Sworn translations: the sworn translator’s role and importance
Of all types of translations, sworn or certified translations are both the least known and those that require the most expertise. However, sworn translations play a fundamental role in international communications by creating links between different language and legal systems.
Sworn translators are key in this critical procedure for translating official, university or business documents. As we will see, this translation profession is not limited to simply transposing text from one language to another.
Here you can discover the characteristics of this profession, the education required and the implied professional responsibilities.
Definition of a sworn translator
Sworn translators are professionals recognized for their skills and ability to translate and certify official documents. This role goes beyond simple linguistic translations since they make sure that translated documents maintain their legal and official validity in the target language.
In short, sworn translators are language experts who have sworn an oath before a court of appeals. This gives them the right to place their seal on translated documents, thus making them official and legally valid. Because of this, the translations they deliver are recognized by the legal and administrative authorities in their country and abroad, if applicable.
This is a critical detail that distinguishes a sworn translator from a regular translator or interpreter. Whereas translators who aren’t sworn can translate lots of different texts, only sworn translators are legally authorized to translate official documents. This can include legal documents such as contracts, civil status documents, diplomas and grade reports, wills or court documents.
It’s important to point out that sworn translations are true and correct copies of the source document and respect the specific norms and formats of the country where the target language is spoken. They must therefore respect the form and contents of the original document to the minutest detail: graphics, signatures, notes, etc.
Delivering sworn translations is a complex project that requires an in-depth knowledge of the two languages involved, but also of the associated legal and administrative systems. Although strictly speaking sworn translators are not lawyers, they are the only professionals authorized by the state to deliver translations of official documents to administrations and institutions.
This is why sworn translators must certify their translations by doing the following:
- Stamping their translation;
- Signing their translation;
- Assigning a unique registration number to their translation.
Therefore, a sworn translator’s role is essential in a world where international mobility and exchanges are more and more frequent because they facilitate the mutual recognition of official documents in different countries. Individuals, professionals, companies, institutions and international authorities all require sworn translations.
A sworn translator’s education
There is no official academic major to become a sworn translator in France. At first glance, you just need to be a French citizen, of legal age and have a clean criminal record. However, the high level of expertise required means that you must speak French perfectly, in addition to the languages you want to become certified in. Additionally, you must understand the law and legal procedures in the country where you work.
Once you’ve met these specific qualifications, you must take an exam at the court of appeals where you prove your language and legal skills. The courts are extremely selective, and you must provide several documents, prove that you have a clean criminal record and agree to a background check. Finally, the information you provide will be verified.
After passing this exam, sworn translators swear an oath before the court of appeals and promise to carry out their translations impartially, conscientiously and accurately. The initial certification is granted for a 3-year trial period, which is then extended to 5 years if no irregularities occur. After this, the translator’s name is registered on the list of legal experts by the Cour de cassation, which certifies his or her ability to deliver sworn translations.
This certification must be renewed every 5 years, and the list of the 3,500 sworn translators authorized to practice in France is updated every year.
A sworn translator’s responsibilities
Sworn translators have a high level of responsibility and must demonstrate that they have been authorized by the authorities. They must guarantee that a translation is a true and correct copy of the original document by respecting not only the text but also the source document’s tone and style.
Sworn translators must also maintain professional secrecy by making sure that all the documents translated remain confidential. Finally, in the event of litigation, sworn translators may be subpoenaed to testify in court and certify their translation’s validity. Thanks to their expertise and legal status, sworn translators facilitate communication between different languages and legal systems. They allow individuals, companies and organizations to legally carry out their projects abroad, whether they involve studies, work or business.
Sworn translations are often required by administrative authorities when an official document is necessary to bring a legal case or suit. The translation of several civil status documents may be required, including birth certificates, family record books, identity documents or even marriage or divorce certificates. Academic or university documents may also require certified translations because the destination establishments often require that the translations of grade reports, diplomas and other academic documents be certified.
Sworn translations may also be required of legal decisions and notary documents including: wills, powers of attorney, bills of sale, etc.
Finally, in business law, sworn translators may be hired to translate articles of incorporation, contracts, employment certificates, patents or general sales conditions.
The added value of sworn translations
Sworn translations offer several advantages over standard translations. First, they have legal weight, making them critical in several contexts such as legal procedures, international business transactions or administrative procedures.
Also, the fact that these translations are delivered by sworn professionals gives them a quality guarantee. Sworn translators are experts in languages and law. This lets them accurately translate complex documents.
Sworn translations are therefore valid internationally. They are generally recognized by foreign authorities if accompanied by an apostille, which is an official certification that confirms the authenticity of a translator’s signature.
