Professional certificates and academic degrees serve different purposes in your career. Both may need translation for UAE employment, but the requirements differ. This guide explains when each type of credential needs MOJ-certified translation and when simpler options work.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Academic Degrees | Professional Certificates |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Body | Universities, colleges | Professional bodies (CPA, ACCA, PMI) |
| Duration | 2-4+ years of study | Exam-based or short courses |
| Attestation | Usually required for official use | Often not required |
| MOHRE Requirement | MOJ translation required | Depends on position |
| Typical Cost | AED 150-250 | AED 150-200 |
When Academic Degrees Need Translation
Academic degree translation is required for most formal employment scenarios in UAE:
MOHRE Work Permits
All work permit applications require MOJ-certified degree translation for positions requiring qualifications.
Golden Visa Applications
Golden Visa professional category requires translated and attested degrees for ICA submission.
Professional Licensing
DHA healthcare licensing, engineering registration, and legal practice all require degree translation.
Government Employment
Federal and emirate government positions require MOJ-certified translation plus MOHESR equivalency.
When Professional Certificates Need Translation
Professional certificates have more varied requirements depending on the situation:
Always Requires Translation
- Government positions: Any credential submitted must be translated
- Professional licensing bodies: When the certificate is a licensing prerequisite
- Visa applications: If submitted as supporting documentation
Translation Usually Required
- Employer HR records: Many companies require translated copies
- Salary negotiations: When proving qualifications for higher pay grades
- Promotions: Internal verification of credentials
Translation Optional
- Job applications: Original certificates often accepted initially
- Internal transfers: Existing employees may not need fresh translations
- Informal verification: Some employers accept original language documents
Common Professional Certificates
Accounting & Finance
- CPA — Certified Public Accountant
- ACCA — Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- CFA — Chartered Financial Analyst
- CMA — Certified Management Accountant
- CIA — Certified Internal Auditor
Finance certifications are highly valued in UAE. Translation usually needed for senior positions.
Project Management
- PMP — Project Management Professional
- PRINCE2 — Projects in Controlled Environments
- Agile/Scrum — Certified Scrum Master, etc.
- CAPM — Certified Associate in Project Management
PM certifications supplement degrees. Translation needed when formally verifying qualifications.
Technology
- CISCO — CCNA, CCNP, CCIE
- Microsoft — Azure, 365 certifications
- AWS — Cloud practitioner, architect
- CompTIA — Security+, Network+
Tech certifications from major vendors are recognized globally. Translation rarely required unless for government roles.
Healthcare
- Nursing licenses — Home country registration
- Specialty certifications — Board certifications
- BLS/ACLS — Life support certifications
Healthcare credentials require DHA DataFlow verification. Translation is mandatory.
Translation Requirements by Scenario
Private Sector Employment
Degrees: MOJ translation required for work permit
Certificates: Certified translation usually sufficient
Government Employment
Degrees: MOJ translation + MOHESR equivalency
Certificates: MOJ translation required
Professional Licensing
Degrees: MOJ translation + attestation
Certificates: Depends on licensing body requirements
Golden Visa
Degrees: MOJ translation + attestation required
Certificates: Not typically required for application
Attestation Differences
Key Difference
Academic degrees typically require full attestation (home country ministry → UAE Embassy → MOFA). Professional certificates from international bodies often don't require attestation for employment purposes—just translation.
When attestation IS needed for professional certificates:
- Government position requirements
- Specific licensing body mandates
- When the certificate replaces a degree requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my CPA certificate need MOJ translation?
For most private sector employment, a certified translation is sufficient. However, if you're applying for government roles, professional licensing through official bodies, or need attestation, MOJ-certified translation is required. Many employers accept certified translation for HR records.
Is professional certificate translation cheaper than degree translation?
Generally, yes. Professional certificates are typically single-page documents with standardized formatting. Degree certificates often contain more text and complex terminology. Both start around AED 150 for standard service, but certificates are usually at the lower end.
Do professional certificates need attestation like degrees?
It depends on the use case. For employment verification and HR records, attestation is often not required. For professional licensing or government positions, attestation may be needed. Check with the requesting authority before starting the attestation chain.
Can I use professional certificates instead of a degree for UAE work permit?
For some positions, yes. Certain professional certifications (CPA, ACCA, PMP, CISCO) are accepted for relevant roles. See our guide on degrees accepted for work permits. However, if the job description specifically requires a degree, certifications alone may not suffice.
Do online certifications need translation for UAE jobs?
If the employer requests translated credentials, online certifications should be translated like any other. However, verify the certification is from a recognized body. Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or informal certificates may not carry weight with employers compared to professional body certifications like CPA or PMP.
Next Steps
Not sure what translation you need? Here's how to decide:
- Check with your employer/authority — Ask specifically what they require
- Consider the purpose — Work permit? HR records? Licensing?
- Ask about attestation — Is it required for your specific situation?
- Send us your documents — We advise on exactly what's needed
Need Certificate or Degree Translation?
Send your credentials via WhatsApp. We confirm exactly what type of translation you need and provide a quote.