Certified translation

It is a complete translation, not a summary, accompanied by the translator's statement that it is accurate and their identifying details. Some countries go further and require a sworn or authorised translator, who is registered with a court or state authority. You normally submit the translation together with the original-language document or a certified copy of it.

A certified translation is also different from a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy that an authorised person confirms matches the original; a certified translation confirms that the wording has been accurately translated. Many applications need both: a certified copy of the original-language document and a certified translation of it.

• UK visas: the Home Office says documents not in English or Welsh need a full translation that can be independently verified, with the translator's confirmation that it is accurate, the date, the translator's full name and signature, and contact details.
• NMC: translations must be from a legally licensed and authorised translator, who confirms it is an exact and direct translation and gives their full name, address, signature, contact details and stamp. A multilingual standard form signed and stamped by the issuing authority can be used instead.
• NMBI: asks for official translations of any documents that are not in English.
• Netherlands: the BIG register needs documents not in Dutch or English translated by a sworn translator. Send the original-language document and the original translation; a copy of the translation must be certified.
• Germany: documents not in German usually need a translation by a sworn or authorised translator. Documents you wrote yourself, such as your CV, need only a simple translation. Ask your authority whether it accepts translations made abroad.
• USA: ECFMG requires an English translation meeting its requirements for any EPIC credential not in English. TruMerit asks for academic records in English, translated by your school; if the school cannot, TruMerit can translate them for a fee.

If you are applying to more than one authority, one translation may not satisfy them all: the BIG register and German authorities ask for sworn or authorised translators, while the Home Office and NMC set out what the translation must contain.

1. Check the receiving authority's rules first: sworn or professional translator, translated in which country, original or copy.
2. Use a translator who meets that rule and translates every page, including stamps and seals.
3. Make sure names and dates match your passport spelling exactly.
4. Keep the original translation; if you send a copy, have it certified.

Self-translations, partial translations, translations without the translator's details and copies of translations without certification are the usual reasons documents are returned. A translator can only certify the translation, not the original document; the BIG register is explicit that a translator cannot certify an original such as a training programme. Name spellings that differ between the translation and your other documents can also hold up verification.