A certified translation and ISO certification refer to two different things. A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed Certificate of Accuracy for official use. ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certification means a translation provider's processes meet the requirements of internationally recognized standards. ISO certification applies to the provider's processes, not to an individual translated document. Apex Translations provides electronic or mailed certified translations for documents requiring a signed Certificate of Accuracy, including birth and marriage certificates, academic transcripts and diplomas, legal documents, immigration paperwork, and other official records. Our Certificate of Accuracy confirms that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge. If your receiving organization also requires notarization or specific [...]

Apex Translations holds two internationally recognized certifications, each covering a different translation workflow. ISO 17100 is the standard for professional human translation. It sets requirements for translator qualifications, project management, quality assurance, and bilingual review by a second qualified linguist, so qualifying projects are produced through a documented, independently audited process. ISO 18587 is the standard for human post-editing of machine-translated content. It defines requirements for post-editor qualifications and for reviewing and correcting machine-generated translations, so qualified linguists check accuracy, completeness, terminology, grammar, style, and meaning. Apex Translations is certified to both standards, so we can apply the appropriate quality process whether your project uses human translation or AI-assisted translation with post-editing.

We protect client information through secure systems, confidentiality procedures, and careful controls over how project data is accessed and used. We sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) upon request, use secure servers and file-transfer methods, and require our linguists and other project professionals to maintain confidentiality. When AI-assisted technology is used, we use systems and configurations designed to prevent client content from being stored or used to train or improve AI models. Your confidential information is not used to train public AI systems. If your organization has specific security, confidentiality, or data-handling requirements, we can review them with you before your project begins.

We ensure translation quality through qualified subject-matter linguists, documented quality assurance processes, and review levels matched to the requirements of each project. Our workflows follow ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 standards where applicable, and we use MQM (Multidimensional Quality Metrics) to evaluate translation quality using objective criteria. For ongoing work, we maintain translation memories, glossaries, and style guides to keep your terminology, messaging, and brand voice consistent across projects and languages. We can also collaborate with your internal reviewers to incorporate approved terminology and preferences into future translations.

Turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of your content, language combination, selected service package, formatting requirements, and the level of review required. Smaller projects may be completed within a few business days, while large, highly technical, or multilingual projects may require additional time. If you have a specific deadline, let us know when requesting a quote. We can often adjust the workflow, assign additional resources, or offer expedited service to meet time-sensitive requirements without compromising the agreed-upon quality standards.

The cost of professional translation depends on several factors, including the language combination, word count or project volume, selected service package, file type and complexity, formatting requirements, and turnaround time. We provide a customized quote before your project begins, so you know the cost upfront. When applicable, translation memory, repetitive content, volume, and ongoing-program discounts can help reduce costs while maintaining consistency across your projects.

The primary difference is the translation and review process used to achieve the quality level appropriate for your content. Our AI-assisted workflows combine advanced translation technology with professional human oversight to improve efficiency for content where speed and cost are priorities. Depending on the service package, human linguists may review, edit, or perform quality assurance to ensure the translation meets your requirements. Our human translation workflows rely on professional translators and bilingual editors to produce translations that require the highest levels of accuracy, consistency, and linguistic nuance, following ISO 17100-compliant processes. We'll recommend the workflow that best matches your content, intended use, audience, quality requirements, timeline, and budget.

The right package depends on your content, its intended use, quality and compliance requirements, timeline, and budget. Essential is designed for content where efficiency and cost are the primary considerations, while Professional and Premium provide progressively greater levels of human expertise, review, and quality assurance for higher-stakes content. You don't have to determine the right package on your own. Tell us about your project and how the translation will be used, and we'll recommend the most appropriate workflow based on your requirements, not simply the highest service level.