What is a Certified Translation?

Understand the common uses and requirements of a certified translation and download sample statements.

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What are the basics of a certified translation?

In the United States, anyone can certify a translation. A translator does not need to be certified in order to provide a certified translation. The individual translator can certify their translations, as can an employee of a translation company.

A translator may also certify someone else's translation—as long as the translator has fully reviewed the translation for accuracy and completeness and the translation will not be changed after being certified. That is why translation companies can certify translations provided by their employees or freelance translators.

The certification statement must specify whether the signer has translated or reviewed the translation.