NAATI translation academic transcript
This page covers translation requirements for English-speaking applicants. A Thai-language document intended for an Australian authority is translated into English by a translator certified by NAATI in the Thai→English direction, then issued with a certification statement and stamp showing the translator's CPN and certification expiry. The original (or a certified copy) is submitted together with the translation.
Key facts at a glance
| Certification system | NAATI Certified Translator (individual certification, per language direction) |
|---|---|
| Language direction | Thai → English (and English → Thai as a separate certification) |
| What appears on the stamp | Translator name, CPN, language direction, certification expiry |
| Formats | Digitally stamped PDF for online lodgement; hard copy where a paper file is required |
| Submitted with | Original document or certified copy |
| Turnaround | Varies by document volume and delivery method — confirm per job |
The rule that decides your format
The Department of Home Affairs distinguishes by where the translation is produced. Translations made **inside Australia** must be done by a translator certified by NAATI. Translations made **outside Australia** do not require NAATI, but the translation must show the translator's full name, address, contact details, qualifications and experience. In practice the NAATI format remains the one Australian authorities recognise most readily. Note that NAATI certifies individuals, never companies — always verify the individual translator's CPN.
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Document translation requirements
Step-by-step process
- Send a full scan of the original, including stamps, seals and any text on the reverse
- Confirm the spelling of every name character-by-character against the passport before translation starts
- State the receiving authority (Home Affairs, a university, a skills assessing body) so the correct certification format is used
- A translator certified by NAATI in the matching language direction performs the translation and prepares the certification
- The translation is checked against the source, then issued with a stamp showing the CPN, language direction and certification expiry
- Delivery as a digitally stamped PDF and/or hard copy, according to what the receiving authority accepts
What to prepare
- Previously translated versions, if any, to keep terminology and name transliteration consistent
- The original, or a freshly certified copy from the issuing authority (many bodies require it to be under 3–6 months old)
- The passport bio page showing the official spelling of names
- Any written requirement from the receiving authority specifying a translation format
Why translations get rejected
- The translator's certification does not cover the required language direction
- Filing the translation without the original or a certified copy alongside it
- Leaving stamps, signatures or reverse-side text untranslated
- Reprinting or rescanning a digitally signed PDF so the signature can no longer be validated
- Assuming Thai consular legalization can substitute for a NAATI translation — they are separate systems
Related questions
Is a digital stamp accepted?
Digitally stamped PDFs are designed for online lodgement and remain verifiable as long as the file is not reprinted or re-scanned. Confirm the receiving authority accepts digital certification before choosing that format.
Do I also need Thai consular legalization?
That is a separate track. Australian authorities work with the NAATI system; Thai consular legalization is required when a Thai document must be recognised by a non-Australian authority or by Thai agencies.
How current must the source document be?
Many Australian bodies require civil registry extracts issued within the last 3–6 months. Check the receiving authority's rule before requesting a translation.
Does the company hold NAATI accreditation?
No provider can: NAATI certifies individual translators only. We work with translators certified by NAATI, and each translation carries that individual's CPN, which you can verify in the NAATI Online Directory.
Official sources
Information current as of 2026-07-17. Requirements differ between receiving authorities — always confirm with the body that will receive your documents.