So-called “Certified Translation” is the type of translation document usually required by foreign agencies in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands.

Since this is a document that does not require an official oath of translation, a self-certification by the translator (Certificate of Accuracy or CTA) on letterhead is usually sufficient, attesting to the validity and conformity of the translated document to the language.

In this case, the translator (who adds his signature and date to the translation document) – considered by law to be an official translator – is given full legal responsibility for the translation. In the translated language certificate, the translator’s personal details are usually provided as well, so that the translator can be contacted in case of any eventuality.

Since it is not a document that requires swearing or asseveration, it has a reduced cost compared to other types of official translation – also due to an exemption of revenue stamps. Although less time-consuming, it is important to reiterate that a certified translation has no actual legal value: the guarantor is the translator.

For this reason, a certified translation is generally sufficient and required by foreign institutions or countries for documents such as diplomas and academic certificates, business documents: generally documents that are not issued by judicial public bodies and therefore do not require legalization.

Certified translation is suitable for documents such as:

– birth, death, marriage and separation certificates

– academic diplomas and certificates

– drug package inserts