In any case, whether it is an important document or an ID, wills, or legal and medical records that require translation from one language to another, it is necessary to distinguish between certified and non-certified translation. The decision as to which translation service to seek may have considerable implications depending on how the translated document is to be used. This article defines what certified and non-certified translation services are in the context of Singapore, when one may need certified translation, and the consequences of using non-certified translations when official translation is required.
Certified translation refers to a special type of translation that is done by an accredited translator and comes with an attached sworn statement from the translator.
A certified translation is a translation that is done by an accredited translation service provider in Singapore. The translation agency which is offering the certified translation has to be a member of the Association of Translation Companies in Singapore. An certified translator must also fulfill some requirements in relation to his or her qualifications, translation expertise, and experience in the specific language pair involved in the translation.
Singapore has some rules and regulation that certified translation should meet. This includes such things as formatting, accuracy, completeness, and checking the work with the original source. The certified translation would be marked with the stamp or seal of the accredited translation company as well as the signatory of the qualified translator.
This accreditation proves that the translators and translation specialists who worked on the project did their best to guarantee the truthfulness and relevance of the translated text. It attests that meaning of the translated document is the same as meaning of the original document.
What is the meaning of Non-Certified Translation?
On the other hand, a non-certified translation means translations that are produced by people or organizations that are not certified professional translators in Singapore. A non-certified translator can still be proficient in translating between the two languages but does not possess any formal certification proving the quality or accuracy of the translations.
Some of the risks associated with employing the services of non-certified translation service providers include; There are no promises concerning formatting conventions, accuracy, translator credentials or other formalities governing translation services. These translators work alone and translate documents depending on the fluency of the language without any certification. Their translations are not accompanied by any kind of seals or stamps of approved organisations.
When is a Certified Translation Required?
Certified translations are particularly required any time the translated document is required for any official, legal or official purpose. This is due to the fact that certified translations are restricted and go through certain processes that ensure their credibility.
Some situations where you require a certified translation in Singapore include:Some situations where you require a certified translation in Singapore include:
- Legal Affairs & Disputes – For business transactions such as sales contracts, property leasing agreements etc.
- Trial Documents & Court Orders – It involves the presentation of documents in the court of law in cases of disputes.
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates – For university admissions and job applications
- Insurance Forms & Documents – For claiming insurance and administration Medical Records & Health Reports
- Bank documents – For loans, opening bank accounts in Singapore
- Certificates – For legal purposes such as visas, citizenship or residency.
- Marriage Certificates – For all government registered marriages
In other words, translated documents that would be submitted to government offices such as immigration, legal, universities, banks, or hospitals need to be certified. The authorities have to make sure that the translations are literal and faithful to the meaning of the originals. Certified translations do not have the official stamp for such verification in non-certified translations.
Although these non-certified translations may suffice for informal situations, utilizing them for official papers has significant consequences. Consequences may include:
- Rejection of Documents: It is even possible that authorizing bodies will consider non-certified translations insufficient or too dangerous for important tasks. This may cause delays since you may have to get new certified translations done.
- Misrepresentation of Facts: Non-certified translators might make mistakes in translations that twist crucial facts and details because they are not screened or accredited.
- Legal Problems: Legal and court mistakes can result in legal suits, controversies, and unfavourable court judgements. It is also legally dangerous to rely on non-certified translations for contracts.
- Issues with Background Checks: Your educational or medical records with translation errors can fail to validate your educational achievements or existing health conditions as required.
- Other Practical Problems: Money loss, time loss, time/consumption waste, citizenship/academic rights and/or admissions rejection – all these are a reality with unofficial translations.
Certified Vs Non-Certified:
Although non-certified translations are cheaper, they are a gene in documents prepared for submission to official bodies. As this paper has illustrated, affordability does not have to come at the expense of quality when it comes to official business. Affordable price on standard documents is available with many certified translation services. They also offer services such as notarisation, copying documents in multiple formats and delivery.
When working with contractors or with independent translators, it is necessary to verify the translator’s credentials rather than taking them for granted. The ramifications explicate why certified, expert translation services are the wise decision over un-certified suppliers for important documents that demand accuracy.