ISO 9001 
ISO 17100 
ISO 18587 The difference between certified translation and sworn translation depends on the country, the receiving authority and the purpose of the document. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing, and a document accepted with a certificate of accuracy in one country may require a sworn translator's stamp in another.
LinguaVox helps clients identify the likely format before quoting, but the most reliable source is always the organisation that will receive the translation: a court, university, registry office, employer, immigration body, notary, consulate or public authority.
What certified translation usually means
A certified translation is normally a professional translation delivered with a signed statement confirming that it is a complete and accurate rendering of the source document. This statement is commonly called a certificate of accuracy.
This format is widely used in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, though the exact requirements vary by institution. Some organisations accept a translation certified by a translation company; others may require the translator's personal details, a specific declaration, a notary or additional information about the provider.
Certified translation is frequently requested for academic files, employment procedures, immigration support documents, contracts, company records and personal certificates. The format does not, by itself, imply that the translator holds a government appointment.
What sworn translation means
A sworn translation is produced by a translator who has been officially authorised, appointed or sworn by a public body. In Spain, a sworn translation is signed and stamped by a sworn translator (*traductor jurado*) appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a specific language pair.
This format is required for documents submitted to Spanish public authorities, courts, notaries, registries, universities and administrative bodies. The translator's signature and stamp give the translation its official standing in that jurisdiction.
Other countries use different systems. Some have court-appointed translators, some require notarisation, some accept certification by a translation provider, and some combine several procedures.
Which one do you need?
The answer depends entirely on where the document will be submitted. The same birth certificate may need a sworn translation for a Spanish registry, a certified translation for a UK university or a notarised certified translation for another authority. The client should confirm the requirement with the receiving body before ordering the translation.
Useful questions to ask the receiving authority include: which country will receive the translation; which body will review it; whether paper delivery is required or a digital copy is accepted; whether the original needs an apostille; and whether the authority has published specific translation instructions.
If the source document already carries an apostille or legalisation, that element may also need to be translated. If the apostille is added after translation, a new translation or amendment may be required.
Typical documents
Documents that commonly require certified or sworn translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, criminal record certificates, academic transcripts, diplomas, powers of attorney, court judgments, company deeds, articles of association, contracts, medical certificates, immigration files and identity documents.
The certification format is only one part of the assignment. A legal contract, a medical report and an academic transcript require different subject-matter expertise even if all three need formal certification.
LinguaVox workflow
We review the files, confirm the language pair, check the intended country and ask where the document will be submitted. We then advise whether the likely format is sworn, certified, professional, or whether the client should confirm the requirement with the receiving authority before proceeding.
For professional translation workflows, ISO 17100 bilingual revision can be included where required. For sworn or certified document work, the final checks focus on names, dates, numbers, stamps, signatures, page order and completeness.
How to request a quote
Send the document, source and target languages, deadline, country of use and name of the receiving authority. Also state whether you need a paper copy, a digital PDF, courier delivery, notarisation, apostille-related handling or specific wording in the certification statement.
The quote can then reflect the correct format, delivery method and review level from the outset, reducing the risk of delays or rework.
Frequently asked questions
Is certified translation the same as sworn translation?
No. A certified translation is usually accompanied by a statement of accuracy, while a sworn translation is produced by an officially appointed or sworn translator in jurisdictions that use that system. The receiving authority decides which format it accepts.
Do Spanish authorities normally require sworn translation?
For many official procedures in Spain, a sworn translation by a translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required. The specific requirement depends on the document and the body receiving it.
Are certified translations accepted in the United Kingdom or the United States?
They are often accepted, but the exact format varies by institution. Some bodies require a specific certificate statement, translator or company details, notarisation or additional declarations.
Should I get the apostille before translating the document?
Often, yes. If the apostille forms part of the document to be submitted, it may also need to be translated. The safest approach is to confirm the correct sequence with the receiving authority before placing the order.
Can LinguaVox decide what an authority will accept?
No. We can advise based on common practice and prepare the appropriate format, but final acceptance always depends on the receiving body.
