What is a Certified Translation, and Who is a Certified Translator?

If you plan to live, study, work, or expand your business abroad, you will likely be asked to provide certified translations of a variety of documents.

But what does "certified translation" mean? And how can you be sure that your translator's certification is the right one for your purpose?

If you are looking for certified translations in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, or Bahía de Banderas, read on to learn about the certifications that exist in Mexico and the United States and how you can make sure your translations will be accepted by the entities you are submitting them to. We will also explore what a certified translation is, what a certified translator is, and why they are vital to ensuring the success of your applications.

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is an official and legally recognized rendition of an original document into a foreign language. This validity is backed by a certified translator's official stamp and signature and a certificate of accuracy. The certification provides essential details, including the source and target languages of the translation, the total number of pages translated, the translator's contact information, and a statement attesting that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator's knowledge and ability.

Official entities, such as government offices, courts, immigration offices, and universities, often require a certified translation of your documents to be included as part of their application process. However, each entity has distinct criteria for defining what qualifies as "official" or "certified." Because of this, you must always confirm with the entity you are submitting your paperwork the exact type of certification they require before hiring a translator.

The American Translators Association (ATA) grants the most widely accepted certification in the United States due to the rigorous certification process it requires. This certification is ideal for Spanish to English translations to be submitted to entities in the US, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and universities, as it serves as a guarantee of quality and accuracy.


In Mexico, most entities require that translations be certified by a translator authorized by the state or federal judicial branch, a figure referred to in Spanish as “perito traductor.” Although certifications from all states are valid throughout Mexico, it is always important to verify that the entity you are submitting the translation to will accept the certification of the translator you are hiring.

What is a certified translator?

A certified translator has extensive linguistic knowledge, as well as formal training and experience in translation, with qualifications officially recognized by a certifying organization. This certification is made official by the publication of the individual’s appointment on an official list that potential clients can verify and the issuance of a stamp or seal that they will include on their translations.

Some certifications require translators to take rigorous examinations and meet specific requirements to obtain their certification, including continuing education courses in translation, as is the case with ATA certification in the US.

On the other hand, a "perito traductor" in Mexico is a translator that is certified by the judicial branch at the national and state level. Requirements vary from state to state and may include having a university degree in translation or a related field and providing proof of translation skills and professional experience.

Regardless of the entity granting the certification, obtaining a certified translation helps to ensure the quality, accuracy, and legal validity of a translation.

Why is having a certified translation key to ensuring your applications will be accepted?

Having a certified translation is essential to ensuring your applications will be accepted. Inaccuracies or errors in translation can result in significant delays or even in the rejection of your applications or paperwork.

Why?

The answer is simple: Authorities require accurate, faithful, and legally valid translations, which can only be verified with the certified translator's stamp, signature, and contact information, as well as their certificate of accuracy.

In conclusion, enlisting the expertise of a certified translator in Guadalajara ensures a top-tier level of professionalism. This affords you the assurance that your communication is a faithful and exact rendition of your original message—a critical factor in both business and legal settings.

Are you seeking a certified translator in Guadalajara for English or Spanish translations?

At Xolo Translations, we are certified by the American Translators Association (ATA) and the judicial councils in Nayarit and Jalisco. Contact us today for a quote!

Comentarios