Quick Answer: A Certificate of Accuracy is a signed statement from the translator certifying that a translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English. It is required by USCIS, courts, universities, and government agencies when submitting translated documents for official purposes.
If you have received a certified translation or are preparing to submit foreign-language documents to a government agency, court, or university, you have likely encountered the term "Certificate of Accuracy." Understanding what it is, what it must contain, and why it is required helps you verify that your translation meets the standards of the institution you are submitting to.
This guide explains the Certificate of Accuracy in plain language — what it is, what it must include, who can sign it, and when it is required.
What Is a Certificate of Accuracy?
A Certificate of Accuracy is a formal written statement signed by the translator that accompanies a certified translation. It serves as the translator's declaration that:
- They are competent to translate from the source language into English
- The translation is a true, complete, and accurate representation of the original document
- They are not a party to the matter for which the translation is being submitted
The Certificate of Accuracy is what distinguishes a certified translation from an uncertified one. Without it, a translation cannot be considered certified — regardless of how accurate the translation itself may be.
The certificate is not a separate credential or license. It is a self-certification by the translator — a professional declaration of competency and accuracy that carries legal weight when submitted to official institutions.
What Must a Certificate of Accuracy Include?
While there is no single universal format prescribed by law, an acceptable Certificate of Accuracy must include the following elements:
- Competency statement — a declaration that the translator is competent to translate from the source language to English
- Accuracy statement — a declaration that the translation is true, complete, and accurate to the best of the translator's knowledge
- Document identification — the title and ideally the document number of the translated document
- Impartiality statement — a declaration that the translator is not a party to the matter for which the translation is being submitted
- Translator's signature — a handwritten or electronic signature
- Translator's printed name — full name clearly printed
- Contact information — the translator's company name and email address
- Date — the date the certificate was signed
Missing any of these elements can cause a submission to be rejected or trigger a Request for Evidence from USCIS.
Example — Exacta Translation Services Certificate of Accuracy
Exacta Translation Services
Certificate of Accuracy — Spanish to English Translation
I, Andres Gutierrez, certify that I am competent to translate from Spanish to English and that the foregoing is a true, complete, and accurate translation of the original document titled "Birth Certificate", document number "BC-2024-003847", from Spanish into English, to the best of my knowledge and ability.
I am not a party to the matter for which this document is being submitted.
Is This Certificate Accepted by USCIS?
Yes. The Certificate of Accuracy shown above meets USCIS requirements for certified translations submitted with immigration applications.
USCIS does not prescribe a specific format or template for the Certificate of Accuracy. It requires that the certificate include a competency statement and an accuracy statement signed by the translator. The certificate above satisfies both requirements and has been accepted on every translation submitted by Exacta Translation Services.
Every certified translation from Exacta Translation Services includes a Certificate of Accuracy in this format at no additional charge.
Every Exacta certified translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy accepted by USCIS, courts, and universities. $25 per page — quote sent within 5 minutes.
Get a Free Quote →Where Is a Certificate of Accuracy Required?
A Certificate of Accuracy is required whenever you submit a translated document to an institution that requires certified translations. Common situations include:
- USCIS immigration applications — required for all foreign-language supporting documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police certificates, and identity documents
- Courts and legal proceedings — required when submitting translated documents as evidence or supporting materials
- Universities and credential evaluation agencies — required when submitting translated academic transcripts and diplomas for enrollment or professional licensing
- State and federal government agencies — requirements vary by agency and document type
- Professional licensing boards — required when submitting foreign credentials for professional license applications
The same Certificate of Accuracy format is accepted across all of these contexts. There is no need for a different certificate depending on where the translation is being submitted.
Does the Certificate of Accuracy Need to Be Notarized?
No — not for USCIS submissions and most other official purposes. The translator's signature on the Certificate of Accuracy is sufficient.
Notarization adds a notary public's verification of the translator's identity and signature — but it does not add anything to the accuracy or completeness of the translation itself. USCIS does not require this additional step.
Some courts and legal proceedings require a notarized Certificate of Accuracy in addition to the translator's signature. If your submission specifies "notarized translation," notarization is available as an add-on service. See our guide on Certified vs Notarized Translation for a full explanation of the difference.
Who Can Sign a Certificate of Accuracy?
Any person who is competent to translate from the source language to English can sign a Certificate of Accuracy. USCIS and most institutions do not require the translator to hold a government license, ATA certification, or any other official credential.
However, there is one firm requirement: the translator cannot be the applicant. USCIS explicitly prohibits applicants from translating their own documents. The translator must be a competent third party with no direct interest in the outcome of the submission.
Using a professional translation service — rather than a bilingual friend or family member — reduces the risk of translation errors, formatting issues, or improperly worded certification statements that could delay or complicate your application.
How to Verify a Certificate of Accuracy You Received
If you received a certified translation from another provider and want to verify the Certificate of Accuracy is complete, check for the following:
- A competency statement — does it say the translator is competent to translate from the source language to English?
- An accuracy statement — does it state the translation is complete and accurate?
- The document title — does it reference the specific document that was translated?
- The translator's signature — is it signed?
- The translator's name and contact information — is there a name, company, and email or phone number?
- The date — is it dated?
If any of these elements are missing, your translation may not be accepted by USCIS or the institution you are submitting to. Contact the translation provider to request a corrected certificate before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Certificate of Accuracy is a signed statement from the translator certifying that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge, and that they are competent to translate from the source language into English. It is required for certified translations submitted to USCIS, courts, universities, and government agencies.
Yes. USCIS requires that every foreign-language document submitted with an immigration application be accompanied by a complete English translation and a Certificate of Accuracy signed by the translator.
A Certificate of Accuracy must include a competency statement, an accuracy and completeness statement, the document title, an impartiality statement, the translator's signature, printed name, contact information, and the date of certification.
No. A Certificate of Accuracy does not need to be notarized for USCIS submissions in most cases. The translator's signature is sufficient. Notarization may be required by courts or other institutions.
Any person competent to translate from the source language to English can sign a Certificate of Accuracy. No license or official certification is required. However, the translator cannot be the applicant — they must be a competent third party.
A certified translation is a translation that includes a Certificate of Accuracy. The certificate is what makes the translation "certified." Without the certificate, the translation is not considered certified regardless of its accuracy.