- Who is a sworn translator?
- How to become a sworn translator – step by step
- What are the duties of a sworn translator?
Many people fluent in foreign languages wonder how they can put their skills to practical use. One of the most respected language professions is that of a sworn translator – a career that’s not only interesting, but also prestigious and highly responsible. If you’re considering this path, here’s everything you need to know.
Who is a sworn translator?
A sworn translator is a person with official authorisation to translate documents with legal validity. This is a public trust profession, meaning the translator must pass a state exam and be listed in the official register maintained by the Ministry of Justice. They produce certified translations for institutions such as courts, public offices, and notaries, and may also confirm the accuracy of other translations or interpret at legal or administrative proceedings.
How to become a sworn translator – step by step
If you’re fluent in at least two languages and interested in working with legal or official texts, becoming a sworn translator can be a highly rewarding career path. While the exact requirements and procedures vary depending on the country, the general path looks similar in many jurisdictions.
The first step is usually meeting the basic eligibility criteria. This often includes legal residency or citizenship in the country where you want to be certified, a clean criminal record, and full legal capacity. You’ll also need excellent language skills in both the source and target languages, especially in formal and legal contexts.
A higher education degree is commonly required, typically in translation, linguistics, law, or another relevant field. However, some regions may recognise equivalent qualifications or work experience, particularly in less common language pairs.
The key stage in most systems is passing an official state or professional exam. This exam is designed to assess your ability to accurately and faithfully translate legal or formal documents. It usually includes a written part, often with translations in both directions between the two languages, and sometimes an oral component as well – such as sight translation or consecutive interpreting.
Once you pass the exam, you may need to register with a government authority or official body, take an oath of office, and receive formal accreditation. From that point, you can legally certify translations and your name will typically be entered into a public register of sworn translators.
What are the duties of a sworn translator?
As a certified translator, you are required to use a registered seal to confirm your translations. You must also maintain a detailed log of all translations performed, including the document type, client details, date, page count, and fee. Additionally, you are bound by professional secrecy and must not disclose any information obtained through your work. Your practice may also be subject to periodic audits by the regional governor, verifying compliance with standards and correct handling of official translations.