UK-National Occupational Standards For Interpreting

National Occupational
Standards in
Interpreting
(revised 2006)
Acknowledgements
CILT, the National Centre for Languages, would like to express gratitude to all those who
participated in the development of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting:
interpreters, interpreting agencies, service-users, trainers, lecturers and assessors, professional and
awarding bodies. Special thanks are due to members of the project Steering Group, those who
convened and took part in focus groups, and to the Schellekens Consultancy.
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting first published 2001, this edition first published 2006
by CILT, the National Centre for Languages
20 Bedfordbury
London WC2N 4LB
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting copyright

2006
© CILT, the National Centre for Languages
All rights reserved. The National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) may be
photocopied without any specific authorisation by the publisher, provided that due
acknowledgement is given to the source and copyright holder. Further copies may be downloaded
free of charge from www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm.
CILT, the National Centre for Languages has asserted its right to be identified as author of this work,
in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................1
National Occupational Standards..............................................................1
Unit structure....................................................................................1
2006 edition: what’s new?......................................................................2
How units apply to job roles..............................................................3

Qualifications.....................................................................................4
Entry to the profession..........................................................................4
National/Scottish Vocational Qualification Structure......................................4
Assessment strategy..........................................................................5
External quality control.........................................................................5
Performance in the workplace.................................................................5
Simulation......................................................................................... 5
Occupational expertise of assessors and verifiers...........................................6
Key and core skills signposting..........................................................7

Guidance.......................................................................................... 7
Key and core skills equivalences...............................................................7
The mapping of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting and key/core skills......8
Definition of interpreting and the role of the interpreter................11
Principles of professional practice...................................................12
Overview of the National Occupationals Standards in Interpreting...........13
The National Occupational Standards in Interpreting.....................14
Glossary............................................................................................49
Introduction
CILT, the National Centre for Languages is the government’s centre of expertise and the UK
standards setting body for languages. CILT works with employers, language service providers,
stakeholders and the Skills for Business Network to build a greater national capability in
languages and intercultural skills.
The National Occupational Standards in Interpreting set out what individuals need to do, and
the knowledge and skills they need, to be competent professional interpreters. The Standards
have been designed by and for the interpreting industry, to promote understanding of what
constitutes professional and advanced levels of interpreting performance, in a range of contexts.
They were approved by the UK Co-ordinating Group in March 2006.
To find out more about UK National Occupational Standards, and to download approved Standards,
go to www.ukstandards.org.uk.
Guidance for employers seeking to commission interpreting and other language services is available
at www.cilt.org.uk/publications/online.htm.
BLIS Professionals is CILT’s quality-assured database of language service
professionals (interpreters, translators, language and cultural trainers). It can be accessed, free
of charge, at www.blis.org.uk/professionals.
For information about a career as a professional interpreter, go to CILT’s careers website,
www.languageswork.org.uk. Also see the section on Entry to the profession.
National Occupational Standards

National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe what an individual needs to do, know and
understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function.
The National Occupational Standards in Interpreting are made up of fifteen units, which describe
core aspects of interpreting performance as well as relevant support activities.
The Standards can be used to:
 describe good practice in particular areas of professional activity
 inform job descriptions and person specifications
 design training courses and continuous professional development
 assess the skills of those training for a particular area of work
 assess or review the skills of those who are qualified, e.g. for recruitment or appraisal purposes
 offer a framework for quality assurance.
NOS are also used by awarding bodies as the basis for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs),
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and a range of other vocationally related qualifications.
The Qualifications section shows how units from the NOS in Interpreting are packaged together
to form N/SVQs and how these fit into qualifications frameworks across the UK.
Unit structure
Each unit has a reference letter and a title, referring to a particular area of activity. The numbers
‘1’ and ‘2’ are used where units describe differing levels of expertise/performance in a particular
area. In some cases, units are divided into elements, to capture distinct aspects of that activity.
The Unit overview at the beginning of each unit is a brief summary of the content of the unit. It sets
out the level or type of interpreter for whom the unit might be relevant, describes links to other
units and signposts further useful information.
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 1

The Performance Criteria describe what an interpreter has to do (the ‘outcomes’) to demonstrate
competence in this activity. The Knowledge and Skills section sets out the detailed technical
and professional knowledge, understanding and abilities required to meet these outcomes.
2006 edition: what’s new?

The Standards in Interpreting were last revised in 2001. In this review, we have taken into account
views of a wide range of users, as well as those unfamiliar with the 2001 edition. We have
aimed to create Standards that are robust, clear, concise and flexible enough to be used in a
range of contexts.
Key changes made in this review include:
 Removal of Performance Evidence
National Occupational Standards are designed to be useful in a range of situations and not just in
the creation of N/SVQs. It has therefore been decided that Standards should be free of detailed
guidance on assessment and evidence; it is the responsibility of awarding bodies to produce
this when they develop qualifications based on the Standards.
With this in mind, we have also removed the references to N/SVQ Levels 4 and 5 in the unit titles.
N/SVQ Level 4 (that is, Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework and Level 10 on the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) remains, however, the minimum level for
professional interpreting qualifications. For more information, see the Qualifications section.
 Additional information
The NOS are the ‘technical specification’ for interpreting, but many of those whom we consulted
felt it would be useful for the Standards to include a clear definition of interpreting and the role
of the interpreter. This is included in the Introduction.
The principles of professional practice were developed to address concerns that the 2001
Standards did not give enough information about certain key aspects of professional conduct.
The Glossary has also been expanded to give more guidance on technical terms found within the
Standards.
 Description of language competence
Units from the National Language Standards were ‘imported’ into the 2001 Interpreting Standards
to reflect the fact that professional interpreting requires high levels of language competence.
This meant that candidates being assessed for the Interpreting NVQ also had to provide a portfolio
of evidence to meet the requirements of the language units.
To make the qualification more accessible to those who have acquired their language skills via
non- NVQ routes, the language units have been removed. The levels of language competence
required, however, have not changed; these are now referenced in the Knowledge and Skills
sections.
 Treatment of domains
The research conducted showed that the type of domain, as described in the old Performance
Evidence sections, were an unreliable guide to the complexity of interpreting tasks. We have
therefore omitted them from the revised Standards. Any awarding body wishing to offer a
qualification with a focus on specific domains would be required to build relevant guidance into
the specification.
2 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

How units apply to job roles
The examples below use the model of a job description to show how units might apply to some
typical interpreting roles. These are based on research conducted during the Standards review
project.
I Competent public service interpreter: English/Turkish
Essential skills are those described in:
Unit A1 Prepare for interpreting assignments
Unit B1 Interpret one-way as a professional interpreter
Unit C1 Interpret two-way as a professional interpreter
Unit D1 Develop your performance as an interpreter
Unit E1 Support interpreting through sight translations of routine written documents
Unit F1 Support interpreting through draft written translations of routine written
documents
Desirable skills are those described in:
Unit G Work with other interpreters
II Senior public service interpreter
Essential skills are the same as those above, with the addition of:
Unit I Act as a mentor to trainee or colleague interpreters
III Public service interpreter operating at an advanced level
Essential skills are those covered by:
Unit A2 Extend existing skills to prepare for interpreting assignments
Unit B2 Interpret one-way as an advanced professional interpreter
Unit C2 Interpret two-way as an advanced professional interpreter
Unit D2 Enhance your performance as an advanced interpreter
Unit E2 Support interpreting through sight translations of complex written documents
Unit F2 Support interpreting through draft written translations of complex written
documents
Desirable skills:
Unit I Act as a mentor to trainee or colleague interpreters
IV Conference interpreter operating from Spanish and French into English
Essential skills:
Unit B2 Interpret one-way as an advanced professional interpreter (Spanish to English)
Unit B2 Interpret one-way as an advanced professional interpreter (French to English)
Desirable skills:
Unit E2 Support interpreting through sight translations of complex written documents
Unit F2 Support interpreting through draft written translations of complex written
documents

