What does this mean?

A certified translation means not only a correct and accurate word-by-word translation of documents, statements, and letters; it means that the translation is prepared in accordance with the law requirement. For example, a certified English translation for the US immigration services (USCIS) must be prepared in accordance with the United States regulation, 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(3) and by a professional translator or translation company. Other organizations, such as WES and various universities and medical schools sometimes have additional requirements, but basically a certified translation is made up of four parts that must be in place in order to be considered a valid certified translation.

1. The certified English translation must be on official company letterhead paper showing the name, address, and contact information of the translation company.

2. The complete word for word translation of the original text formatted as closely as possible to the original text with the exact meaning of information in the original document.

3. A statement signed by the translator or translation company representative attesting that the translator or translation company representative certifies the translated text to be an accurate and complete translation of the source document. This statement bears the title "Certificate of Accuracy" or “Affidavit of Accuracy".

4. A statement notarizing the translators signature signed by a Notary Public.