Certified Documents
All documents must be certified copies of originals and uploaded into the online application form as PDF
files.
A document is a certified copy when the original document is photocopied or scanned and a person
authorised to certify documents stamps and signs the copy, signifying that it is a true copy of the original
document.
The following information is required on each page of your certified copy:
The words “Certified True Copy of the Original”
The signature of the certifying person
The name, date and provider or registration number or designation (eg: Police Officer) of the
certifying person
Certification details must be legible on the copy
Certification can be authorised within Australia by:
a registered migration agent
a justice of the peace or a bail justice
an Australian lawyer
a member of the police force
a sheriff or a deputy sheriff
a councillor of a municipality
a senior officer of a council
a medical practitioner
a dentist
a veterinary practitioner
a pharmacist
a principal in the teaching service
a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia or the Australian Society of
Accountants or the National Institute of Accountants
a minister of religion authorised to celebrate marriages
a public notary
a member or former member of either House of the Parliament of the Commonwealth
Documents Certified Outside Australia can be certified by an equivalent of the above authorised list
within the country of origin. Legal professionals and embassy officials can provide further information
regarding certifying documents outside Australia.
The ACS is unable to accept documents if the identity of the certifying officer is unclear or the contact
details are illegible.
Translation of Documents
All documents not in English must be translated. The original document and its translation must be
certified copies.
Applications Submitted Within Australia
Acceptable translations may be obtained from translators accredited with the National Accreditation
Authority for Translators and Interpreters NAATI.
Applications Submitted Outside Australia
Acceptable translations can be obtained from:
A Ministry of Justice or equivalent in the country where the qualification was obtained
The Australian Education International Section (AEIS) at an Australian Diplomatic Mission
Australian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy
Private and Commercial Translators
The Awarding Institution
Overseas translations must be completed on the organization letterhead and include an official stamp,
the name of the translator, signature and contact telephone number legibly printed with the signature.
It must be possible for the ACS to contact the translator if necessary to verify the translated documents
from the details provided.
The following must be provided when submitting foreign language documents:
Certified copies of all foreign documents
Certified copies of the English translations