How to Get a Certified Translation of My Foreign Qualifications

Moving to the UK to study, work or register with a professional body usually means proving your foreign qualifications. If your certificates are not in English, you will need a certified translation. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to getting it done quickly and correctly.

Step 1: Check What the Receiving Organisation Requires

Before ordering, confirm exactly what is required by the organisation you are applying to:

• Universities: usually the degree certificate and full transcript
• UK ENIC: your qualification documents plus an English translation
• Employers: often the highest qualification relevant to the role
• Professional bodies (GMC, NMC, HCPC, etc.): diplomas, transcripts and sometimes a certificate of good standing
• UKVI: depends on your visa route — see our UKVI 2026 guide

Also check whether they accept a digital PDF or need a signed paper copy, and whether any extra certification (notarisation or apostille) is required. For most UK organisations, a standard certified translation is enough.

Step 2: Gather All Your Documents

Collect every document you may need in one go — it is faster and often cheaper to translate them together:

• Diplomas and degree certificates
• Academic transcripts and diploma supplements
• Professional licences or registration certificates
• Training certificates and letters of experience

Step 3: Scan Your Documents Properly

Good scans mean faster, more accurate translations:

• Scan at 300 DPI or take a sharp, well-lit photo
• Include both sides of every page
• Make sure stamps, seals, signatures and handwritten notes are readable
• Save as PDF, JPG or PNG

Step 4: Choose a Qualified UK Translation Provider

A certified translation is only accepted if it is produced by a qualified translator who signs a statement of accuracy. Look for a provider that:

• Uses qualified, native-speaking human translators (never machine translation)
• Has experience with academic documents and UK institutions
• Is UK-based with verifiable contact details
• Offers clear pricing with no hidden fees

Step 5: Request a Quote and Place Your Order

Upload your documents through our instant quote form, tell us which organisation the translation is for and your deadline. You receive a fixed price — standard certified translations start from £28 per page, with same-day express delivery from £40 per page.

Step 6: Receive and Check Your Certified Translation

Your certified translation is delivered in 24–48 hours as a signed PDF including:

• The full English translation, following the layout of the original
• Translation of all stamps, seals and official markings
• The translator's signed certification statement, name and date

Check that names, dates and grades match your original exactly, then submit it together with a copy of the original document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Translating your own documents — institutions will refuse them
• Forgetting the transcript and translating only the diploma
• Sending blurry scans where stamps cannot be read
• Spelling your name differently from your passport

More tips in our article on common certified translation mistakes.

Get Your Qualifications Translated with FastCert

FastCert Translations translates diplomas, transcripts and professional qualifications from all major languages, accepted by UK universities, UK ENIC, employers, UKVI and regulators such as the GMC and NMC.

Explore our academic translation service, or get your free quote in minutes.