High School Diploma: When Do You Need Certified Translation?

A high school diploma, also called a certificate of maturity, is a key document confirming successful completion of secondary school and passing the final examination. Every student who took the final exam and achieved the required minimum in mandatory subjects receives it. This document opens doors to further education and professional career, but what happens when we plan to study or work abroad? Then certified translation of the high school diploma becomes essential.

What is a high school diploma and who issues it?

It's worth emphasizing that a high school diploma is not the same as a school completion certificate from high school, technical school, or other secondary school. The school completion certificate contains grades from subjects completed during the course of study, while the maturity certificate presents results obtained in the final examination. A person who did not take the (non-mandatory in Poland) final exam will not receive a maturity certificate.

Regional Examination Boards (OKE) are responsible for issuing high school diplomas. After checking examination papers and summing up results, OKEs send ready certificates to individual schools, where they are then issued to graduates. Students receive the original document and, upon request, its copies in Polish. However, if translation into a foreign language is needed, e.g., from Polish to German or English, it will be necessary to use the services of a professional certified translation office.

What information does a high school diploma contain?

The maturity certificate contains detailed results obtained by the student in the final examination. This information includes:

• Results from written and oral parts of individual mandatory subjects (e.g., Polish language, mathematics, modern foreign language), broken down by basic and extended level, if applicable.
• Results from additional subjects, taken at the level chosen by the student.
• Notes regarding, for example, exam invalidation (0% result), obtaining the title of laureate or finalist of a subject olympiad (which often results in a 100% result from a given subject or exemption from the exam).

In addition to results, the certificate also contains the graduate's personal data:

• First name(s) and surname
• Date and place of birth
• PESEL number (Polish national identification number)

The document is marked with the date of issue, a unique number, and the seal of the director of the Regional Examination Board. In case of retaking the exam or taking additional subjects at a later date, appropriate notes may appear on the certificate or an annex to the certificate is issued.

When is a high school diploma useful?

A high school diploma is primarily used for:

University applications

In Poland, a high school diploma is the basic document required for admission to higher education institutions. Universities use the results from the final exam to calculate admission points and assess candidates' qualifications.

Employment

Many employers require at least secondary education, which is confirmed by a high school diploma. Some positions, especially in public administration or regulated professions, specifically require presentation of this document.

Further education abroad

When applying to foreign universities, a high school diploma serves as proof of completed secondary education. However, in this case, certified translation is usually required.

Professional qualification recognition

In procedures for recognizing qualifications obtained abroad or when applying for professional licenses, a high school diploma may be one of the required documents.

When is certified translation of a high school diploma needed?

Certified translation of a high school diploma becomes necessary in several international situations:

University applications abroad

Most foreign universities require certified translations of all educational documents, including high school diplomas. This allows admission committees to properly assess the candidate's educational background and ensure compliance with local admission requirements.

Employment abroad

When seeking employment in another country, especially in positions requiring specific educational qualifications, employers often require certified translations of educational documents.

Immigration procedures

Many visa categories, especially those related to education or skilled work, require presentation of translated educational documents as proof of qualifications.

Professional qualification recognition

In formal procedures for recognizing foreign educational qualifications, certified translation of the high school diploma is often one of the basic requirements.

Scholarship applications

International scholarship programs typically require complete educational documentation in the target language, including certified translations of high school diplomas.

How to professionally translate a high school diploma online?

Professional translation of a high school diploma requires not only linguistic skills but also understanding of educational systems and proper terminology. Here's what you should know:

Choosing the right translator

The translation should be performed by a sworn translator authorized in the target country or a translator certified by relevant professional organizations. At Sworny.com, we work with experienced translators specializing in educational documents.

Required documents

For translation, you'll typically need:

• Original high school diploma (or certified copy)
• Any supplementary documents explaining the grading system
• Information about the target country's requirements

Translation process

Professional translation includes:

• Accurate translation of all content while maintaining the original structure
• Proper translation of subject names and educational terminology
• Explanation of the grading system if necessary
• Certification and translator's seal
• Compliance with target country's format requirements

Summary: High school diploma without borders with professional translation

A high school diploma is a valuable document that opens doors to educational and professional opportunities both domestically and internationally. Its certified translation is often the key to successful applications abroad.

Professional certified translation ensures that your educational achievements are properly understood and recognized by foreign institutions and employers. Don't let language barriers limit your educational and professional potential – invest in quality translation services that guarantee accuracy and compliance with international standards.

Remember that the quality of translation can significantly impact how your qualifications are perceived abroad. Choose proven translation services that understand the specifics of educational documents and requirements of different countries.