Certified vs. Standard Translation: Choosing the Right Option

How to Choose the Right Option

When ordering a translation, it is crucial to select the appropriate type based on your specific needs. The two primary types of translations we offer are certified translations and standard translations. The right choice depends on the purpose of the translation and whether an official entity requires certification. Ordering the wrong type can lead to delays, rejections, and additional expenses to correct the issue. Below, we break down the differences to help you make the best decision.

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a word-for-word, human-generated translation of a document that comes with an official Certificate of Translation Accuracy. This certificate attests that the translation is complete and accurate, that the translator is fluent in the relevant language pair, and is signed by an authorized representative of RushTranslate. Certified translations are delivered in a non-editable PDF format on RushTranslate letterhead and maintain a layout similar to the source document to enhance readability.

When Do You Need a Certified Translation?

If you're unsure whether you need a certified translation, it's always best to check with the organization requesting it to ensure compliance with their requirements. However, certified translations are commonly required by the following institutions:

• U.S. Immigration (USCIS) – Required for visa applications, green card petitions, naturalization, and other immigration-related documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police records.
• Universities and Academic Institutions – Needed for foreign diplomas, transcripts, recommendation letters, and other academic records when applying for admission or credential evaluations.
• Courts and Legal Proceedings – Used for contracts, affidavits, wills, evidence, and other legal documents submitted in court or for official legal matters.
• Local, State, and Federal Government Agencies – Necessary for driver's license applications, social security benefits, tax documents, and official business registrations.
• Financial Institutions and Banks – Required for loan applications, mortgage paperwork, financial statements, and international banking transactions.

Optional Services for Certified Translations

For those who need additional verification, faster processing, or physical copies, we offer several optional services to enhance your certified translation. Below are the available add-ons to meet specific requirements:

• Expedited Turnaround

  Your order receives priority, reducing translation time by an average of 50% to expedite processing and ensure faster delivery.

• Proofreading

  An additional linguist reviews your translation for accuracy, grammar, formatting, and consistency before delivery.

• Notarization

  Stamp, signature, and tamper-evident digital certificate verifying the translation certification, valid in all 50 states.

• E-Apostille

  An e-apostille verifies the notarization's authenticity for use in Hague Convention member countries around the world.

• Hard copy

  Original translation with certification, featuring wet ink stamps, and signatures, shipped via FedEx with tracking.

What Is a Standard Translation?

A standard translation is a professional, human-generated translation of a document or text, delivered in an editable format such as a Word document. Unlike certified translations, standard translations do not include a Certificate of Translation Accuracy and are not intended for official or legal use. Instead, they are best suited for business and personal needs, such as marketing materials, website content, internal documents, or general correspondence.

When Do You Need a Standard Translation?

Standard translations are ideal for business, marketing, personal, and technical content that does not require certification. Below are some common situations where a standard translation is the right option:

• Business Documents – Used for contracts, agreements, employee manuals, training materials, and internal corporate communications to ensure clarity across different languages.
• Marketing Content – Ideal for websites, blog posts, product descriptions, brochures, and advertisements where accurate translation helps maintain brand messaging and engagement.
• Personal Documents – Suitable for emails, personal letters, informal communication, and non-official documents that do not require certification for legal or governmental purposes.
• Technical Documents – Needed for user manuals, reports, research papers, and other technical materials where precise terminology and clear instructions are essential.

Optional Services for Standard Translations

• Expedited Turnaround

  Your order receives priority, reducing translation time by an average of 50% to expedite processing and ensure faster delivery.

• Proofreading

  An additional linguist reviews your translation for accuracy, grammar, formatting, and consistency before delivery.

Key Differences Between Certified and Standard Translations

When choosing between a certified and standard translation, it's important to understand that both services are priced similarly, meaning cost is never a deciding factor. Instead, the determining factor is whether the receiving organization requires a certified translation with a Certificate of Accuracy. Below is a detailed comparison to help you select the right option based on your specific needs.

Which Service Should You Order?

If you are submitting a translation to USCIS, a court, a university, or a government agency, you likely need a certified translation. If you need a translation for business, marketing, or personal use, a standard translation is the better choice. If you're unsure, always check with the requesting organization to confirm requirements before ordering.

At RushTranslate, we provide fast, reliable, and professional translation services tailored to your needs. Whether you require a certified translation for official use or a standard translation for business or personal purposes, our expert team is here to help. If you have any questions, need guidance on the right service, or are ready to get started, contact us, request a quote, or place your order today.