Terms and requirements
Certified or official: what does your recipient need?
The terms are not universally interchangeable. “Certified translation” can mean different things across countries, while an official translation in Colombia relates to the applicable translator qualification framework.
Read the requirement in context.
A receiving institution may require a declaration of accuracy, an officially qualified translator, a particular certification format or other formalities. The label alone does not tell you which conditions apply.
Ask for the recipient’s exact current instructions, especially for submissions outside Colombia. A translation accepted by one institution may not meet another institution’s rules.
Notarization and apostille are separate.
A notarized signature, an apostille and a translation certification have different purposes. Do not assume that one replaces the others or that every document needs all three.
Questions to confirm before translating.
- Which language and translation direction are required?
- What translator qualifications or certification wording are accepted?
- Are notarization, apostille or legalization required?
- Does the recipient need physical originals or accept digital delivery?
Official sources.
This guide provides general information and does not replace the receiving institution’s current instructions or professional advice for your circumstances.
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