Not Every Translation Requires the Same Level of Certification
When a translated document is submitted to a university, public authority, consulate, company or other institution, the receiving organization may require a specific form of certification.
The term “certified translation” is often used broadly, but the actual requirements can vary depending on the destination country, the receiving authority and the purpose for which the document will be used.
Before requesting certification, it is therefore important to establish exactly what the receiving organization requires. This can help avoid unnecessary procedures, additional costs and delays.
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is generally a professional translation accompanied by a formal statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translated document.
Unlike a sworn translation in Italy, an agency-certified translation does not involve a formal oath before the competent Italian authority (in Italian, asseverazione).
In many international contexts, certification issued by a professional translator or translation agency may be sufficient. In others, the receiving authority may require a sworn translation, apostille, legalization or another specific procedure.
The correct option therefore depends on the requirements of the organization receiving the document.
When Might a Certified Translation Be Required?
Certified translations are commonly requested when documents need to be submitted for official, academic, administrative or international purposes. Examples may include:
- Academic documents submitted to foreign universities
- Birth, marriage and other civil status certificates used internationally
- Documents for immigration or visa applications
- Contracts submitted to international counterparties
- Corporate documents used in another country
- Professional certificates and technical qualifications
- Documents submitted as part of consular procedures
- Documentation requested by public authorities or foreign institutions
When Is Certification Usually Unnecessary?
Many business and commercial translation projects do not require any formal certification. A standard professional translation is often sufficient for:
- Internal company documentation
- Marketing and commercial content
- Websites and digital content
- Technical manuals not intended for submission to public authorities
- Communications between private companies
- documentazione destinata esclusivamente a uso informativo
Certified Translation or Sworn Translation?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different procedures.
Certified Translation
The translation is accompanied by a statement issued by the professional translator or translation agency confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
Sworn Translation in Italy
The translation undergoes a formal procedure in which the translator swears an oath before the competent Italian authority (in Italian, asseverazione).
Which procedure you need depends on the requirements of the organization or authority receiving the document.
For this reason, it is advisable to confirm those requirements before arranging a sworn translation, apostille or legalization procedure.
Common Mistakes When Preparing Documents for International Use
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Requesting a sworn translation when certification alone would be sufficient
- Starting the translation process without checking the receiving authority’s requirements
- Treating certified and sworn translations as equivalent
- Arranging an apostille or legalization when it is not required
- Failing to confirm the country in which the document will be used
- Requesting additional certification that is not required for the procedure
