Sworn Interpreter (or Translator)

Last Friday at 9 o'clock I was sworn in as an interpreter at the local courthouse in Almelo.

This was an important step for on my way to doing exactly what I want to do. But what actually is a sworn interpreter? And what is the difference between an interpreter and sworn one?

Well, what is a sworn interpreter?

Simply put a sworn interpreter is an interpreter who swore in fornt of a judge to adhere to the code of conduct for interpreters as written in the annex of the Dutch law for sworn interpreters and translators (Wet voor beeidgide tolke en vertalers – Wbtv). This code of conduct begins with the following words:  

I, the interpreter, accept that I am expected to perform my profession to the best of my abilities and with my honour and conscience intact. When supplying interpreting services I uphold these five central values:

A. Integrity, Independence, Impartiality

B. Confidentiality

C. Completeness

D. Transparency

E. Professionalism

(You can find the complete Dutch Code of Conduct here: https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2024-176.pdf)

The code of conduct is focues on (ethically) correct behaviour while performing one’s job. Interpreters swear to interprete everything that is being said, they swear to immediately notify all parties if one or both of the languages spoken are not congruent with their working languages, they swear to notify all parties in case a word or term in one language cannot be directly or precisely translated into the other, they sewar treat all parties and their cultures with respect, they swear to keep their own opinion to themselves, as they facilitate the conversation and do not take part in it.  These values and rules can also be found in interpreters' general code of conduct. Those sworn in have “just“ also sworn to uphold it.  

The main reason for many interpreters to get sworn in is that loads of government organisations and specific occupational groups can exclusively work with sworn-in interpreters (or translators). The swearing-in is regarded as an extra seal of approval concerning the interpreter’s (or translator’s) reliability and integrity. As many important decisions are made within governmental institutions and organisations the appreciation of sworn interpreters (and translators) is ever-present. Whether one needs their services in matters of migration and naturalisation, penitentiaries, during hearings at court or police interviews it is important that the message of what is said, is properly relayed and received. The same is true for lawyers and notaries, they, too, exclusively work with sworn interpreters (and translators).So, many interpreters (and translators) who wish to work for court, lawyers, notaries, the police, prisons or with refugees decide to swear to follow the code of conduct of the Wbtv in front of a judge to do so.

What is the difference between a sworn-in and not “regular” interpreters (or translators)?

There is no real difference. You are sworn in based on your diploma for interpreting (or translating) or your demonstrable relevant work experience. Thus, no special training or courses are needed in order to obtain the title of sworn interpreter (or translator). The biggest difference between the two groups are their work fields and clients. If, for instance, you translate novels for a living, you do not require a swearing-in. A publisher wants good translations and will test your abilities but is not likely to require a sworn translator to do the work.

There are interpreters (and translators) who decide to get sworn in although their preferred work does not require it. Some clients might view the proof of swearing-in as an additional proof of ability or superiority. If this interpreter (or translator) is allowed to work for the government and can present the ID-number and -card, they are certainly good enough to work for me.

Where does one find a sworn-in interpreter (or translator)?

The website of the Wbtv Office ( https://zoekeentolkvertaler.bureauwbtv.nl/ ) offers a search function to find a sworn-in interpreter or translator in their database. You can search by last name, required language combination or by Wbtv identification number. Every sworn-in interpreter (and translator) is given their own unique Wbtv number to proof their being registered. The website is available in English.

The Wbtv registration is valid for 5 years. After that an interpreter (or translator) has to re-apply to uphold their status as a sworn interpreter (or translator). To do so they have to submit a new/current certificate of good conduct, as well as proof of continued training and education. Withing the five years of validity every sworn interpreter (and translator) has to collect 80 Continued education points (Permanente Educatie Punten – PE) by attending seminars, courses and trainings hosted and organised by recognised training facilities and institutions. The limited validity of registration and te re-application process aims to uphold the high quality of sworn interpreters (and translators) by ensuring everyone stays up to date on their profession and its surroundings.

Since last Friday I, too have to collect PE in order to re-apply for Wbtv registration in 2029. Another mileston for me that I am ever so chuffed with!