Qualifications
Entry to the profession
Those considering a career as a professional interpreter should consult the Languages Work website,
at www.languageswork.org.uk. This gives information and advice about different types of
interpreting, as well as case studies of those who are working in the profession.
The Languages Work website also contains links to the professional bodies’ websites, where you can
find further information and guidance.
You should note that new entrants to the profession should be qualified at least to these
minimum levels:
 National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications Level 4
 National Qualifications Framework (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) Level 6
 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 10
National/Scottish Vocational Qualification Structure

The following qualification structure was developed as part of the 2005−6 review of the Interpreting
Standards.
To be awarded a Level 4 National Vocational Qualification in British Sign Language/English Interpreting
candidates must achieve a combination of mandatory and optional units.
Level 4 NVQ in Interpreting (BSL/English)

Candidates must achieve all four mandatory units:
Mandatory units
A1 Prepare for interpreting assignments
B1 Interpret one-way as a professional interpreter
C1 Interpret two-way as a professional interpreter
D1 Develop your performance as an interpreter
Candidates must also achieve one of the following optional units:
Optional units
E1 Support interpreting through sight translations of routine written documents
G Work with other interpreters
NB For this qualification, N/SVQ Level 4 is equivalent to NQF Level 6, SQCF Level 10.

Assessment strategy
This is the assessment strategy for N/SVQs based on the National Occupational Standards in
Interpreting. It has been devised by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, as the UK
standards setting body for languages, in consultation with employers, practitioners and awarding
bodies. The strategy sets out a series of measures which are designed to ensure consistency in
assessment. These are in line with the NVQ Code of Practice and SQA equivalent
requirements.
External quality control

To ensure consistent and appropriate quality control, awarding bodies must comply with the
following measures.
a) Awarding bodies must conduct a risk rating procedure for all their centres. This must be based on
a number of factors, including:
 centre’s track-record
 number and experience of assessors/internal verifiers
 qualification levels of assessors/internal verifiers
 candidate numbers/turnover
The outcome of the risk rating procedure must be used to determine any action to be taken.
Where a centre is deemed to be ‘high risk’ the awarding body must increase support activity, for
example, the frequency of external verifier visits and level of support given.
b) Awarding bodies must inform CILT, the National Centre for Languages, of arrangements for the
continuing professional development of External Verifiers and invite input as appropriate. CILT,
the National Centre for Languages, will convene meetings of Lead/Chief Verifiers, as necessary,
to promote best practice and consistency. Awarding bodies not represented at these events will
be required to take into account any conclusions reached.
Performance in the workplace

Naturally occurring work-based evidence is generally the best source of evidence for the assessment
of N/SVQs. There are, however, special constraints on the assessment of competence in interpreting
(see section on Simulation). The performance evidence for each unit indicates specifically when
performance in the workplace is required and what other steps may be taken to collect evidence.
Simulation
There is ample evidence from the field that there are occasions when it is impossible or inadvisable
to assess candidates’ competence through normal working practice. This applies in particular when:
 collecting real workplace evidence would intrude on confidentiality or privacy, for example:
– interpreting to support a legal case on child protection;
– providing a written or sight translation of a letter dealing with immigration status;
– interpreting during a medical appointment for mental health reasons, or a police interview with
a defendant.
 arranging observation is difficult and/or expensive, for example while working on the client’s
premises, far away from the assessment base.
 the candidate may experience an unreasonable delay in collecting evidence to prove his/her
competence.
In cases where collection of evidence in the workplace is not possible for the reasons given
above, CILT will allow simulation of assignments, provided that they mirror the potential or actual
workplace environment. In the case of interpreting this means that at least two people who do not
speak or sign the same language are engaged in meaningful communication through the means of
interpreting.

Occupational expertise of assessors and verifiers
Assessors, internal verifiers and external verifiers must hold appropriate assessor/verifier qualifications,
as currently required by the regulatory authorities. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where
assessors and internal verifiers do not hold the appropriate qualifications, they must achieve the
award within eighteen months of appointment, also until they are qualified, decisions must be
countersigned by a qualified assessor or verifier. In Scotland these requirements are covered by the
regulatory body and awarding bodies will be required to abide by current legislation.
Additionally, awarding bodies must ensure that assessors/verifiers meet the following occupational
expertise requirements.
Assessors must have:
 language and interpreting skills of at least the level required to perform at the level of
competence of the qualification;
 up-to-date knowledge of the field of interpreting (at least three years’ relevant experience in the
industry within the last five years) and the domains in which they assess;
 current and relevant experience of working as interpreters;
 knowledge and understanding of competence-based qualifications;
 in-depth knowledge of the Interpreting Standards;
 ability to make objective and reliable judgements about candidate competence.
Internal verifiers must have:

 sufficient expertise in language and interpreting to enable them to verify assessment decisions
and give advice to assessors;
 up-to-date knowledge of the field of interpreting (at least three years’ relevant experience within
the last seven years) and the domains in which they verify;
 in-depth knowledge of the Interpreting Standards.
External verifiers must have:

 sufficient expertise in language and interpreting to enable them to verify assessment decisions
and give advice to assessors, internal verifiers and centres on the quality and consistency of
delivery;
 up-to-date knowledge of the field of interpreting (at least five years’ relevant experience gained
over the last ten years) and the domains in which they verify;
 in-depth knowledge of the Interpreting Standards and the awarding body quality assurance
procedures

Key and core skills signposting
Guidance
The aims of key/core skills signposting are twofold:
 to indicate where tasks which generate evidence towards N/SVQ interpreting units may provide
suitable evidence for key/core skills accreditation;
 to map the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting against the key and core skills levels.
The links noted here between the Interpreting Standards and key/core skills are not automatic or
prescriptive. The signposting is based on the principle that evidence for one or more of the key/core
skills may arise when the candidate is working towards the N/SVQ interpreting units. The evidence
will depend on the environment in which the candidate is training or working. Please note, however,
that the nature of interpreting activity does not always naturally provide opportunities to collect
evidence.
Candidates and assessors should make sure that sufficient evidence is produced to cover each
key/core skills unit.
When considering the inclusion of evidence for Communication Skills, assessors and candidates
should note that the interpreting units are principally about communication − but not in the
traditional sense. When interpreting, the candidate does not communicate in his or her own
right: the central action revolves around the ability to reflect accurately the language produced
by other people. The signposting to Communication Skills is therefore restricted to those units
(e.g. those covering preparation and evaluation) in which candidates are required to communicate
in their own right.
As far as the other key/core skills are concerned, the generation of evidence will depend on the
specific processes that an individual follows to achieve the outcomes described in the interpreting
units.
Key and core skills equivalences

The table below provides an overview of the equivalences between key skills, which are used in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland1, and core skills, which are used in Scotland.
Equivalences of key and core skills

Key skills Core skills
Level 3 Higher (SCQF Level 6)
Level 2 Intermediate 2 (SCQF Level 5)
Level 1 Intermediate 1 (SCQF Level 4)
Adult basic skills entry level 3 Access 3 (SCQF Level 3)
Adult basic skills entry level 2 Access 2 (SCQF Level 2)
Adult basic skills entry level 1 There is currently no match at this level
1
Table produced by Scottish Qualifications Authority.

The mapping of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting
and key/core skills
As stated previously, the signposting in this table is not intended to be prescriptive but rather it
should be seen as a guide to sources of potential evidence.

