We are very often asked to provide certified translations of academic transcripts for university, job and visa applications. If you require an official translation of a transcript, whatever the purpose, here is how best to go about it:
1. Before you get in touch, take a good quality scan of your documents. The text on transcripts is normally very small so be sure that all the text is legible. If you would like information on other methods of sending us copies of your documents, please read our preparation guide.
2. Check which level of certification you require. For most official purposes a certified translation will be needed. In some cases, you may not require a certified translation (i.e. a translation for information only). Please note that the latter is not an ‘official’ translation and will not be accompanied by a declaration stating that a true translation has been provided.
3. Get in touch with us either by email or telephone (+44 114 266 1103). We will need to know your name, a contact phone number, the level of certification you require, the language of the original document and the language into which you require it to be translated. Please note that although we are able to provide certified translations into various languages other than English, you may need to check with the relevant authorities or establishment that a certified translation issued in the UK will be sufficient.
4. Please email the scanned document with your initial enquiry if possible. We will need to see the document in order to provide you with a quote. If you do not have access to a scanner, one of our Project Managers will be more than happy to discuss the other methods by which you can send us copies of your documents.
5. We will get back to you with a firm quote as soon as possible and normally within one working day. As our quotes are based on the wordcount of your documents and academic transcripts often feature complex formatting, preparing quotes for the translation of transcripts can sometimes take slightly longer than preparing other quotes. Should you wish to proceed with the translation, we will require payment in advance and we offer several different payment methods.
6. Once we have received your payment we should be able to send you an electronic copy of the translation for your approval within 2-3 working days. At this stage we are happy to discuss any queries you have, in terms of module titles/mark schemes/footnotes, but please do remember that the translator is a native speaker and a highly qualified professional and, as such, his or her word is final. Once we have your approval we will then issue the certified translation which comprises a copy of the original, the translation and a declaration signed by our Director stating the qualifications of the translator and that a true translation has been provided. Each page of the certified translation is then stamped, signed and embossed before being bound together.
7. We will endeavour to post the finished certified translation to you the same day as we receive your approval. Please visit our previous blog for more information on the range of delivery options.
8. We will include a questionnaire with the finished translation and would appreciate any feedback that you are able to provide. Please return the completed questionnaire in the envelope provided and we will enter you in our quarterly prize draw to win all or part of your money back up to £75!
We hope this information is useful. We look forward to hearing from you!