If you’re wondering whether I need a certified translator for certified Japanese translation, you’ve landed on the right page – This guide, developed by Japan, Tokyo based Certified Translators covers everything you need to know.

Certified Translator Definition

A certified translator is a translator that has been accredited in a specific translation field, such as medicine, by an accrediting institute. In the United States, for example, translator certification can be obtained from the American Translators Association (ATA), National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators, and National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters (CMI). As such:

A certified translator is one awarded a certificate in recognition of their having completed the requirements of an accrediting institute.

Thus, a certified translator is a professional translator who has been awarded a certificate in a specific translation field — NOT a translator that does certified translation.

Do You Need a Certified Translator for Certified Translation?

This can be confusing given the logic of “certified translation, well then certified translator”. However, based on the definition above, the simple answer is:

No, certified translation does NOT require a certified translator.

However, the real world is a bit more nuanced!

There is no global standard as to exactly what constitutes certified translation, let alone who can provide certified translation services. Therefore, we need to look at requirements at the national level AND the organization level for clarity.

Certified Translation at the National Level

Countries have their own different requirements; thus, it depends on the country where you’re submitting your application.

Generally, in English-speaking countries ANY professional translator can provide certified translations with the inclusion of a Statement of Certification being the only requirement. Continental European countries have more stringent requirements where translators are, based upon state-regulated qualification requirements, appointed and accredited by relevant government authorities.

Let’s take a look at a few examples.

Japan does not have government sanctioned licensing or accreditations for certified Japanese translators. Although several professional bodies, such as the Japan Association of Translators (JAT), offer membership to translators, these are not official government sanctioned bodies. Indeed, in Japan, as in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and many other countries around the world,

Licensing or accreditation is NOT a requirement to provide certified translation.

Certified Translation at the Organizational Level

Even in the same country different official and governmental organizations may have different requirements, too. In Australia, for example, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) states that its “accreditation is the only credential officially accepted by employers”. However, organizations in Australia -both private and official- accept certified translation by Japanese translation companies without NAATI accreditation, as long as the translated documents include a Statement of Certification issued by the translating company.

Still confused? We’ve got you covered with our oft repeated mantra:

Save yourself time, money and energy by getting your facts directly from the official authority (i.e. organizational level) that will be evaluating your translated documents

Need more information on certified translation? Click here for Certified Japanese Translation FAQs

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About the Author
Ivan Vandermerwe is the CEO of SAECULII YK, the owner of Japan, Tokyo based Certified Japanese Translator Visit SAECULII for the latest professional case studies, articles and news on Japanese Translation Services

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