Communication Level 3 Communication Higher
Information and communication technology Information Technology Intermediate 2
Level 2
A2 Extend existing skills to prepare for interpreting assignments

Communication Level 4 –
Level 2

– –
B2 Interpret one-way as an advanced professional interpreter

– –

– –
C2 Interpret two-way as an advanced professional interpreter

– –


Level 2

D2 Enhance your performance as an advanced interpreter
Level 2

– –
E2 Support interpreting through sight translations of complex written documents

– –
F1 Support interpreting through draft written translations of routine written documents

– –
F2 Support interpreting through draft written translations of complex written documents

– –

Working with others Level 3 Working with others Higher
Working with others Level 4 –
H Evaluate and improve language services to meet client and user needs
Application of number Level 2 Numeracy Intermediate 2
Application of number Level 3 Numeracy Higher


I Act as a mentor to trainee and colleague interpreters

Definition of interpreting and the role of
the interpreter
Interpreting is the process where one spoken or signed language is transferred into another
spoken or signed language.
The professional interpreter interprets between two languages in such a way that effective
communication takes place between the participating language speakers/signers. The interpreter
interprets one-way (e.g. from French into English during presentations and lectures) and/or two-way
(e.g. during meetings, discussions and consultations). S/he interprets consecutively, i.e. in chunks,
or simultaneously, i.e. at the same time as the language is spoken or signed. Most interpreters
are bilingual and interpret between two languages but some conference interpreters interpret one-
way from two or more languages into their first language.
The professional interpreter has full command of the spoken/signed languages in which s/he
interprets. S/he reflects accurately the information and ideas, cultural context and intention of the
speaker/signer. While s/he essentially interprets spoken or signed language, s/he may also support
the interpreting assignment by producing a sight or written translation of written documents, such as
correspondence or a medical case study.
The professional interpreter is impartial. While s/he promotes effective communication and clarifies
language and cultural misunderstandings where appropriate, s/he does not act as an advocate for
clients. The interpreter treats information exchanged during an interpreted session as confidential
and has good knowledge of subject areas, e.g. health, business or law. S/he declines to take on
work if it is outside his/her professional expertise. S/he engages regularly in continuous professional
development. S/he adheres to the common code of conduct, as stipulated by the organisation with
which s/he is registered as a professional interpreter.

Principles of professional practice
There are references to the principles of professional practice throughout the National Occupational
Standards in Interpreting. The text below distils the common essentials of the principles of
professional practice, drawn from the codes of ethics of a range of professional and registration
bodies.
You, the professional interpreter, must show that you adhere to the following principles
of professional practice. This means that you:
 meet the standard of performance as described in the National Occupational Standards
in Interpreting
 treat all information you receive in the course of your duties as confidential, unless required
by law to disclose information
 are impartial, maintain integrity and professionalism, keeping a professional distance, even
in challenging situations
 intervene only to clarify meaning or to manage situations, eg to prevent misunderstanding
and incorrect cultural inference, or to ensure that participants do not all speak at once
 do not accept an assignment which is beyond your competence
 if appropriate, request a briefing session and sight of documents to be used in advance
 explain the principles of professional practice if unethical demands are made on you
 demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development
 support colleague interpreters sensitively in the course of their duties
 disclose any information, including conflicts of interest, which may be relevant to or make
you unsuitable for an assignment
 respect the ethics and the working practices of other professions
 do not discriminate against parties on any grounds
 do not bring the profession into disrepute

Overview of the National Occupational
Standards in Interpreting
Preparation
Interpreting performance
Professional development
(i) Evaluate your performance as an interpreter
(ii) Plan and implement professional development
(i) Evaluate your performance as an advanced interpreter
(ii) Plan and implement continuing professional development
Support functions
(i) Plan for interpreting assignments as part of a team of interpreters
(ii) Deliver interpreting services as part of a team of interpreters
(i) Implement and maintain quality assurance systems
(ii) Identify improvements to meet user requirements
(iii) Implement improvements to language services

© CILT, the National Centre for Languages 2006

Unit overview
This unit is about preparing for professional interpreting assignments. This involves establishing the nature of assignments and considering whether you have the
right skills. You must be able to use a range of information sources to prepare for assignments and must plan for any use of equipment. You must be fully aware of the role
of the professional interpreter and the principles of professional practice.
Who this unit is for Further information

The unit is recommended for people who have excellent language skills in two For an overview of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting, principles
or more languages and who would like either to develop or to accredit the skills of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to
needed to work as a professional interpreter. www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm.
Links to other units

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised
This unit is linked to a number of units within the suite, in particular:

Unit E1 Support interpreting through sight translations of routine written
documents
Unit F1 Support interpreting through draft written translations of routine
written documents
Performance Criteria Knowledge and Skills

When you get a new interpreting assignment, you must show that: To prepare effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you identify: K1 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5 for
– the subject matter and purpose of the assignment your first language; and level 4 for your other language(s) (see the Listening/
– the level of language and interpreting skills required Reception and Speaking/Production units of the National Language Standards
the mode of interpreting to be used: consecutive or simultaneous/whispered for performance and knowledge requirements)
K2 the process of interpreting from one language into another and how to
2 you do not accept any assignment which is beyond your competence
overcome the impact of the difference between languages
3 you agree contract details, including location, equipment, timescales, insurance
K3 the cultures of the languages in which you interpret and their conventions for
and payment
communication, and the implications of these aspects for the planning of the
4 if appropriate, you request a briefing session and sight of documents to be interpreting assignment
used in advance of the assignment
K4 the modes of consecutive and simultaneous/whispered interpreting
5 you explain the principles of professional practice if unethical demands
K5 techniques to anticipate the type and the degree of difficulty of the assignment
are made on you
and the client’s and users’ needs
6 you plan appropriately so that you will be able to deal with:
K6 techniques to deliver effective communication between source and target
– the type and complexity of the assignment
language users
– domain-specific requirements
– likely cultural differences and language needs K7 the role of the interpreter and the principles of professional conduct,
– any special requirements, including the need for equipment and the specifically the need to:
positioning of the user(s) and yourself – disclose any information, including conflict of interest which may make you
– the likely requirements and expectations of your client and user(s) unsuitable for an assignment
– be impartial, maintain integrity and professionalism
7 you use relevant sources of information to prepare for the assignment
– treat all information you receive in the course of your duties as
8 you compile and maintain a glossary of terminology confidential, unless required to disclose by law
– respect the ethics and the working practices of other professions
K8 contract negotiation and agreement, including time scales, payment and
professional indemnity as well as third party insurance
K9 techniques to research and verify general and domain-specific terminology
K10 techniques to compile and maintain glossaries of terminology
K11 sources of general and specialist information to assist with assignments, e.g.
internet, leaflets, video, glossaries and technical journals


Unit overview
This unit is about advanced preparation for interpreting assignments, building on your existing skills. This involves establishing the nature of interpreting
assignments, reviewing requirements against your existing knowledge and skills, and planning how you will acquire any new knowledge and skills.
Please note that the knowledge and skills requirements for A2 include those set for A1.

The unit is recommended for people who have professional interpreting skills and For an overview of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting, principles
who would like either to develop or to benchmark advanced interpreting skills. of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to
www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm.

