If you need an Italian-to-English translator to prepare a document for an organisation abroad, you may be asked for a certified translation: a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming its accuracy against the source document.
I provide certified translations from Italian into English and from English into Italian. Before starting, I review the receiving organisation’s instructions with you, because “certified translation” does not mean the same procedure everywhere. A translator’s signed statement may meet one organisation’s requirements but be insufficient for another.
What is a certified translation?
The service I provide includes a signed statement of accuracy accompanying the translation. This statement identifies the document translated and confirms that the translation is faithful to the source text supplied to me.
The certification relates to my translation work. It does not authenticate the original document or, on its own, guarantee acceptance by every organisation. Before ordering a translation, you should therefore ask the recipient what requirements it must meet. These may concern the wording of the statement, the signature, the translator’s qualifications, the delivery format or the submission of the original document.
If you have received written instructions, send them to me with your document. I can then confirm whether my translation with a signed statement meets the requirements described.
Certified and sworn translations: what is the difference?
In Italy, a sworn translation, also known as an asseverazione, involves taking an oath before a competent official. The certified translation I provide comes with my signed statement of accuracy, without an oath.
These are distinct services. I do not provide sworn translations, legalisation or apostilles. If the receiving organisation expressly requires a sworn translation or another formal procedure, my statement cannot replace it.
Pay attention to the terminology used in instructions from abroad, too. Terms such as certified translation, sworn translation and notarised translation may refer to different requirements depending on the country and organisation. Before choosing a service, check exactly what the recipient requires.
Which documents may need a certified translation?
Requests for certified translations may involve personal, academic or business documents. Common examples include:
- birth, marriage or residence certificates;
- diplomas, academic transcripts and other university documents;
- documents submitted for visa applications or administrative procedures;
- company register extracts, corporate documents and records intended for an organisation abroad.
This list is a guide: the document type does not automatically determine the type of translation required. Two organisations may request different forms of translation for the same certificate. Before commissioning the work, check the instructions for your specific application.
Certified Italian–English translations: what to check before ordering
If you need an English-to-Italian translator for a document intended for an organisation in Italy, the first step is also to check the recipient’s requirements.
In particular, confirm:
- The required language. Do not assume that English will be sufficient: follow the organisation’s instructions.
- The type of statement. Check whether the recipient specifies the details, declarations or translator qualifications that must accompany the translation.
- The signature and format. Ask whether a digital file is accepted or whether a printed copy with an original signature is required.
- The source document. Check whether a legible scan is sufficient or whether you must also submit the original or a certified copy.
- Any additional procedures. The organisation may require a sworn translation, authentication or other steps outside the scope of my service.
These checks help you avoid paying for a translation that is accurate but does not meet the formal requirements of your application.
How I prepare your translation
When translating Italian and English documents, I pay close attention to names, dates, numbers, stamps, annotations and information on the reverse of each page. If anything is unclear or difficult to read, I raise it with you before proceeding.
The translation should allow the recipient to locate the information in the original document easily. I therefore take care with the structure, tables and descriptions of elements that cannot be reproduced as ordinary text, such as signatures or stamps. Once the translation is complete, I attach the signed statement agreed as part of the service.
If your document contains personal data or confidential information, you can mention this when requesting a quote. We can then agree on a suitable way to send it.
How to request a quote for a certified translation
To request a quote, send me a legible copy of every page of your document, including any notes on the reverse. Please also specify the source and target languages, the receiving organisation, the country, your deadline and any instructions you have received.
I will review the material and confirm whether I can provide the type of translation required, together with the cost, turnaround time and delivery arrangements. If the organisation’s requirements are unclear, it is best to clarify them before work begins: an accurate translation must also be suitable for its intended use.
Do you have a document that needs translating? Contact me and include the receiving organisation’s instructions so I can give you a more precise answer from the outset.