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Some documents are so important that businesses may be asked to provide written proof of the accuracy and quality of a document translation. What are the reasons and/or circumstances which require it? And how do you go about procuring such services?
What is a Certified Document Translation?
A certified document translation is one where the translator or translation services provider has issued a formal, signed statement declaring that the translation they are submitting is an accurate and true representation of the original document. Certified translations are normally required when submitting legal documents.
Some industries that are required by government regulation to provide specific documentation will need particular validation of a document’s accuracy. These companies would also require a certified document translation.
When Do I Need it?
Most business translations do not require an official certification of accuracy. But it’s important to know what documents may require such a guarantee.
Legal and governmental situations require certified translations. These are official documents that become part of an official record or trail of evidence.
For example, when submitting any documents that have been translated from another language into English, or any documents that contain any foreign language, the United States Department of State stipulates the following:
- “Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.”
- “Any document containing foreign language submitted to the Service shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
Certified document translation is needed for a variety of corporate situations. This can include mergers and acquisitions, financial statements, and testimonies from corporate officers. These are also considered legal documents that become part of the corporation’s official records.
Some highly-regulated industries require certified translations that are completed in strict adherence to documented (and even externally audited) quality processes. For example, one industry that often must have translation certificates for their projects is medical device manufacturing. These firms must keep careful records of their suppliers’ quality systems.
A document translation for a 200-page medical device manual would likely require a few different items. These may include a copy of the translation vendor’s ISO certificate, a project certificate, and a copy of the vendor’s quality manual. Regulatory agencies usually require documentation of quality standards. These would include third-party audits of industry processes and documentation from outside vendors, like translation services.
Who Can Provide It?
When you need certified document translation, you should seek a highly qualified translation services provider. They should follow quality industry protocols and processes that are investigated and certified by an outside industry standards certification organization.
International Language Services holds an ISO 9001:2015 certification. Using an ISO 9001:2015 certified translation service is one way to feel confident about your translation services provider. Having this certification assures you that a provider has appropriate certifications required for compliance.
Certified translation services work with independent third-party auditors, such as TÜV or ISOQAR. They do this to document their processes and conduct regular audits of their quality control processes and compliance with the latest ISO standards.
Certified document translation for official records is important. They require the utmost attention to detail. That’s why you deserve a qualified translation partner that understands your subject matter, needs, and timeline. Contact International Language Services today and learn more about how we can help with your next certified translation project!