Unit E2 Support interpreting through sight translations of complex written
documents
Unit F2 Support interpreting through draft written translations of complex
written documents

When you get a new interpreting assignment, you must show that: To prepare effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you identify the degree of difficulty and sensitivity of the assignment K1 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5
2 you draw on your existing knowledge to prepare for the assignment for both your first language and any other languages in which you
3 you establish the need for further background information and whether there interpret (see the Listening/Reception and Speaking/Production units of
are areas of knowledge on which you need to expand prior to the assignment the National Language Standards for performance and knowledge
4 you plan how you will obtain the information which you require to prepare requirements)
5 you carry out your research and prepare for the assignment K2 techniques to:
6 you use your experience to anticipate any foreseeable scenarios and – assess the client’s and users’ needs
difficulties – anticipate the degree of difficulty of the assignment
– assess the planning requirements for the interpreting assignment
7 you plan how you will create the best conditions for effective communication,
– anticipate foreseeable scenarios and difficulties
anticipating:
K3 research methods and techniques relevant to planning for interpreting
– complex language and interpreting demands
assignments
– sensitive and/or emotional aspects of the interaction
– high intellectual content of the interaction
– the use of specialist equipment
– special requirements of your clients and users


Unit overview
This unit is about carrying out one-way interpreting assignments to a professional standard. You must be able to interpret presentations, talks and lectures accurately and
fluently in the target language. You must be able to select and use the appropriate mode of interpreting for the occasion (i.e. consecutive or simultaneous/whispered) and
handle the range of formal, informal and colloquial registers. You must know how to use technology (e.g. microphones, telephones or videophones) as appropriate.

Most commonly this unit is for those who interpret from one language into another,
e.g. from French into English. It also applies to those interpreters who interpret
from more than one language into a single target language. These are mostly
conference interpreters who may interpret for example from Italian and French
into English.

Unit C1 Interpret two-way as a professional
interpreter Unit D1 Develop your performance as an
interpreter
documents
written documents

When you interpret one-way, you must show that: To interpret one-way effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you interpret the meaning of a sustained presentation accurately in the target
K1 the process of interpreting from one language into another
language
K2 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5 for
2 any omissions and inaccuracies are minor and do not significantly affect
your first language; and level 4 for your other language(s) (see the Listening/
the meaning of the base message
Reception and Speaking/Production units of the National Language Standards
3 your interpretation is sufficient to reflect the source language user’s: for performance and knowledge requirements)
– register, attitude and tone as expressed through verbal and non-verbal
communication
communication, and the implications of these aspects for the delivery of one-
– role and relationship with the target language user(s)
way interpreting assignments
4 you interpret consecutively and/or simultaneously/whispered
K4 register (frozen, formal, colloquial, informal, intimate) and the transfer of
5 you interpret factual information, concepts and opinions register from one language to the other
6 you handle standard varieties of language and common regional dialects K5 the interpreting modes of consecutive and simultaneous/whispered
7 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terms and phrases, if you do not interpreting
know the direct equivalent in the target language K6 techniques to deliver effective communication in a one-way presentation
8 you support effective communication throughout the assignment and take K7 techniques to manage the process of communication if it breaks down in
action if communication breaks down one or more of the following ways:
9 you explain your role as an interpreter when you arrive on site, if necessary – you need to check on meaning
10 you use technology effectively and safely, such as microphone, video link and – the degree of complexity, technicality or emotional charge is beyond your
telephone ability to deal with it
11 you adjust your style of communication to the medium and technology used – your position and/or that of the users hinders communication
– the conduct of the presenter prevents you from interpreting effectively
12 you take notes during consecutive interpreting, where required
– the presenter is communicating too fast or too slowly
13 your conduct is consistent with the principles of professional practice and K8 the role of the interpreter and the principles of professional practice
your professional or registration body’s code of conduct
K9 the domain(s) in which you interpret and how to work with professionals in
their field
K10 the use of technology, health and safety and how to trouble-shoot when there
is a technical problem
K11 techniques of taking notes when interpreting in consecutive mode


Unit overview
This unit is about carrying out one-way interpreting assignments to an advanced professional standard. You must be able to interpret presentations, talks or lectures with
a high degree of accuracy and fluency in the target language. You must be able to handle the full range of language, including technical and complex language, and have
in-depth domain knowledge. You must be able to extend your knowledge and skills to an advanced professional standard.
Please note that the knowledge and skills requirements for B2 include those set for B1.

This unit
is linked to a number of units within the suite, in particular:
documents
written documents

When you interpret one-way, you must show that: To interpret one-way effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you interpret the meaning of a sustained presentation K1 the process of interpreting from one language into another
– precisely and fluently in the target language K2 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5
– maintaining a consistently accurate performance throughout the for both your first language and any other languages in which you
assignment interpret (see the Listening/Reception and Speaking/Production units of
2 you reflect consistently the source language user’s: the National Language Standards for performance and knowledge
– register, tone and speed of production requirements)
– intention, attitude, irony, sarcasm and innuendo K3 the cultures of the languages in which you interpret and their conventions for
– non-verbal communication communication, and the implications of these aspects for the delivery of one-
– role and relationship with the audience way interpreting assignments
3 you interpret accurately:
K4 register (frozen, formal, colloquial, informal, intimate), the transfer of register
– factual information, concepts and opinions from one language into another and techniques to use when the registers
– complex language, specialist terminology and jargon of the language users do not match each other
4 you reflect all major language variants, including standard language, regional K5 variation of the language and discourse of participants e.g. because of gender,
dialects, and language used by speech/sign communities and individuals age, class, background and profession
5 you use appropriate equivalent language to convey the meaning of K6 interpreting modes and techniques to deliver effective communication
complex terminology and phrases, only if there is no direct equivalent in
K7 the domain(s) in which you interpret
the target language
K8 the role and ethics of the interpreter
6 you support effective communication throughout the assignment and take
action if communication breaks down K9 techniques to take action if the process of communication breaks down in one
or more of the following ways:
7 you take effective notes during consecutive interpreting, where required
– you need to check on meaning
8 you make effective use of the interpreting booth and technology, where – your position and/or that of the users or participants hinders
appropriate communication
9 your conduct is consistent with the principles of professional practice and K10 techniques of taking notes when interpreting in consecutive mode
your professional or registration body’s code of conduct
K11 the use of technology, health and safety requirements and how to trouble-
shoot when there is a technical problem


Unit overview
This unit is about carrying out two-way interpreting assignments to a professional standard. This involves interpreting interactions between two or more language users in
settings such as:
 one-to-one or small group meetings, for example a medical appointment or job interview
 group meetings, for example a public consultation with local residents or work meeting to review progress
 question and answer sessions after lectures and presentations

or more languages and who would like either to develop or to accredit the skills
of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to


This unit
is linked to a number of units within the suite, in particular:
documents
written documents

When you interpret two-way, you must show that: To interpret two-way effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you interpret accurately the meaning expressed by users who are communicating K1 the process of interpreting from and into two languages
with each other across two languages
2 your interpretation reflects the flow of communication between the source your first language; and level 4 for your other language(s) (see the Listening/
and target language users Reception and Speaking/Production units of the National Language Standards
3 any omissions and inaccuracies are minor and do not significantly affect for performance and knowledge requirements)
the meaning of the base message in either language K3 the cultures of the languages in which you interpret and their conventions for
4 your interpretation is sufficient to reflect the language users’: communication, and the implications of these aspects for the delivery of two-
– register, attitude and tone as expressed through verbal and non-verbal way interpreting assignments
communication K4 register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate), the transfer of
– roles and relationships with each other register from one language into the other and techniques to use when the
5 you interpret consecutively and/or simultaneously/whispered registers of the language users do not match each other
6 you interpret factual information, concepts and opinions K5 the modes of consecutive and simultaneous/whispered interpreting
7 you handle standard varieties of language and common regional dialects K6 techniques to achieve effective communication in a two-way exchange
8 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terms and phrases, if you do not K7 techniques to manage communication if it breaks down in one or more of the
know the direct equivalent in the target language following ways:
9 you support effective communication throughout the assignment and take – you need to check on meaning
action if communication breaks down – the degree of complexity, technicality or emotional charge is beyond your
ability to deal with it
10 you explain your role as an interpreter when you arrive on site, if necessary
– an apparent lack of understanding or misunderstanding hinders
11 you use technology effectively and safely, such as microphone, video link and communication between the source and target language users
telephone – your position and/or that of the users hinders communication
12 you adjust communication to the medium and technology used – the users’ conduct prevents you from interpreting effectively
13 you take notes during consecutive interpreting, where required – the users are communicating too fast or too slowly
14 your conduct is consistent with the principles of professional practice and – the users communicate all at once or fail to observe appropriate turn-
your professional or registration body’s code of conduct taking
K8 the role of the interpreter and the principles of professional practice
K9 the domain(s) in which you interpret and how to work with professionals in
their field


