About IBCOT
What is IBCOT?
IBCOT, the International Board of Certified Official Translators, is a private professional membership organization based in Dallas, Texas, for translators of official documents: immigration, court, academic and civil records. Members are admitted after a review, trained to published standards, and may earn the IBCOT Certified Official Document Translator (CODT) credential by passing an examination. Anyone can check a member's status for free at ibcot.org/verify. IBCOT is not a government agency and does not guarantee that USCIS or any other agency will accept a translation.
Why IBCOT exists
U.S. immigration rules require a full English translation of every foreign-language document, signed by a translator who certifies that it is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate. The rules do not say who that translator must be. A missed stamp, a misspelled name or a wrong date can lead to a request for evidence and months of delay. IBCOT sets a professional standard for this work and gives anyone a way to check who meets it.
What IBCOT does
Reviews every application
Membership is admitted, not bought. Every application is reviewed before approval, typically within one business day, and nothing is charged unless it is approved.
Teaches published standards
Dues include the Member Standards Orientation and the IBCOT Official Document Translation Training Program: twelve self-paced lessons with knowledge checks and practice exercises.
Examines
The CODT credential is earned only by passing the IBCOT certification examination.
Holds members to a Code of Ethics
A truthful-claims policy and a complaints and discipline process apply to every member.
Publishes every status
Each member and credential has a public verification page showing its current status.
Connects clients with members
People who need a translation tell IBCOT the language pair and document type and receive up to three matching members by email.
Membership, training and certification are separate
- Associate Member Admitted through the new-to-translation pathway. Not listed for clients until promoted.
- Professional Member Admitted through the experience pathway, or promoted by passing the Core section of the examination or an approved experience review.
- Certified (CODT) A member in good standing who has passed the examination.
Completing the training earns a Certificate of Completion. That certificate is not a credential and does not mean the examination was passed.
What the CODT examination covers
The examination is timed, standards-based and scored automatically: 60 questions in 80 minutes. The Core section (48 questions, 60 minutes) decides the CODT credential; the Immigration Documents section (12 questions, 20 minutes) decides the endorsement. It covers:
- Completeness and accuracy, including every stamp, seal, signature and handwritten note
- Names, dates, numbers and identifiers carried over without error
- Marking illegible text and using translator's notes correctly
- Layout and formatting of the translation
- Certification statements for immigration filings (the Immigration Documents endorsement)
- Ethics, confidentiality and responsible use of machine translation and AI
- Document integrity: recognizing altered documents and when to refer a question to an attorney
IBCOT does not test general language fluency. Each member's languages are declared by the member and labeled that way everywhere they appear.
What IBCOT is not
- Not a government agency, a licensing authority, a law firm or an immigration service
- Not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS
- Not a sworn, court-appointed or government-appointed translator status
- Not a guarantee that any agency, court or employer will accept a translation
How to verify an IBCOT translator
Open the record
Use the verification link or QR code the translator gave you, or go to ibcot.org/verify.
Only have an ID?
Enter the Member ID or Credential ID with the holder's last name.
Check the status
Confirm the status reads Active or Certified, and that the language pair matches your document.
The verification page is the current record. Trust it over a printed or emailed certificate. Verify a translator
Relationships
Contact IBCOT
10935 Estate Ln
Dallas, TX 75238
US
Common questions about IBCOT
What does IBCOT stand for?
International Board of Certified Official Translators. It is a private professional membership organization for translators of official documents, based in Dallas, Texas.
Is IBCOT a legitimate organization?
IBCOT publishes its legal name, its Dallas mailing address, its membership policies, a Code of Ethics and a complaints process. Every application is reviewed before approval, nothing is charged unless it is approved, and every member's status can be checked publicly at ibcot.org/verify. Read the policies
Why did I get an email from IBCOT?
IBCOT invites working translators whose contact details are published in public professional directories or on their own websites. There is no obligation, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe link. If you'd like us to stop, use that link or write to support@ibcot.org.
Is IBCOT a government agency? Is it affiliated with USCIS?
No. IBCOT is a private professional membership organization. It is not affiliated with USCIS, and its credential is not a government license.
Does USCIS require IBCOT certification?
No. USCIS requires a complete English translation with a signed translator's certification, but it does not require any particular credential. IBCOT membership and certification show that a translator has been reviewed and, for certified members, has passed an examination on official-document standards. Neither one is a promise about what USCIS will decide.
How much does IBCOT cost?
Annual dues are $249, the same at every renewal, and include the orientation and the training program. The certification examination is an optional, separate purchase at $195 per attempt; a retake is $129. A printed credential certificate is optional at $49. Nothing is charged when you apply, and nothing is charged if you are not approved. Dues and eligibility
How do I become IBCOT certified?
Apply for membership. Once approved, buy the certification examination when you're ready and pass it while your membership is active. The training is included and recommended, but it is not required to sit the examination. How certification is earned
How long does approval take?
Every application is reviewed before approval, typically within one business day. Nothing is charged before approval. How admission works
What is the difference between an IBCOT member and an IBCOT certified translator?
A member has been admitted after review and agrees to IBCOT's standards. A certified translator (CODT) is a member who has also passed the IBCOT certification examination. The verification page shows which one a person is.
Does IBCOT test language fluency?
No. Languages are declared by each member and labeled that way. The examination tests the standards for translating official documents.
Is an IBCOT credential the same as a sworn or court-certified translator?
No. The CODT is a private professional certification. It is not a sworn, court-appointed or government-appointed status, and holders may not describe it as one.
How do I check whether a translator is an IBCOT member?
Use the verification link or QR code they gave you, or enter their Member ID or Credential ID and last name at ibcot.org/verify. Verification is free. Verify a translator
How do I find an IBCOT translator?
Use Find a translator. Choose the language pair and document type, and IBCOT emails you members who work in that pair. Find a translator
Do I keep the credential if my membership ends?
The credential stays active while membership is active. If membership lapses, the verification page shows the credential as lapsed until it is renewed. There is no separate credential fee.
How do I contact IBCOT?
Email support@ibcot.org, or write to 10935 Estate Ln, Dallas, TX 75238, US. Contact