You might be surprised by how much confusion surrounds this seemingly straightforward question.
When you receive a Statement of Certification for a translation, it's natural to wonder who exactly is the certified Japanese translator behind it. Let's untangle this for you.
Authenticity and Accountability
First, thought, a quick recap of the Statement of Certification.
This document, also known as the Certificate of Accuracy, is issued by the translating entity—It's your assurance of authenticity, required for document acceptance by official authorities. Further, in issuing the Statement of Certification the translating entity assumes accountability for the certified translation.
The term “translating entity” requires definition, which bring us back to your original question “Who is the translator?”
Translating Entity - Individual or Company?
Folks often assume the “translator” is, given the semantics of the word, a person. Clearing up this misconception, the translator is the entity –person or company – that
Assumes accountability for the certified translation.
That is, if the translating entity is a person, such as a freelance translator, then their information should be listed on the Statement of Certification. If the translating entity is a company, then the company’s information needs to be listed on the Statement. More concisely, the Statement must be printed on company letterhead.
SIDE NOTEWhen you employ a company (and why would you not for such important translations?), a whole team of translation professionals is assigned to your translation to ensure accuracy – a translator, proof-checker and editor. So, the question then becomes 'Who do you include on Statement of Certification?' Clearly, it’s not practical or even desirable to list all specialist on the Statement.
The Bottom Line: It's All Valid
In the end, what truly matters is the authenticity and accountability of the certified Japanese translation
Whether it's an individual freelance translator or a reputable Japanese translation company, such as SAECULII TRANSLATION JAPAN, as long as the translation meets the necessary standards and requirements, the Statement of Certification remains valid.