Unit overview
This unit is about carrying out two-way interpreting assignments to an advanced professional standard. This involves interpreting the meaning expressed by people engaged
in two-way interactions with a high degree of accuracy and fluency in the target language. You must be able to handle with ease a wide range of settings, such as:
 one-to-one and group meetings
 job interviews
 appointments with legal or medical practitioners
 complex negotiations e.g. political or commercial
You must be able to handle the full range of language, including technical and complex language, and have in-depth domain knowledge. You must be able to extend your
knowledge and skills to an advanced professional standard. You must also be able to deal with highly charged emotional content, as may occur during a diplomatic
emergency or a mental health consultation.
Please note that the knowledge and skills requirements for C2 include those set for C1.

This unit is linked to a number of units within the suite, in
particular: Unit A2 Extend existing skills to prepare for interpreting
assignments Unit B2 Interpret one-way as an advanced professional
interpreter Unit D2 Enhance your performance as an advanced
interpreter
documents
written documents

When you interpret two-way, you must show that: To interpret effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you interpret the meaning expressed by people engaged in two-way K1 the process of interpreting from one language into another
interaction
K2 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5
– precisely and fluently in both target languages
– maintaining a consistently satisfactory performance throughout the for both your first language and any other languages in which you
assignment interpret (see the Listening/Reception and Speaking/Production units of
the National Language Standards for performance and knowledge
2 your reflect both language users’ requirements)
– register, tone and speed of production
– attitude, irony, sarcasm and innuendo
– non-verbal communication communication, and the implications of these aspects for the delivery of two-
– social and cultural norms way interpreting
– respective roles and relationships K4 register (frozen, formal, colloquial, informal, intimate), the transfer of register
3 you interpret from one language into the other and techniques to use when the registers of
– factual information, concepts and opinions the language users do not match each other
– standard language and any regional or national dialects K5 interpreting modes and techniques to deliver effective communication between
– complex language, specialist terms and jargon the language users of both languages
4 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terminology and phrases, if there is K6 the domain(s) in which you interpret
no direct equivalent in the target language K7 the role of the interpreter and the principles of professional practice
5 your interpretation reflects the flow of communication between the source K8 what to do if the process of communication breaks down in one or more of the
and target language users following ways:
6 you support effective communication throughout the assignment and take – you need to check on meaning
action if communication breaks down – an apparent lack of understanding or a misunderstanding hinders
7 you take effective notes during consecutive interpreting where required communication between the source and target language users
– your position and/or that of the users or participants hinders
8 you make effective use of the interpreting booth and any technology, where
communication
appropriate
– the users’ conduct prevents you from interpreting effectively
9 your conduct is consistent with the principles of professional practice and – the users communicate all at once or fail to observe appropriate turn-
your professional or registration body’s code of conduct taking


Unit overview
This unit is about developing your performance as an interpreter. This is expressed in two elements:
D1.1 Evaluate your performance as an interpreter
D1.2 Plan and implement professional development
This involves reviewing your interpreting assignments and evaluating your performance and preparation. You must be able identify your strengths and weaknesses and
create a personal development plan to maintain and develop your professional knowledge and skills.


documents
written documents
Element D1.1 Evaluate your performance as an interpreter

When you evaluate your performance, you must show that: To evaluate your performance effectively, you need to make use of the knowledge
1 you use commonly used concepts and criteria to review your preparation for components of Units A1, B1 and C1. You also must have knowledge of:
and delivery of assignments K1 concepts and terminology commonly used to analyse interpreting performance,
2 you evaluate the language you used during interpreting assignments in e.g. development of glossaries, choice of modes of interpreting, error
terms of: analysis, chunking and the use of time-lag in simultaneous interpreting and
– syntax the effectiveness of the interpretation in the context and environment of
– lexical choice the assignment
– pronunciation and intonation/modulation K2 methods to review and assess your preparation for assignments
– register
K3 methods to review your interpreting performance
3 you review how accurately and fluently you processed the meaning of the
source language message into the target language K4 methods to review your management of the interpreting assignments
4 you evaluate how well you managed assignments in terms of: K5 methods to check that your analysis of strengths and weaknesses is accurate
– your conduct, style and interaction with users and justifiable
– the approach you took to dealing with cultural expectations
– the appropriateness of simultaneous/whispered and/or consecutive mode
– instances of communication breakdown, their causes, and whether you took
the right action to repair them
– your compliance with the principles of professional practice and your
registration body’s code of conduct
5 you produce an accurate and justifiable analysis of the strengths and
weaknesses of your performance as an interpreter
6 you identify ways in which your preparation for assignments could be
improved


Element D1.2 Plan and implement professional development
When you plan and implement professional development, you must show that: To plan and implement your development programme effectively, you must have
1 you use the evaluation of your performance to plan how you can improve your knowledge of:
preparation for assignments and interpreting performance K1 strategies to improve your performance and knowledge
2 your development goals and priorities are consistent with the evaluation of K2 opportunities for continuing professional development, e.g. training courses,
your performance use of published materials or self-study
3 you identify and take relevant opportunities to develop your interpreting skills K3 criteria and techniques to evaluate your development programme
and knowledge
K4 the advice on continuing professional development available from professional
4 you set relevant criteria to evaluate your professional development bodies
programme
K5 sources of information, such as mentors, peers, clients and users, who can offer
5 you regularly monitor and evaluate your professional development against the you advice on your development
criteria you have set
6 you update and revise your plan in the light of the progress you make
7 you seek appropriate advice, if your progress and achievements do not meet
your expectations
Unit overview
This unit is about evaluating your performance and engaging in continuing professional development at an advanced level. This is expressed in two elements:
D2.1 Evaluate your performance as an advanced interpreter
D2.2 Plan and implement continuing professional development
This involves selecting criteria and using these to evaluate your preparation and interpreting performance. You must be able to reflect on your skills, the context of the
assignment and the dynamics of the interaction. You must be able to analyse your work independently and take on board feedback from others, e.g. other interpreters, as
well as professionals in health, law, etc. You must be aware of your professional and personal skills and able to identify areas for improvement.
Please note that the knowledge and skills requirements for D2 include those set for D1.

