Translating documents

If the documents are translated in Australia: 

• the translator must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). 

The Australian Institute for Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Directory of Translators provides a current list of qualified, active AUSIT members who have NAATI accreditation in translating. 

If the documents are translated in a country outside Australia: 

• the translator must be approved by the authorities in the country where the translation is made. The International Federation of Translators (IFT) provide a list of translation associations, some approved by authorities to provide certified translations. 

The Australian embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where the translation is made should be contacted if uncertain. 

Please note that if in the National Board’s opinion, the translation provided is incomplete or inaccurate, you will be required to provide translations completed by a NAATI-accredited translator. 

Translations prepared by relatives, friends, acquaintances or other volunteer agencies will not be accepted.

‘Extract translations’ (translations of parts or extracts of degrees, diplomas, certificates and transcripts) will not be accepted. You are required to provide a full translation of these documents. 

Translators require the original document/s or a notarised photocopy of the document/s, which must be clearly legible, for translation. Or, if the document has been received directly by Ahpra, the translator will receive a copy of the document via email from us. 

The translator must include an original signed statement indicating that the translation is accurate and the translator belongs to an organisation that is approved in the country where the translation is made. 

The statement must include the translator’s: 

• identification number or seal or both on every page 
• printed name 
• address, and 
• telephone number. 

You must submit with your application: 

• the original certified copy of the document used to prepare the translation 
• the translation, and 
• the original signed statement in English. 

There may be circumstances where your supporting document is sent directly to Ahpra (e.g. certificate of good standing) and is not in English. Where we have directly received the document and have identified that it needs to be translated, we will contact you. 

We will advise you that: 

• any supporting documentation that is in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation 
• you are responsible for organising and covering all costs for the translation 
• the translator you choose must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). 

You must choose a translator and tell us in writing the translator’s: 

• full name  
• email address 
• suburb and postcode. 

These details must be received in writing to allow for the translator’s details to be verified. Once we have verified the translator, we will email a copy of the document directly to the translator. The translator will send a copy of the translated document back to us directly.

You are responsible for covering all costs for the translation of documents. National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)  operates on a fee-for-service basis. 

If we need to have a document translated, such as a Certificate of Registration Status or a document from an institution, you are responsible for covering all the costs of translation.