stamp placement, and certification requirements.

Q: How do you ensure accuracy in names, dates, and numbers in official documents?

Expected Answer: Should explain their double-checking process, mention tools or techniques they use to verify information, and discuss importance of maintaining original formatting and careful proofreading.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between a certified translation and a regular translation?

Expected Answer: Should explain that certified translations include a signed statement of accuracy and are often required for official purposes, while regular translations don't require this formal verification.

Q: What information must be included in a certification statement?

Expected Answer: Should mention translator's name, qualifications, languages involved, statement of accuracy, date, signature, and any required notarization or official stamps.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic document translation
  • Understanding of certification requirements
  • Familiarity with common official documents
  • Basic quality checking procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Legal document translation
  • Experience with multiple document types
  • Knowledge of certification procedures
  • Strong quality control processes

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex legal and technical translations
  • Project management
  • Training and mentoring
  • Expert knowledge of certification requirements

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No certification from recognized translation organizations
  • Lack of experience with legal or official documents
  • No knowledge of certification requirements
  • Poor attention to detail in sample translations
  • Unable to explain quality control process