It may go without saying that a certified translation is a translation that is a rendering of a written document from one language into another that someone attests to be accurate. But did you know that simply being bilingual does not automatically qualify someone to translate and/or certify a letter, document, or certificate for legal or official purposes?
That means your neighbour, friend, or teacher cannot produce a certified translation unless they are certified translators or know how to find one. Keep reading to learn more about certified translators and their role in producing an acceptable certified translation of your documents from anywhere in Canada and worldwide.
Certified Translations
In Canada, a certified translation consists of several parts :
the original document (or a certified copy of the original)
the translation
the translator’s declaration attesting to the accuracy of the translation
the translator’s stamp or seal on the original (or certified copy) and the translation. Note, that the seal may be replaced by a digital signature or another accepted form of authentication.
If a translation contains all the elements, it is a certified translation that can and should be accepted for legal or immigration purposes in Canada and throughout the world.
However, only a Commissioner of Oaths can produce an officially recognized certified translation.
Certified Translators
A certified translator is a trained, experienced, and certified language professional who MUST be a member in good standing of the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC, ) or a provincial association such as Quebec’s Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ).
To become a member of a translation association, a translator often requires:
a diploma in translation with at least two years of work experience (or mentorship) and the successful completion of the national certification exam, OR
a dossier of 10 to 12 samples of approximately 250 words each for evaluation by the association
Provincial associations may have additional criteria, including passing an ethics exam and participating in on-going professional training
Choosing a Certified Translator
While finding a certified translator may not be difficult, finding one who is certified to work with the original language of your documents may be difficult. Be sure to consider your specific language requirements from the outset and as you go about choosing a translator to create your certified translation. Other things to consider include the translator’s:
area of expertise (legal, medical, technical, etc.)
experience and client reviews
fees
estimated time frame
Getting a Certified Translation
Whether you need a translation of an official document or certificate, the team of certified translators at Joseph Blain Inc. in Montreal can help. Contact us today to find out more about our language specialties or to request a quote for a certified translation.