documents
written documents


Element D2.1 Evaluate your performance as an advanced interpreter
When you evaluate your performance, you must show that: To evaluate your performance effectively, you need to make use of the knowledge
1 you select criteria to review your preparation and interpreting performance components of A2, B2 and C2. In addition you must have knowledge of:
and explain why you chose them K1 a wide range of concepts and strategies used to analyse interpreting
2 you use these criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of performance
– your preparation for interpreting assignments K2 methods to review and assess your preparation for assignments
– your interpreting performance
– your professional behaviour K3 methods to review your management of the interpreting assignments
3 you reflect on K4 strategies for critically analysing ethical dilemmas and implications for the role
– the context of the assignment(s) of the interpreter
– the dynamics of the interaction, e.g. any power imbalance, and your K5 methods to check that your analysis of strengths and weaknesses is realistic
management of it and justifiable
– any unusual aspects, such as requests by users for a specific mode of
interpreting, emotional charge or technical difficulty
– the emotional impact of assignments on your professional and private self
– domain-specific requirements
– any special requirements for technology
4 where appropriate, you make use of feedback from others, for example,
users, clients, colleagues, your manager and professionals who work in the
domain you covered e.g. health or law
5 you produce an accurate and justifiable analysis of your strengths and
weaknesses as an interpreter
6 you demonstrate self-awareness of your professional and personal skills
7 you reflect on the perspective of the users
8 you take a holistic as well as a detailed approach to evaluation
9 you identify areas for improvement
Element D2.2 Plan and implement continuing professional development

When you plan and implement your continuing professional development, you must To plan and implement your development programme effectively, you must have
show that: knowledge of:
1 you use the evaluation of your performance to identify areas for improvement K1 strategies to improve your performance and knowledge
2 you develop goals and priorities which are consistent with your evaluation of K2 opportunities for development, e.g. training courses, use of published materials
your performance and self-study
3 you identify and take relevant opportunities to develop your interpreting skills K3 criteria and techniques to evaluate your development programme
and knowledge
K4 the advice on continuing professional development available from professional
4 you set relevant criteria to evaluate your development programme and bodies
achievement against it
K5 sources of information, such as peers, clients and users who can offer you
5 you regularly monitor and evaluate your development advice on your development
6 you update and revise your plan in the light of the progress you make
7 you seek appropriate advice, if your progress and achievements do not meet
your expectations

Unit E1 Support interpreting through sight translations of routine

written documents
Unit overview
This unit is about producing translations of written documents at sight into oral or signed language. You may be required to do this within the context of an interpreting
assignment when one of the users produces a document, the content of which needs to be translated at sight. You must be able to produce sight translations of documents,
such as correspondence, personal status certificates or information leaflets.
If you are interpreting between spoken languages, you must be able to produce sight translations of written documents in either language. If you are a BSL/English
interpreter, you must produce sight translations of documents which are written in English into BSL.

or more languages (at least one of which has a written form) and who would like
of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to

either to develop or to accredit the skills needed to work as a professional www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm.
interpreter.

interpreter
written documents
documents

When you produce a sight translation of a written document, you must show that: To produce effective sight translations, you must have knowledge of:
1 you assess whether you are able to provide a sight translation of the K1 the process of providing a sight translation from written text
document
2 you determine whether you are able to prepare a sight translation within your first language; and level 4 for your other language(s) (see the Reading
a reasonable time (typically within twenty minutes) and Speaking/Production units of the National Language Standards for
3 you inform the user(s) of the interpreting service, if you need more performance and knowledge requirements)
preparation or research than is feasible given the time available and/or K3 the cultures, conventions and formats used to communicate orally/signed
the context in which you are working, and you suggest an alternative and written communication in the languages in which you interpret; and
solution the implications of these aspects for translating a document at sight
4 you make effective use of reference materials to check on vocabulary with K4 register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate); the transfer of
which you are not familiar register from one language into another; and from written into spoken or
5 you give an accurate sight translation of the contents of the document signed language
6 you translate at sight factual information as well as concepts and opinions K5 techniques to assess the requirements for sight translations and the client’s
7 you reflect the language, register and tone used in the document and users’ needs
8 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terms and phrases, if you do not K6 contract negotiation and agreement to carry out at sight translations, including
know the direct equivalent in the target language time scales, payment, professional indemnity as well as third party insurance
9 if necessary, you check and clarify any uncertainty of meaning with the user K7 the domain(s) in which you interpret and translate at sight
to whom the document belongs K8 the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and glossaries stored in
hard copy or electronic format
K9 alternatives to immediate sight translation, for example professional written
translation services

Unit E2 Support interpreting through sight translations of complex

written documents
Unit overview
This unit is about producing translations at sight of complex written documents into oral or signed language. You may be required to do this within the context of
an interpreting assignment when one of the users produces a document, the content of which needs to be translated at sight. You must be able to produce sight
translations of a wide range of documents, such as abstracts, executive summaries, legal or business letters or medical case studies.
If you are interpreting between spoken languages, you must be able to produce sight translations of written documents in either language. If you are a BSL/English
interpreter, you must produce sight translations of documents which are written in English into BSL.
Please note that the knowledge and skills requirements for E2 include those set for E1.

written documents
documents

When you produce a sight translation of a written document, you must show that: To provide effective sight translations, you must have knowledge of:
1 you assess whether you are able to provide a translation of the document K1 the process of producing a sight translation from written text
within twenty minutes
2 you inform the user(s) of the interpreting service if you need more both your first language and any other languages in which you interpret
preparation or research than is feasible, given the time available and/or (see the Reading and Speaking/Production units of the National Language
the context in which you are working, and suggest an alternative Standards for performance and knowledge requirements)
solution
3 you make effective use of reference materials to check on technical and communication, and the implications of these aspects for the production of
specialist terms sight translations
4 you provide a sight translation of the contents of the document, conveying its K4 register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate); the transfer of
meaning accurately and fluently register from one language into another; and from written into spoken or
5 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terminology and phrases, if there is signed language
no direct equivalent in the target language K5 techniques to assess the requirements for sight translations and the client’s
6 you reflect the meaning of the document and its register and tone and users’ needs
7 if necessary, you check and clarify any uncertainty of meaning with the user K6 contract negotiation and agreement, including time scales, payment and
to whom the document belongs professional indemnity as well as third party insurance
K7 the domain(s) in which you interpret and translate at sight
K8 the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and glossaries stored in
K9 alternatives to immediate sight translation, for example professional written

Unit F1 Support interpreting through draft written translations of

routine written documents
Unit overview
This unit is about producing draft written translations of written documents. Draft written translations are working documents which are used to assist interpreting
assignments, e.g. during a job interview or an appointment with a GP. You must be able to produce draft written translations of routine documents such as
correspondence, personal status certificates or information leaflets. You must be able to produce the translation with minimal preparation and within one hour.
Draft written translations are not intended for publication and are not the equivalent of professionally produced translations.

or more languages, who need to be able to translate from and into a written form of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to
of the language, and who would like either to develop or to accredit the skills www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm.
needed to work as a professional interpreter.

interpreter
documents
written documents

When you need to produce a draft written translation, you must show that: To produce effective draft written translations, you must have knowledge of:
1 you consider whether you are able to handle the demands of the text K1 the process of translating written text from one language into another
2 you decide whether you can produce the translation immediately K2 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5 for
3 you determine whether you need no more than one hour to perform the task your first language; and level 4 for your other language(s) (see the
4 you suggest a constructive alternative, if you are unable to produce a written Reading and Writing units of the National Language Standards for
translation because of skills demands and/or restrictions of time performance and knowledge requirements)
5 you produce a draft written translation which reflects the meaning of the K3 the cultures of the languages in which you interpret and the conventions
document but does not need to be of publishable standard and formats used in written documents
6 you translate factual information as well as concepts and opinions K4 register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate) and the
7 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terms and phrases, if you do not transfer of register between written languages
know the direct equivalent in the target language K5 techniques to assess the requirements for written translations and the client’s
8 you make effective use of reference material to check on technical and and users’ needs
specialist terms K6 contract negotiation and agreement, including time scales, payment and
9 you check and clarify any uncertainty of meaning with the user to whom professional indemnity as well as third party insurance
the document belongs K7 the domains in which you interpret and translate
K8 the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and glossaries stored in
K9 alternatives to instant written translation, for example professional translation
services

