What is NAATI certified translation?
A NAATI certified translation is a translation produced and certified by a translator who holds current certification from NAATI, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. It's the official standard for translation accuracy and quality in Australia.
Detailed description
NAATI certified translation is a translation that has been produced and certified by a translator holding current certification from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). NAATI is the only body in Australia that certifies translators and interpreters, making NAATI certification the definitive credential for professional translation competency in the Australian market.
A NAATI certified translation includes a certificate of accuracy signed by the translator, stating their NAATI credentials and practitioner number, the language pair, the date of translation, and a declaration that the translation is a true and faithful rendering of the original document. This certification gives the translation legal standing for official purposes.
NAATI certified translations are required for documents submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for visa and citizenship applications, court proceedings and legal filings, academic credential recognition by educational institutions and professional bodies, government agency submissions, professional registration applications, and various other official purposes where authenticated translation is required.
NAATI certification levels for translators include Certified Translator (the full professional credential), Certified Provisional Translator (an entry-level credential), and Recognised Practising Translator (for languages where testing is not available). Each level has different scope and acceptance depending on the intended use of the translation.
LEXIGO provides NAATI certified translations across all major language pairs, with fast turnaround options for urgent requirements. Our NAATI certified translators cover legal, immigration, academic, and government document types. To order one and see current pricing, go to NAATI certified translation.
Why it matters
NAATI certification is not optional for many official translation purposes in Australia. It is a requirement. Submitting a translation without proper NAATI certification to the Department of Home Affairs, a court, or an educational institution will result in rejection and the need to have the document retranslated by a certified professional.
Understanding when NAATI certification is required and ensuring your translation provider delivers properly certified documents saves time, money, and the stress of rejected applications or filings.
Related questions about NAATI certified translation
Who can do a NAATI certified translation in Australia?
Only a translator who holds current NAATI certification in the right language direction can produce a NAATI certified translation. You can check a translator's credential in the NAATI Online Directory. NAATI itself certifies practitioners but does not translate documents.
Do NAATI translations expire?
No, NAATI states that certified translations do not expire. The translator's own credential must be recertified every three years, but a translation certified while that credential was current stays valid. Some receiving agencies set their own rules, so check with the organisation you are submitting to.
How much does a NAATI certified translation cost?
The cost of a NAATI certified translation depends on the language, the document type and how quickly you need it.
See current pricing and get a quote for NAATI certified translation
How long does a NAATI translation take?
Turnaround for a NAATI translation depends on the document, the language and the service level you choose.
What is the difference between NAATI certification and NAATI LSP Endorsement?
NAATI certification is a credential held by an individual translator, while NAATI LSP Endorsement is held by a language service provider. LEXIGO is NAATI Endorsed (LSP950085) and uses NAATI certified translators for certified work.
How can I check a NAATI translator's stamp?
Check that the stamp shows the translator's name, NAATI practitioner ID, credential type and language, and the date, then confirm it with NAATI. A digital stamp has a QR code you can scan to see the translator's credentials and whether that stamp is valid, and any practitioner can be checked in the NAATI Online Directory.
Can I translate my own documents for a visa application?
Not unless you are using a NAATI accredited translator. Home Affairs states that translators in Australia must be accredited by NAATI, and you must submit both the original document and the English translation. Translations done outside Australia have different requirements, listed on each visa or citizenship page.
Do I need a NAATI translation for my overseas driver licence?
It depends on your state. VicRoads accepts a translation by any NAATI accredited translator or an appropriate consulate, but Transport for NSW only accepts translations from the Free Translating Service or Multicultural NSW, plus the Korean Consulate-General or TECO Sydney for licences. Check your state road agency before ordering.