Someone who translates a document from one language to another is known as a translator. A translator differs from an interpreter, who translates spoken language in real time. A certified translator is one who has received certification from an educational institution or a government agency, court, or credentialing organization in his or her country, and is often a member of the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (International Federation of Translators).
It is critical to distinguish between a certified translator and a certified translation in the United States. With the exception of documents used in legal proceedings in at least some jurisdictions, a certified translation in the United States is a translation that meets certain criteria but does not have to be prepared a certified translator. The following three items must be included in a certified translation: the original document or a copy of it in the original language; the translation; and a signed and notarized affidavit attesting that the signee — either the translator or the translation company — believes the translation is an accurate and complete rendering of the original. A certified translation, on the other hand, is a translation performed a certified translator in other countries.
To become certified, a translator must usually pass an exam and complete some form of education, formal or informal. The certification process isn’t necessarily complete at this point. Continuing education is required to keep the certificate, at least for some certifying bodies. Specialization is possible in some places, so you might be able to find certified legal translators, for example.
A certified translation, and thus a certified translator, is frequently required for certain types of documents. Many of these are legally significant documents. Birth certificates, adoption papers, immigration papers, licenses and permits, marriage and driver’s licenses, high school and college transcripts and diplomas, and medical records are all examples of documents that require a certified translator. Patents, contracts, trade agreements, depositions, court orders, affidavits, divorce decrees, wills, and other documents may be handled certified translators. Certified legal translators may focus on specific document types and specialize in one or more areas of legal translation.