A discussion about translation services, translators, and translation software

Don't look for a certified translator when what you need is a certified translation.

I've seen a lot of clients asking for certified translators because some government office told them they had to present a certified translation.  This is an unfortunate confusion.  Very few government offices keep a list of translators they consider "certified."  Any capable translator will do.  What they mean when they ask for a certified translation is that they want the translator -- any translator -- to certify that the translation is correct.

After all, the users of the translation probably won't know whether it's a good one or not.  This is done in case the substance of the translated document comes into question.  With a certification from the translator, the authorities can call the translator in as a witness.  In other words, the translator puts his reputation on the line, which is a good thing.

Certified translators are rare.  Who certifies them?  Who keeps that list current?  And who checks the list?  The American Translators Association, the biggest professional organization for translators in , offers accreditation exams and keeps a list of professionally accredited translators.  These professionals have passed a peer review and are known to produce quality work.  But they are not "certified."

Some (few) courts actually keep lists of translators who are certified by them to produce translations of legal documents for their cases.  The work of translators not on the list is not accepted in such places.