Unit F2 Support interpreting through draft written translations of

complex written documents
Unit overview
This unit is about producing draft written translations of complex written documents. Draft written translations are working documents which are used to assist interpreting
assignments. You must be able to produce draft written translations of a variety of documents, such as such as abstracts, executive summaries, legal or business letters or
medical case studies. You must be able to produce the translation with minimal preparation and within one hour.
Draft written translations are not intended for publication and are not the equivalent of professionally produced translations.
Please note that the knowledge and skills requirements for F2 include those set for F1.
Who this unit is for

Further information
The unit is recommended for people who have professional interpreting skills, who
need to be able to translate from and into a written form of the language, and who For an overview of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting, principles
would like either to develop or to benchmark advanced interpreting skills. of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to
documents
written documents

When you need to produce a draft written translation, you must show that: To produce effective draft written translations, you must have knowledge of:
1 you determine whether you need no more than one hour to produce the K1 the process of translating written text from one language into another
written translation
K2 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 5
2 you inform the client and suggest an alternative solution, if you need to carry for both your first language and any other languages in which you
out more preparation or research than is feasible in the time available interpret (see the Reading and Writing units of the National Language
3 you make effective use of reference materials to check on technical and Standards for performance and knowledge requirements)
specialist terms K3 the cultures of the two languages in which you interpret, the conventions
4 you produce a draft written translation which reflects the meaning of the and formats used for written communication, and their implications for the
document accurately but does not need to be of publishable standard production of written translations
5 you reflect the language, register and tone used in the document K4 register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate) and the transfer of
6 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terminology and phrases, if there is register between written languages
no direct equivalent in the target language K5 techniques to assess the requirements for written translations and the users’
7 you translate factual information as well as concepts and opinions needs
8 you check and clarify any uncertainty of meaning with the user to whom K6 the domain(s) in which you interpret and translate
the document belongs K7 the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and glossaries stored in
K8 alternatives to immediate written translation, for example professional written


Unit overview
This unit is about working with other professional interpreters. This is expressed in two elements:
G.1 Plan for interpreting assignments as part of a team of interpreters
G.2 Deliver interpreting services as part of a team of interpreters
This involves negotiating with colleague interpreters how you will cover joint assignments. You must be able to work effectively as part of a team of interpreters,
supporting colleague interpreters sensitively and professionally. You must be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the assignment in terms of your contribution and that
of the team as a whole.

needed to work as part of a team of professional interpreters. www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm.

This unit is linked to all other units within the suite of National Occupational
Standards in Interpreting.
Element G.1 Plan for interpreting assignments as part of a team of interpreters

When planning for interpreting assignments as part of a team of interpreters, you To work with other interpreters effectively, you must have knowledge of:
must show that:
K1 how to communicate constructively within a team
1 you clarify your role and that of your colleagues
K2 how to make constructive suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the
2 you negotiate how you and your colleague(s) will cover the assignment, team
the order in which you will work as well as any breaks
K3 techniques and accepted conventions of working as part of a team of
3 you check that the work is allocated in the most effective way, making interpreters
the most of your skills and those of your colleagues
K4 how to set out and agree joint work objectives, performance measures and
4 you and you colleague negotiate how you carry out any necessary preparation criteria to judge effectiveness
and research
K5 the principles of professional practice for interpreters
5 you agree appropriate alternative ways of organising your work, if arrangements
for an assignment are changed


Element G.2 Deliver interpreting services as part of a team of interpreters
When contributing to joint interpreting assignments, you must show that: To work with other interpreters effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 you organise your own activities effectively K1 how to communicate constructively within a team
2 you are an effective member of the team of interpreters K2 how to make constructive suggestions to improve the team’s effectiveness
3 you make efficient use of resources K3 techniques and accepted conventions of working as part of a team of
4 you inform the appropriate colleagues promptly of any difficulties in meeting interpreters
your responsibilities K4 the team’s work objectives and related performance measures and success
5 you make appropriate suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the criteria
interpreting team K5 the principles of professional practice for interpreters
6 your behaviour throughout the assignments is consistent with the professional

code of conduct
Unit H Evaluate and improve language services to meet client and
user needs
Unit overview
This unit is about your meeting the needs of clients and users by evaluating and improving language services. These functions are expressed in three elements:
H.1 Implement and maintain quality assurance systems
H.2 Identify improvements to meet user requirements
H.3 Implement improvements to language services
This involves evaluating and improving the effectiveness of your organisation, making use of performance indicators and identifying opportunities for the development of
the service. You must be able to orientate yourself on new developments in interpreting, technology and data processing, and identify suitable applications for your
service. You must be able to create realistic and cost-effective implementation plans and to monitor improvements made, involving staff and colleagues as appropriate.

The unit is recommended for people working as professional or advanced interpreters For an overview of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting, principles
whose job requires them to manage language service delivery. of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to

Element H.1 Implement and maintain quality assurance systems
When you implement and maintain quality assurance systems, you must show To implement and maintain quality assurance systems effectively, you must have
that: knowledge of:
1 you select criteria to set up or review quality assurance systems K1 quality assurance and control systems and how to identify systems relevant to
2 you implement quality assurance systems which offer the greatest potential a language service
for adding value and quality to the interpreting service K2 how to gather data effectively
3 your plans for quality assurance systems make good use of resources and K3 how to estimate the value for money offered by different systems
budgets
K4 how to encourage others to contribute to implementation
4 you encourage any directly employed staff and sub-contractors to assist in the
development of quality assurance systems K5 methods of establishing, defining and reviewing objectives and performance
measures
5 you clearly explain the quality assurance system to those involved
K6 customer agreements and requirements
6 you monitor the quality assurance systems on a regular basis
K7 relevant guidelines and standards relating to quality
Element H.2 Identify improvements to meet client and user requirements

When you identify improvements to the interpreting service you provide, you must To identify improvements effectively, you must have knowledge of:
show that:
K1 methods of collecting and analysing relevant information on changes in the
1 you orientate yourself on new developments in interpreting, technology and delivery of interpreting, technology and resources
data processing and identify suitable applications for your service
K2 techniques to analyse customer requirements
2 you collect relevant, valid and reliable information on customers’
requirements for language services K3 processes and outputs of services and systems identified for improvement
3 you regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the language service K4 legislation and organisational rules relevant to actual/typical circumstances
4 you identify opportunities for the development of the service and K5 methods of monitoring resource utilisation and costs and analysing efficiency
improvements in quality and effectiveness
5 you decide if your organisation has sufficient resources, e.g. in terms of K6 results of previous analyses of services, products and systems
budgets, staff and equipment, to implement identified improvements
6 you identify measures which may create or remove obstacles to improvement
7 you use the results of previous evaluations to review the development of
the service over time
8 you identify improvements which offer the greatest potential for improving
service to customers and achieving the language service’s goals

Element H.3 Implement improvements to language services
When you implement improvements, you must show that: To implement improvements effectively, you must have knowledge of:
1 your implementation plans are realistic and achievable within the timescales K1 the current processes and outputs of the service you manage
set
K2 how to plan for the implementation of improvements
2 you allocate resources for implementation which are realistic and cost-
effective K3 change management and how to anticipate the effects of change on people,
processes and outputs
3 your plans clearly identify who will do what, and what outcomes and benefits
K4 methods of establishing defining and reviewing objectives and performance
are to be achieved by the improvements
measures
4 you evaluate the outcomes of changes against expectations
K5 strategies for monitoring resource utilisation and costs
5 you monitor improvements for their effect on the language service

K6 how to analyse efficiency and effectiveness against targets
6 you modify the implementation plan if any problems arise during its
K7 how to evaluate short and long term achievements against improvement
implementation
plans
7 you consolidate the implementation plan, when there is enough evidence that
it is working effectively
Unit I Act as a mentor to trainee and colleague interpreters
Unit overview
This unit is about acting as a mentor for trainee and/or colleague interpreters. This involves supporting them in the development of their interpreting and other work skills.
You must be able to encourage individuals to evaluate their skills and performance, give constructive feedback and agree any action to be taken.

