Dreaming of moving to Australia? Maybe you’re planning to expand your business to cater to the Australian audience. If you’re from a country where English isn’t the official language, there is one important step you can’t skip — translation.
And in Australia, documents submitted for official purposes must be translated by a certified translator. This is where the NAATI certification system comes in. It is the national standards and certifying body for language practitioners in Australia. NAATI-certified translators meet the highest standards of translation.
Follow this guide to find the best NAATI-certified translator in Australia:
Understand Your Needs
NAATI translators work on a range of projects from varying industries. So, before you look into directories and translation agencies, know your exact translation needs.
If you’re applying for an Australian passport or visa, you may need to have your personal documents translated. This includes:
- Birth certificates
- Police certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Driver’s licenses
- Academic records or transcripts
- Employment records
- Medical reports
Keep in mind that you cannot translate official documents on your own, as government bodies require translations to be accurate and impartial.
Business owners may want to have their corporate documents and marketing materials translated. This could be brochures, flyers, and even operating procedures.
Reach Out to a Reputable Translation Agency
The best way to find a professional NAATI certified translator is to reach out to a reputable translation agency. These agencies know the ins and outs of translating official documents for Australia. They exclusively work with NAATI translators to ensure the highest translation standards.
But how do you vet the credibility of a translation agency? Look for the following features:
ISO certification – they adhere to international standards and follow best practices for quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.
In-depth consultation – they perform an in-depth consultation to understand the specifics of your project and tailor their services accordingly.
Personalized support – they provide ongoing support throughout the translation so you feel confident in the results.
Rigorous quality control – they undergo multiple review stages and provide reliable translations.
Quick turnaround time – they give a predetermined timeline for each project and stick to it.
Reputable translation agencies know exactly what Australian government bodies require. They handle everything for you, reducing hassle and saving you time.
Hire a Freelance NAATI-Certified Translator
You can also work directly with a NAATI-certified translator. Freelancers specialize in specific languages and provide translation services in those areas.
That said, make sure you verify their credentials through the NAATI website by entering their Certified Practitioner Number or CPN into the ‘Verify a Credential’ tool.
Understand the Pricing Model
Lastly, get a quote from your chosen translation agency. But before that, understand how they’re charging you.
Translation agencies typically follow one of two pricing methods: per-word pricing and flat-rate pricing. Per-word pricing is typically used for non-standard documents, such as legal, academic, or business documents.
In comparison, a flat rate is charged for standard documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and driver’s licenses.
