How Do I Authenticate My Qualification Certificate?

The route depends on the issuer: certificates issued by the national or local governments (including commissioned bodies) need no notarization; private certificates are notarized first. The procedure varies depending on whether the destination country is a member of the Apostille Convention.

3-Second Summary — Government or commissioned body → no notarization / private certificate → apostille after notarization. Check Find Your Path for the exact procedure.

Key Summary

Document Type

Depends on the issuer

Notarization Required?

Not required if issued by a government or commissioned body; required for private certificates

Translation/Authentication Required?

Depending on the destination country and receiving institution, translation, apostille, or consular authentication may be required.

The Overseas Koreans Agency accepts documents officially written by the national or local governments (including commissioned bodies) without notarization, and asks that privately written documents be notarized first (Overseas Koreans Agency, “Apostille Issuance Procedure”, checked 2026-10-09). Check Find Your Path for the exact procedure.

Common Situations Requiring This Document

Overseas work qualification review
Mutual recognition applications for professional licenses
Overseas immigration/visa applications

Procedure

Confirm issuance of the Qualification Certificate from the issuing body (association, public corporation, etc.)
If it is a private certificate, notarize at a notary office
Apply for apostille if the destination country is a Convention member
If not a member, obtain MOFA consular confirmation and embassy authentication
Translation and certified translation if required

Frequently Submitted Countries

USA China