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How do I get my documents translated?

Find out what you need before choosing a translator, and whether the documents you need translated require a certified translator.

Translators specialize in at least 2 languages and translate documents. They do not change the content, tone or style of the message.

Professional Translators

Not everyone who can speak more than one language can translate documents well. Professional translators:

Use accurate and consistent language.
Have a thorough knowledge of the vocabulary in a particular field of expertise.
Maintain the content, context and style of the original material as much as possible.

Translators often specialize in a subject specialty - legal, business, medical and so on. When you choose a translator, find out what their specialty is.

Certified Translators

Some organizations will only accept documents translated by a certified translator. In Ontario, a certified translator must:

Pass the standardized national certification examination administered by the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council (CTIC); and
Be a member of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).

The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) is the only organization in Ontario that can give someone the title of "certified translator." ATIO-certified translators agree to a Code of Ethics that includes the confidentiality of client information.

Please note that each province has its own association of translators and interpreters, which is governed by its own set of rules. These are the associations outside of Ontario:

Alberta – ATIA Alberta Translators and Interpreters Association
British Columbia – STIBC – Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia
Manitoba – ATIM – Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba
Québec – OTTIAQ – Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec
Saskatchewan – ATIS – The Association of Translators & Interpreters of Saskatchewan
New Brunswick – CTINB – Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia – ATINS – Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island – CTTIC – Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council
Newfoundland and Labrador – CTTIC – Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council
Nunavut – CTTIC – Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council
Northwest Territories – CTTIC – Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council

Notarized Translations

Some organizations only accept translations that are notarized by a notary public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths.

Find out what you need before you get your documents translated. Make sure that the translator you choose can give you the kind of translation that you need.

Find a Translator

Services Near Me - Some settlement agencies and community agencies have translation services. All settlement agencies can help you find translation services.
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) Membership Directory - You can search for translators by language and specialty.

For More Information

Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) - This is the professional organization that certifies translators in Ontario.
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario Code of Ethics - Describes the main principles of professional conduct and explains how to complain about a poor translation or interpretation service.
Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council (CTIC) - This national organization that coordinates professional associations of translators and interpreters across Canada. CTIC administers standard certification procedures for translation and interpretation professionals.