4 surprising reasons you might need a certified translation

We at wordinc like to promote all the uses and benefits of translation, but even we recognize there are situations where a good old-fashioned translation isn’t enough. Even one that meets our high standards for quality might not be acceptable in certain contexts. Most documents that pass through court rooms and down government hallways require special certified translations that not every translator is qualified to provide (and here is as good a place as any to remind you that wordinc does, of course, provide these certified translations as part of our language service repertoire.)

But what makes a translation certified, and when exactly do you need one? We’ll answer both questions in this article, plus we’ll give you four surprising reasons you might need a certified translation. You might even decide to get a few documents translated as a preventative measure. Since they typically come into play during major life changes, it would be wise to have them translated in advance so you have them ready when you need them.

What is a certified translation? When do I need one? 

As we explained at the beginning, a certified translation surpasses the standards that other translations are held to. A certified translation is one that has been signed by the translator as a guarantee of the accuracy of its contents. Of course, certified translations can only be provided by certified translators, and the requirements for becoming one change country to country, but our global network of linguists includes translators who have met their strict local requirements and achieved “certified” status.

You won’t be surprised to hear that you’ll need such translations when, for example, you’re immigrating to a new country. And it’s no news to you that marrying someone from another country will also occasion a certified translation of documents such as birth certificates and identifying documents. But you might be surprised to learn that you would need a certified translation in the following scenarios.

1. Studying abroad 

For many students, the opportunity to live and learn in a different country is a can’t-miss highlight of their education. One may opt for an exchange year in high school. Another wants to earn credits toward a university degree. Both want to improve their language skills, broaden their personal and professional horizons and do it all while discovering a new country and culture. Certified translations are a critical part of this process, and without them, the whole adventure may never get started in the first place. Diplomas, certificates, transcripts and other documentation of academic achievements first need to get that official stamp from a certified translator. These documents make bold and serious claims about what you are capable of, and the institutions of education involved in the destination country can’t afford to make any mistakes. The certified translation provides the necessary assurance of quality and accuracy to send students to the next stop on their journey.

2. Divorce

We are continuously growing and changing, and if we’re lucky, we change and grow in a way that keeps us compatible with our husband or wife. If such luck eludes us, we change and grow further apart. Long after the wedding bells have stopped ringing and the reality of day-to-day living has settled in, some couples come to see they are not in fact the match made in heaven they thought they were. And if a certified translation of a birth certificate was required to get married in the first place, it will likely be required again to separate. Marriages recognized in other countries may also need to get their original marriage certificate translated along with any documentation making the divorce official so the other courts involved can update their information accordingly. Of course, we hope you never have cause to learn for yourself what documents are needed for a divorce, but take it as a general rule that you should hang on to any official translations you get because you never know when they’ll come in use later.

3. Medical records

The covid-19 pandemic reminded the world of the necessity of proving vaccination for the purpose of travel. Many of our vaccination forms and official tests present information in two languages or more, depending on where they were generated and where they need to be presented. World travelers also know that different countries require proof of vaccinations or booster shots for diphtheria, hepatitis, rabies, tetanus and typhoid, among other diseases and illnesses. But if you get medical treatment in a foreign country, whether it was scheduled or spontaneous, you will likely need certified translations for documents related to the treatment. This could include the doctor’s or surgeon’s notes as well as discharge papers from the hospital, all of which will be vital to getting appropriate further treatment in your home country.

4. Corporate mergers

Transparency is the name of the merger game. Before two companies come together, or before one buys out another, both sides need to be honest and transparent about their current and previous financial situations. Profit and loss statements, annual reports and tax records are just some of the documents that need certified translations so each company can make an accurate appraisal of the other. Should they agree to a deal, contracts, licensing agreements, terms and conditions and any number of legally binding documents will also need to be available in all languages spoken by all parties involved. In this case, certified translations are not only required, but also level the playing field by providing equal access to information.

Getting your bearings can be difficult when you find yourself swept up in the whirlwind of a major life change. Whether you’re preparing for a school year abroad, undergoing emergency medical treatment in a foreign country or leading a corporate merger, you will be grateful for anything you can rely on amidst the chaos. Rely on wordinc for your certified translations.

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