Skip to content
Home » Blog » Translation » Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation: Key Differences

Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation: Key Differences

    Some people need accurate translation services, especially in the case of translating official documents, company formation documents, financial documents, and other documents that require accuracy and professionalism during translation processes.

    People differ on whether to choose a sworn translator or a certified translator, or if they are the same, as some believe that a certified translation is the same as a sworn translation.

    Therefore, we will discuss in detail in this article the difference between sworn translation vs certified translation to know the difference between them.

    Are Certified Translations and Sworn Translations the Same?

    When we talk about sworn translation vs certified translation, it must be confirmed that certified and sworn translations are not the same, although both require accuracy and professionalism in the field of translation. The difference between them is that a sworn translation is an official translation by a translator authorized by the government in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. People often need it for documents used in legal proceedings, and the sworn translation most often bears an official seal.

    As for a certified translation, it is a translation that is certified by a translation company, which increases the credibility of the translation and can be used in governmental and official bodies. However, any translation company can perform a certified translation, and it usually includes the translator’s signature, the company’s seal, the translator’s contact information, and the date of certification.

    What is a certified translator?

    A certified translator is a professional translator who translates documents with great accuracy and provides a professional translation through a certified office. After the translation process, they provide their contact details and the office’s seal. The certified translator is committed to accuracy in the translation process, taking into account cultural differences between the source country and the target country. 

    Certified translation greatly helps in gaining the trust of governmental and official bodies and requires extensive experience in the field of translation. As for a sworn translator, they are appointed by a governmental body to translate certain documents.

    The Cost of Certified Translation

    After we talked about sworn translation vs certified translation, the factors that affect the translation cost vary, but Alsun office offers prices while considering the quality of the service provided by the office. The prices for translation at Alsun office start from about 30 SAR. We also make special offers on prices while adhering to the specified delivery date and completing all translated documents in the shortest possible time.

    There are many factors that affect the prices of certified translation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are:

    • The quality, accuracy, and experience of the company performing the translation. The more experience, the higher the price.
    • The delivery date. The more the client needs an urgent delivery, the higher the price.
    • The field of translation. There are some types of translation that require special skills such as medical, legal, or technical translation.
    • The size of the text being translated and the number of words in it. The more it increases, the higher the cost.
    • The source language and the target language. There are some rare languages for which there are not a large number of translators, which increases the cost of translation.

    When do I need a certified translation?

    When we talk about the difference between sworn translation and certified translations, we must know that there are some documents for which we need a certified translation, which are:

    • All documents related to commercial transactions in international companies, such as contracts, patents, financial reports, or others.
    • Immigration papers such as graduation certificates, marriage certificates, and bank account statements.
    • Some legal documents that are used in court sessions and trials to ensure they have been professionally translated.

    The Rules of Certified Translation

    The most important rules for certified translation are:

    • Understanding the original text with accuracy and professionalism, and using appropriate terminology.
    • Taking into account the existence of cultural differences while adhering to the original meaning.
    • Clarifying the meaning so that it is easily understood by the target audience.
    • The certified translator must adhere to all the rules of certified translation.
    • Avoiding any grammatical or spelling errors that could change the meaning or harm the text.

    Alsun office has a group of certified translators who are able to adhere to all the rules of certified translation.

    What is the meaning of sworn translation?

    A sworn translation is a type of translation that is carried out by a translator commissioned by a governmental authority and who has an official capacity. As for the difference between certified and sworn translations, a certified translation can be done by a translator certified by one of the translation associations or offices.

    The Process of a Sworn Translation

    When we talk about sworn translation vs certified translation, we must know the steps of a sworn translation, which are:

    1. Receiving the original document to be translated, which must be attested by a governmental authority.
    2. A professional translator is chosen to perform this task and translate the document accurately.
    3. The document is thoroughly reviewed after completion by experts to ensure its accuracy.
    4. The seal and signature of the sworn translator affiliated with a governmental authority are placed.
    5. The translated document is submitted to the competent authority.

    When do I need a sworn translation?

    One of the most important differences of certified or sworn translation is that a sworn translation is needed by people in the following cases:

    • Translation of some certificates issued by the government, such as death certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates.
    • Some administrative processes such as property registration or some business dealings in foreign countries.
    • In some procedures related to courts such as contracts, legal judgments, or witness statements.

    The main purpose of a sworn translation is to give it a legal and official character with the official authorities, and it is used in legal proceedings.

    How do I get a sworn translation of a document?

    You can turn to Alsun office, which is one of the most important and best translation offices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and leave the original document to be translated. It will be translated by a sworn translator recognized by governmental authorities, courts, and the Ministry of Justice.

    The requirements for Sworn Translation

    The most important requirements for sworn translation are:

    • Choosing a translator with extensive experience in the field of legal translation.
    • Ensuring that the translator is recognized by governmental authorities and has a certificate to that effect.
    • The ability to handle various types of legal documents, whether judicial documents, certificates, or contracts.
    • The translation must be free of any errors that could cause disasters and legal accountability.
    • Observing all local translation requirements so that all legal procedures are completed quickly and easily.

    You can rely on Alsun to provide sworn translation services to ensure the accuracy of the translation and its review by experts in this field.

    Key Differences Between Sworn and Certified Translations

    Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation

    When talking about certified & sworn translation, a certified translation is an accurate translation in which the seal of the translation agency and the translator are placed to confirm their responsibility for the translation, but it may not be recognized internationally.

    As for a sworn translation, it is used for original and legal documents and is recognized and accepted both in local and international authorities and official dealings.

    Why choose our services?

    There are many features that make Alsun the first choice when translation services are needed:

    • The office’s extensive experience in the field of translation for more than 15 years.
    • The presence of specialized translators for each type of translation.
    • Accuracy and professionalism in translation with observance of delivery on the specified date.
    • Alsun translation company always makes special offers on prices.
    • The office is accredited by many governmental and official bodies, which facilitates dealings.

    Conclusion

    The types of translation differ, and some believe that a sworn translation is the same as a certified translation. However, when we talked about sworn translation vs certified translation, we confirmed that they are two different types of translation, each with different characteristics.

    Alsun translation office in jeddah is one of the best offices you can rely on when you need accurate translation services by professional translators. Hurry now and request professional translation services from Alsun at competitive prices.

    Read More: Court Translation Services.

    FAQs

    What is the difference between a certified translator and a sworn translator?

    For certified vs. sworn translations, a sworn translator is a translator recognized by an officially accredited governmental authority. A certified translator is one who has obtained a certificate from one of the translation associations or companies stating the completion and accuracy of the translation.

    What is the difference between a certified translation and an official translation?

    The difference between a certified translation and an official translation is that a certified translation is done by a group of certified translators and is more advanced than an official translation, as the translation is then certified and the seal is placed, which helps in facilitating procedures.

    عن المؤلف

    • I’m Abdullah Elshora, a content writer with over 5 years of experience in writing about translation and language services. I’m dedicated to providing clear, informative content that helps readers understand the value of certified translation.

    Call Now Button