Certified Translation Services

A certified translation includes the translated text and a signed certificate of accuracy confirming that the translation is complete, accurate, and produced by a competent translator. The certificate identifies the language pair and the credentials of the translator or agency. At Tomedes, every certified translation is produced by a domain-matched linguist, independently reviewed by a second translator, and covered by the 1-Year Quality Guarantee.

No. In the United States, a translator or an agency can issue a certified translation without being ATA-certified.

It is commonly required for immigration filings, courts and legal matters, and academic admissions. Always check the receiving authority’s instructions.

A statement of accuracy and completeness, the language pair, and a statement that the translator is competent, signed by the translator or authorized representative.

USCIS needs a certified translation with the correct statement. Notarization is usually not required for USCIS, but other institutions may require it.

Yes. If the notarized translation must be recognized abroad in a Hague Convention country, an apostille may be needed.

Short documents are typically delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Larger or complex files may take longer. Rush service can be arranged.

Certified translations start from approximately $0.08 per word (prices may vary) for standard documents with 24-48 hour delivery. Pricing varies based on language pair, document complexity, and turnaround time. Notarization is available as a flat-fee add-on per document. Apostille coordination is priced separately based on jurisdiction. Every Tomedes quote is firm and all-inclusive, provided within 15 minutes.

Tomedes provides a certified PDF by default. If a receiving authority asks for sealed physical copies, note this in the quote request so courier delivery can be arranged.

Certified confirms accuracy and translator competence. Notarized adds a notary’s verification of the signer’s identity. Some processes require both.

An apostille confirms the authenticity of a notarized document for use in Hague Convention countries. Ask if the destination requires it.

If a contract will be reviewed by a court, regulator, or foreign counterparty, a certified translation helps meet formal requirements and reduce risk.

Yes. Ask for notarization during intake and request courier delivery for sealed copies if originals are required at the destination.

Confirm acceptance for your use case, check turnaround, quality controls, and whether notarization or apostille can be added.

Yes. Upload files, confirm details, and receive a certified PDF. Ask for sealed hard copies if needed.

USCIS does not prohibit self-translation, but the translator cannot be the applicant or beneficiary of the petition. The translation must include a signed certificate of accuracy confirming the translator's competence in both languages. In practice, most immigration attorneys recommend using a professional translation provider to avoid delays caused by formatting errors or missing certification elements. Tomedes certified translations meet all USCIS requirements and include the signed certificate of accuracy at no additional cost. Tomedes is listed among USCIS translation providers.

Yes. Credential evaluation agencies such as World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) require certified translations of all academic documents not originally issued in English. The translation must include a signed certificate of accuracy. Tomedes provides certified translations of transcripts, diplomas, and academic records that meet the requirements of WES, ECE, and other major evaluation agencies. Standard turnaround is 24-48 hours.