Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how BeTranslated works as a professional translation company: pricing, turnaround, certified translation, languages, and quality assurance.
FAQ
Pricing and Quotes
How is translation priced?
Translation is typically priced per source word, with rates varying by language pair, subject matter complexity, and certification requirement. Some projects (audiovisual, DTP-heavy InDesign work) are quoted at hourly or per-minute rates instead. Every quote is confirmed in writing before work begins.
Is the quote really free, with no obligation?
Yes. We provide a free written quote within one business day for most projects. There is no obligation to proceed and no payment required to receive a quote.
Do you charge for revisions?
Minor revisions reflecting client preference (terminology choice, tone refinement) are included in the project fee. Substantive scope changes such as additional source content or new target languages are quoted separately.
FAQ
Turnaround and Delivery
What is your standard turnaround time?
Standard service is 1 to 3 business days for documents up to 3,000 words. Larger projects take longer. See our turnaround times page for tier-by-tier guidance.
Do you offer same-day translation?
Yes, for documents under 2,000 words submitted by mid-morning in your timezone. Same-day service is available for most common language pairs with an expedited surcharge.
Can you handle weekend or holiday deadlines?
Yes, with advance notice and an out-of-hours surcharge. We do not assume weekend availability without explicit booking confirmation.
FAQ
Certified, Sworn, and Notarized Translation
Are your certified translations accepted by USCIS?
Yes. Our certified translations include a signed declaration of accuracy and translator credentials, which meets USCIS acceptance standards. Thousands of immigration documents handled to date.
What is the difference between sworn, certified, and notarized translation?
Certified translation includes a signed accuracy declaration from the translator. Sworn translation is provided by a translator legally appointed by a court (used in many European jurisdictions). Notarized translation adds a notary public seal verifying the translator's identity. We provide all three depending on what your receiving institution requires.
Can you legalise or apostille translations?
We provide guidance on document legalisation chains and can coordinate apostille and consular legalisation in many jurisdictions. The exact process depends on the country of origin, the receiving country, and current treaty arrangements.
FAQ
Languages and Specialisms
How many languages do you cover?
Over 50 language pairs across European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African languages. Less common combinations are available subject to translator availability.
Do your translators have subject matter expertise?
Yes. Every project is matched to a translator with relevant qualifications: legal translators for legal documents, CFA or ACA-qualified translators for financial documents, life sciences specialists for FDA submissions, and so on.
Can you handle highly specialist content (patents, clinical trials, contracts)?
Yes. Patent translation, clinical trial documentation, and complex commercial contracts are core specialisms. We do not assign these to generalist translators.
FAQ
Quality Assurance
What does your QA process look like?
Every translation goes through a two-stage process: initial translation by a qualified specialist, then independent review by a second linguist with equivalent qualifications. Certified, sworn, and regulatory translations always include this two-stage review.
Do you use machine translation?
We do not deliver raw machine output as human translation. Where machine translation is used as a productivity aid (always with client agreement), it is followed by full human post-editing and independent review.
How do you handle confidential documents?
All translation projects are handled under NDA. Sensitive documents (M&A, financial, regulatory, legal) are subject to project compartmentalisation and secure file transfer. Project NDAs available on request.
Professional Translation, Delivered on Time.
Work with native specialist translators who understand your subject. Document, legal, technical, website, and SEO translation across 50+ languages. Free quote within one business day.