Published
Definition
A certified translation is a full, accurate translation of a document accompanied by a signed 'Certificate of Translation Accuracy', a statement in which the translator attests that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate the language pair.
What the certificate contains
The certification statement is what turns a translation into a certified translation.
Statement of accuracy
A declaration that the English translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original document.
Translator competence
A statement that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.
Signature and date
The translator's or agency's name, signature, contact information, and the date of certification.
When you need one
Certified translations are required for immigration (USCIS), university admissions and credential evaluations, courts, and many government agencies whenever an original document is not in English.
Certified is not the same as notarized
Certification vouches for the accuracy of the translation. Notarization only verifies the identity of the person who signed the certificate. It says nothing about the translation itself. USCIS requires certification, not notarization.