Sworn and certified translations serve different purposes and involve different processes:
Sworn Translation:
- A sworn translation, also known as a certified translation in some countries, is typically performed by a translator who has been authorized by a government body, court, or other official institution to provide translations that are considered legally valid.
- Sworn translators are often required to take an oath before a court or notary public, affirming the accuracy and faithfulness of their translations.
- Sworn translations are usually used for legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, court transcripts, and immigration documents.
- They are often accompanied by a signed statement or affidavit by the translator attesting to the accuracy of the translation.
Certified Translation:
- A certified translation is a translation that has been verified by a professional translation agency or translator to be accurate and complete.
- Unlike sworn translations, certified translations may not require the translator to be officially authorized or sworn in by a court or government body.
- Certified translations are often used for various purposes such as academic transcripts, diplomas, business documents, contracts, and personal correspondence.
- The certification typically includes a statement signed by the translator or translation agency, confirming that the translation is accurate to the best of their knowledge and ability.
In summary, while both sworn and certified translations attest to the accuracy of a translated document, sworn translations are usually performed by translators who are authorized by a government entity and may involve a formal oath-taking process, while certified translations are verified by a professional translator or agency without necessarily requiring official authorization.