NAATI certified translation and interpreting — guide to immigration and government document submission
This page explains the concept and procedures of NAATI certified translation and interpreting needed when submitting foreign-language documents such as birth, marriage, and academic certificates to the Department of Home Affairs, universities, and government agencies in Australia.
What is NAATI certified translation and interpreting?
NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the national certifying body for translator and interpreter credentials in Australia. When submitting official documents issued in a non-English language — such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, graduation certificates and transcripts, or driver's licences — to the Department of Home Affairs, universities, government agencies, and similar bodies, an English translation done by a NAATI certified translator is often required. The required form differs by receiving body, so the key point is to first check the receiving body's requirements — which documents must be submitted and in what form — before commissioning a translation.
The difference between a certified copy (JP certified copy) and a NAATI certified translation
The two serve entirely different purposes. A certified copy is a process in which an authorised person such as a Justice of the Peace (JP) confirms and signs to the effect that "this copy is identical to the original"; it merely verifies the authenticity of a copy of the original and has nothing to do with translation. A NAATI certified translation, by contrast, is a certified translator attesting (with a stamp, signature, and certification statement) that the original text has been accurately translated. In other words, "the copy matches the original = JP" and "the translation matches the original text = NAATI" are separate matters, and depending on the receiving body both may be required.
Finding and commissioning a NAATI certified translator or interpreter
You can find certified translators and interpreters directly in the NAATI Online Directory. Searching by language and location, whether you need a translator or an interpreter, and by certification level returns a list of practitioners with currently valid credentials. AUWith does not recommend any particular commercial translation business; always verify credentials directly through the official NAATI directory.
What to check before commissioning
Before commissioning a translation, check the document type and format required by the receiving body (whether a certified translation is needed, whether the original or a certified copy must be enclosed, and the submission deadline). You can request quotes and turnaround times from several translators and compare them.
- Search the NAATI Online Directory by language, location, and certification level
- Translator and interpreter are separate credentials — choose the one you need
- Provide the original or a clear scan/copy and confirm the quote and turnaround time in advance
You can re-check whether a credential is valid by the practitioner's name in the directory. Trust the current status in the official NAATI directory over an old business card or advertisement.
What to prepare and check before commissioning a translation
Translation quality and whether a submission is rejected are largely determined at the preparation stage. Having the following three things ready first can reduce rework and delays.
- The original document or a clear, high-resolution scanned copy (including all stamps, signatures, and margins)
- A note recording the translation/certification format required by the receiving body (university/Home Affairs/agency)
- The spelling of your name in English as shown on your passport, etc. (which the translation must match)
Be sure to check that the English spelling of names and place names matches your passport and visa documents. Spelling mismatches are a common cause of document rejection.
When you need NAATI — typical cases
Below are typical cases where a NAATI certified translation or interpreting is often required. Actual requirements differ by receiving body, so check each agency's guidance.
When submitting non-English documents such as birth, marriage, family relationship, or employment certificates to Home Affairs. Translations done within Australia are often required to be done by a NAATI certified translator.
When submitting graduation certificates, transcripts, and the like to a university, vocational education (VET) provider, or skills assessment authority. Certified translation requirements differ by body, so check the application guidance.
When a NAATI certified interpreter is needed for immigration, medical, or legal interviews. Interpreting is a separate credential from translation and usually requires an advance booking.
When sitting the NAATI CCL test for extra points in the credentialled community language item of the skilled migration points test. Its purpose differs from translation certification.
Step-by-step practical checklist
Here is a practical sequence for those preparing for the first time. It helps reduce submission failures.
- First check the receiving body's official guidance on whether a certified translation is required and in what format
- Search for and contact a certified translator/interpreter by language and location in the NAATI Online Directory
- Provide the original and a clear copy and confirm the quote, turnaround time, and whether a certification statement is included
- Check that the completed work includes the translator's certification stamp, signature, and NAATI number
- Submit the original, certified copies, and translation together as required by the receiving body, and keep a copy
Common mistakes and things to watch out for
The mistakes below easily lead to document rejection or processing delays. Check again before submitting.
- Submitting an uncertified translation (by a friend or yourself) and being rejected — first check whether a certified translation is required
- Confusing a certified copy (JP certified copy) with translation certification — the two are different processes
- Commissioning a translation before checking the receiving body's requirements, resulting in a format that does not match
- Rejection because the English spelling of names and place names differs from the passport and visa
- Submitting without checking, even though the translation is missing the certification stamp or signature
Useful official links
- NAATI 공식 홈페이지(opens in a new window)
NAATI official website — information on the certification system, tests, and announcements
- NAATI 온라인 디렉토리(opens in a new window)
NAATI Online Directory — search for certified translators and interpreters by language and location
- NAATI CCL 시험 안내(opens in a new window)
NAATI CCL test information — overview and application for the community language test
- Department of Home Affairs(opens in a new window)
Department of Home Affairs — check requirements for submitting visa and immigration documents
- TIS National (Free Translating Service)(opens in a new window)
TIS National (Free Translating Service) — government translating and interpreting service for eligible people
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a NAATI certified translation?▾
It depends on the receiving body. Bodies such as the Department of Home Affairs or universities often require a certified translation of non-English documents, but requirements differ by agency and document type. Before commissioning a translation, first check the requirements in the official guidance of the receiving body.
How is a certified copy (JP) different from a NAATI translation?▾
A certified copy (JP certified copy) is a process confirming that a copy is identical to the original, whereas a NAATI certified translation is a certified translator attesting that the translation accurately matches the original text. They serve different purposes, and depending on the receiving body you may need both.
Where do I find a certified translator?▾
You can search the NAATI Online Directory by language, location, and certification level. Rather than going through a particular business, it is safer to verify directly in the official directory that the credential is currently valid.
What is the NAATI CCL test?▾
The CCL (Credentialled Community Language) test is a test for earning extra points in the community language item of the skilled migration points test. Its purpose differs from professional translator/interpreter certification, and the application, test format, and points-recognition criteria may vary with immigration rules and over time, so check the latest information on NAATI and official immigration-related websites.
How much does a translation cost and how long does it take?▾
It depends on the document type, volume, and translator. AUWith does not recommend any particular commercial business; we suggest requesting quotes and turnaround times from several certified translators in the NAATI directory and comparing them.
Will a translation obtained overseas (in my home country) be accepted?▾
It depends on the receiving body's requirements. Translations done outside Australia may carry additional requirements, such as stating the translator's name, contact details, and credential information. Confirm whether it will be accepted in the official guidance of Home Affairs or the relevant receiving body.
Is there a way to get a translation for free?▾
Some permanent residents and holders of certain visas may have some settlement-related documents translated for free through the Department of Home Affairs' Free Translating Service (TIS National). There are limits on eligibility, the range of documents, and the usage period, so check your eligibility on the official website.