What Makes a Translation "Certified"?
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Do I Need Certified Translation?
Step 1 of 3What will you use this translation for?
What Is Certified Translation?
A Certified Translation is a translation that comes with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. This certificate is a formal statement where the translator declares the translation is complete, accurate, and faithful to the original. It's the translator's professional guarantee.
Key Point: In the US, there's no government agency that "certifies" translations. The translator certifies their own work. That's why using qualified professionals matters.
Translation Types Compared
What's the difference between regular, certified, and notarized?
| Feature | Regular | RECOMMENDEDCertified | Notarized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional translation | |||
| Certificate of Accuracy | |||
| Translator's signature | |||
| Notary public seal | |||
| USCIS acceptedKey | |||
| Court accepted | Varies | Most courts | |
| University accepted | Rarely | ||
| Turnaround time | 24-48h | 24-48h | 2-3 days |
| Starting price | $15/pg | $20/pg | $35/pg |
For most purposes (USCIS, universities, employers), Certified Translation is what you need.
What's Included in Your Package
Every certified translation includes these four components
Translated Document
Complete translation matching original layout
Certificate of Accuracy
Signed statement certifying completeness
Translator Credentials
Name, signature, and qualifications
Competency Statement
Declaration of language proficiency
Sample Certificate of Accuracy
"I, [Translator Name], hereby certify that the attached translation from [Source Language] to English is a true, accurate, and complete translation of the original document. I am competent to translate between these languages."
Included FREE with every order
When You Need Certified Translation
Common use cases for certified translations
USCIS & Immigration
Birth certificates, marriage licenses, visa petitions
Education
Transcripts, diplomas, credential evaluations
Courts & Legal
Evidence, contracts, legal proceedings
Professional Licensing
Credentials, certifications, background checks
Government Agencies
Benefits, permits, official applications
Not sure what you need? Take the quiz above or contact us.
Get Free QuoteHow It Works
Four simple steps to your certified translation
Upload Document
Submit your file online
Translation
Professional translator works on it
Quality Review
Second translator verifies accuracy
Certification
Certificate of Accuracy signed
Most orders delivered in 24-48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Lead Certified Translator
Maria is a certified translator with over 12 years of experience specializing in immigration and legal documents. She has helped thousands of clients successfully submit translations to USCIS and other government agencies.
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Certificate included free. 24-48 hour delivery. 99.9% acceptance rate.