Apr 26

Certified Translations - getting it right

The below page was originally published on CIOL's website and I am honoured to have contributed my expertise in shaping the standards and producing this guidance.

When members of public, businesses and public authorities need a certified translation of a document that is not in English, it is important to choose a qualified, registered translator or translation company.

This expectation is clearly set out by the UK Government at https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document.

Use a qualified, registered translator or translation company

All parties, and especially public authorities can reduce the risk of error or omission by only using a translator or translation company with a clear affiliation to a recognised professional body or association such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).

Find the right professional for your translation

CIOL, ITI and ATC maintain easily accessed public registers of accredited translators and companies:

Get a Certificate

As per government guidance the translation document is best annotated or accompanied by a certificate with at least the following information:

The translation is ‘a true and accurate translation of the original document’
The date of the translation
The name and contact details of the translator or a representative of the translation company

Take Confidence in Quality

Businesses, public service and UK Government agencies can take confidence in the accreditation processes for experienced professional translator members of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (MCIL and FCIL) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (MITI, FITI and Corporate LSP members) and also in the quality assurance processes of ATC member companies (Accredited).

All three organisations endorse each other’s guidance for certifying a translation as here on the ATC and ITI websites.

This document outlines best practices and guidelines on certifying translations in the United Kingdom. It is intended for use with individuals and organisations who require certified translations, as well as translators and translation companies producing certified translations.

The guidance is endorsed by the UK’s leading language industry associations, the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL).

Download the guide here.

Article originally published here.

Vasiliki is a translator, interpreter, transcreator, blogger, consultant and director of Greek to Me Translations Ltd. She works with English, Greek and French herself and has a team of trusted colleagues who can cover other languages. The offered language services serve mainly the legal, creative, marketing & advertising, fashion and media industries, including voiceover direction.

Vasiliki is a Chartered Linguist, member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and Panhellenic Association of Greek Translators (PEM). She is registered with the Greek Consulate in the United Kingdom as a certified translator and interpreter.

She holds a BA in English Language and Linguistics and Masters in Business Translation and Interpreting. As Member of Council to the CIOL and Board Member of the IoL Educational Trust she overseas and supports the organisations' strategic goals.

Being involved in her industry means often delivering public speaking and writing for industry magazines. Her mission is to help organisations and individuals achieve their goals through the power of words. Through The Translators Mentor, Vasiliki helps aspiring or young translators to overcome self-limiting beliefs, build a business mindset and achieve their highest potential.

You can follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.