Where can you get a sworn translation?
Whether you need to translate legal documents, administrative files, academic certificates or other official documents, making sure their translation is accurate and authentic is essential.
The sworn or official translation process involves a translator who has sworn an oath before a presiding authority and who has obtained official authorization to carry out certified translations. However, not all translation professionals are sworn.
But where can you contact a sworn translator? How can you obtain a sworn translation?
Find a sworn translator to obtain an official translation
The only way to obtain an official translation of a document is to hire the services of a sworn translator. They are the only professionals who can provide a translation that guarantees a document´s authenticity once translated thanks to their skills and qualifications.
What is an official translation?
Official translations, also called sworn translations, are certified translations with legal and official weight. They are provided by sworn translators, also called official translators. They have sworn an oath before a presiding authority and have obtained an official authorized to draft this type of translation.
Sworn translations are generally required for official documents such as:
- birth certificates;
- marriage certificates;
- diplomas;
- court ruling;
These documents must often be presented in legal, administrative or educational procedures or for any other situation where certified translations are required.
The certification that comes with a sworn translation is what really distinguishes it from other types of translations. Sworn translators stamp and sign their translations and provide a declaration of accuracy on the translation. All this certifies that the translation is a true and correct representation of the original document. This certification gives your translation legal weight and confirms its authenticity, making it valid before courts, administrations and other presiding authorities.
What skills do sworn translators have?
Sworn translators have specific skills that enable them to provide accurate and professional sworn or official translations.
First and foremost, sworn translators must have an in-depth knowledge of the source and target languages. They must be able to perfectly understand the original text and faithfully reproduce it in the target language. Sworn translators must master the grammar, vocabulary, syntax and linguistic nuances of the languages they translate. They must be able to choose the most appropriate words and expressions to faithfully translate the meaning of the original text.
Since many sworn documents are legal in nature, sworn translators must have solid legal knowledge and knowledge of the legal terminology of the languages they master.
Apart from skills directly linked to language mastery, sworn translators must also have certain qualities. They must be very accurate and pay attention to detail. Sworn translations must be an exact copy of the original text, without any modifications. Every word and element in the document must be rigorously translated.
What are the qualifications required to become a sworn translator?
Sworn translators have qualifications to prove their skills.
First, sworn translators must generally swear an oath before a presiding authority. This means that they solemnly commit to carry out their work impartially and confidentially all the while respecting professional regulations and norms.
After taking an oath, translators may be certified by an official organ. This certification confirms that translators fulfill the criteria for providing sworn translations.
Professional experience in the translation field, especially in sworn translations, is often an important criterion and an additional qualification as such. Prior experience demonstrates a translator´s ability to provide high-quality translations and respect specific sworn translation requirements.
Also, several sworn translators have pursued studies in the languages, translation, or other related fields. University degrees or professional training certificates in translations can reinforce a sworn translator´s qualifications.
How to choose your sworn translator?
How to find a translator authorized to provide sworn translations? It can be complex to make a good decision and choose a translator specialized in his or her field. Fortunately, there is a public list that registers sworn translators. In addition to its simplicity, it is even possible to hire a company specialized in sworn translations.
Choose a sworn translator from the official public list
The official public list is a registry of sworn translators. It is an important resource for individuals or companies who are looking for translators authorized to provide official translations.
The official public list records all the translators who have sworn an oath before a court of appeals in France. The list contains detailed information on every translator (name, working languages, location, etc.) To guarantee the accuracy of the information on the list, it is regularly updated.
The official public list is a reliable source since every translator on it has undergone a strict evaluation process. These professionals thus have exceptional language skills and in-depth knowledge of legal regulations.
You can contact a translator directly from the official public list to get a quote for your translation project. Language and location filters on the list make your search easier.
Hire a company specialized in sworn translations
To find the sworn translator best suited for your project, you can also hire a translator who specializes in sworn translations. A company specialized in sworn translations generally has a team of qualified and sworn translators to offer a complete translation product.
The advantages of hiring a company specialized in sworn translations
Companies specialized in sworn translations have in-depth knowledge of their unique requirements and norms. They understand the legal and administrative procedures required for official documents and the specific terminology in each field.
These companies work with a team of skilled sworn translators who have experience in different fields. They are fluent in their source and destination languages and possess specific knowledge which guarantees accurate and reliable translations.
Companies specialized in sworn translations also have the experience necessary for effectively managing official translation projects. They can respect deadlines, maintain document confidentiality and coordinate translations in different languages.
The benefit of hiring a company specialized in sworn translations is that you can take advantage of added services. In addition to the sworn translation as such, these companies also offer:
- Help in carrying out specific procedures required by presiding authorities;
- Translations of websites;
- Translation verification.
Companies specialized in sworn translations often maintain stringent quality control processes. This guarantees that their translations comply with norms and that they are reviewed by language exerts for maximum accuracy.
Finally, hiring the services of a company specialized in sworn translations lets you benefit from its professional responsibility, which provides you peace of mind.
How to choose the right company specialized in sworn translations
Before choosing a company specialized in sworn translations, it is recommended that you verify the company´s:
- reputation;
- experience;
- references;
- services offered.
You should also request quotes and accurately communicate your needs to the company to ensure that they can fulfill them.
Of course, you should also verify the company´s working languages offered. English, German, Portuguese, Chinese: certain companies provide expertise in different languages and can thus fulfill more requirements than others.
To make sure that you´re making the right choice after reading company reviews online or checking their team´s qualifications and experience, you can also request sample translations to get a better idea of how they translate.