The unit is recommended for people working as professional or advanced interpreters For an overview of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting, principles
whose job requires them to mentor trainee or colleague interpreters. of professional practice and a glossary of specialist terminology, please go to


When you act as a mentor, you must show that: To act as an effective mentor, you must have knowledge of:
1 you make an initial assessment of how you can best support the interpreter K1 how to plan for the gathering of evidence which is representative of interpreting
2 you negotiate a plan for action with the interpreter performance and from which objective judgments can be derived
3 you plan how you will gather evidence of skills, if this is needed to inform K2 how to gather evidence on interpreter performance in a manner which is
your judgement sensitive to the needs of interpreters, users and clients
4 you are sensitive to the needs of clients and users, and any requirement K3 how to evaluate evidence and make sure that your judgements are objective
for confidentiality, if you observe a live interpreting assignment K4 how to encourage staff to assess their own performance and evaluate systems
5 you give feedback to the interpreter at an appropriate time and place and procedures
6 you encourage individuals to contribute to the evaluation of their skills K5 how to give constructive feedback
and performance
K6 suitable types of action to develop the skills of the interpreter and how to
7 your feedback is constructive and based on reliable data about the select and agree appropriate action
individual’s performance and achievements K7 the level and type of direction and supervision which individuals may need
8 you are sensitive to the level of skills and needs of the individual while K8 performance measures and success criteria
providing feedback and advice
9 you agree action to be taken with the individual
Glossary
BSL British Sign Language
BSL/English interpreter An interpreter who interprets between BSL and English
Chunk A ‘chunk’ of language is a sequence of speech or signed language which

forms a unit. A chunk can vary from a few sentences to a sequence of up to
five minutes.
Client The person or organisation which hires an interpreter. This may be, but does not
have to be, the same person as the user. See also ‘user’.
Code of conduct You will find in the standards references to code(s) of conduct for interpreters.
These are established by professional/registration bodies and may be referred to
by other names such as Ethical Principles. For a copy of current codes of
conduct, please contact the relevant organisations directly.
– For conference interpreting, contact AIIC (www.aiic.net).
– For spoken language interpreting, contact the Chartered Institute of Linguists
(www.iol.org.uk), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting
(www.iti.org. uk), the National Register of Public Service Interpreters
(www.nrpsi.co.uk), which is a wholly owned not-for-profit subsidiary of
the Chartered Institute of Linguists, and/or the Association of Police and
Court Interpreters (www. apcinet.co.uk).
– For British Sign Language/English interpreting, contact the Council for the
Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (www.cacdp.org.uk), the
Association of Sign Language Interpreters (www.asli.org.uk) and/or the
Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (www.sasli.org.uk).
Consecutive interpreting The speaker/signer does not speak all the time but delivers the material in
chunks, stopping at regular intervals. Once a unit of information is
complete, the interpreter provides an interpretation of what the speaker/signer
has just said/signed.
Documents which need

It can be quite common to find that users bring written documents which either
a sight or written
need a sight or draft written translation. Here are some examples of the
translation
most common types:
– leaflets explaining health precautions or medical advice
– leaflets giving information about rights, entitlements and/or responsibilities
– business, medical or legal letters
– personal status certificates, such as certificates of foreign qualifications or
documents to prove identity.
Domain The field or area of work in which you interpret, e.g. law, health, local
government or business. It normally takes time and effort to acquire in-
depth domain knowledge.
Draft written translation The production of a draft written translation of a written document. A draft
written translation may be required within the context of an interpreting
assignment when one of the users produces a document, the content of
which needs to be translated.
Draft written translations are working documents which are used to assist an
interpreting assignment. They are not intended for publication. A draft written
translation produced to support interpreting is not the equivalent to the standard
of a professionally produced translation.
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 4

Interpreting one-way A situation where a person gives a sustained presentation in the source language.
You interpret the presentation in the target language. There is no two-way
exchange. Some interpreters (e.g. conference interpreters) interpret one-way
from several languages into the target language.
Interpreting two-way A situation where people who speak and/or sign in different languages
communicate with each other during meetings, consultations or discussions. You
interpret from and into both languages.
Mode There are two modes of interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous/whispered.

Definitions of these terms are found elsewhere in the glossary.
Modulation The interpreting standards refer to pronunciation and intonation/modulation.

Please note that modulation applies to sign language; and pronunciation and
intonation to spoken language.
Paraphrase To paraphrase means to restate in another form or in other words.
Presentation This term is used to describe a monologue which is expressed in one language
and which needs to be interpreted into the other language. This could be, for
example, a presentation during a meeting; a college lecture; or a witness
statement made at the police station describing what happened during a
robbery.
Principles of professional
The principles of professional practice summarise the common essentials of good
practice
practice in interpreting. They are distilled from the codes of good practice from
professional/registration bodies such as AIIC, CACDP, ITI, NRPSI and SASLI.
Pronunciation and
The interpreting standards refer to pronunciation and intonation/modulation.
intonation/modulation
Please note that pronunciation and intonation apply to spoken languages and
modulation to sign language.
Register The term ‘register’ is used to describe the degree of formality in language use.
Register is divided into five categories:
– frozen, e.g. the Lord’s prayer, the wedding ceremony or the police caution
– formal, e.g. court sessions, local authority meetings, a lecture on English
literature and any documentation used for these
– informal, e.g. small meetings and letters or e-mails between colleagues who
know each other well
– colloquial, e.g. friends chatting at a party, colleagues gossiping about
their boss or dashing off a quick message to each other
– intimate, e.g. a husband and wife, or parents and children talking to each
other.
Register is of particular relevance to interpreters when there is a mismatch
between the registers used by the people participating in the communication
exchange. This is quite a common occurrence, for example, in meetings between
a lawyer and the client; a policeman and the suspect; or a doctor and the
patient.
Sight translation
The production of an oral/signed version of a written document. Sight translation

may be required within the context of an interpreting assignment when one of
the users produces a document, the content of which needs to be translated at
sight.
Simultaneous interpreting The interpreter provides an instant, contemporaneous interpretation of spoken or

signed language.
In the case of spoken languages, the interpreter typically sits in a soundproof

booth or at the back of the room and gives a simultaneous interpretation at the
50 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006)

same time as the speaker is delivering. The listener receives the interpretation
through headphones.
In the case of BSL/English interpreting, the interpreter stands at the front of

the room and interprets by signing or speaking at the same time as the speaker/
signer is delivering.
User(s) The person(s) who participate(s) in a meeting or presentation which is being

interpreted.
Whispered interpreting Whispered interpreting is similar to simultaneous interpreting in that the

interpreter provides an instant, contemporaneous interpretation of spoken or
signed material. However, whispered interpreting does not involve electronic
means or technical equipment. Instead the interpreter sits alongside the
language user and whispers the interpretation at the same time as the
source language user speaks or signs.
World of work Any business done or meetings held in the work context, e.g. job interviews and
performance reviews; meetings between managers and staff to discuss work plans;
or a presentation to managers on performance and achievement of targets.
You In the standards ‘you’ refers to the interpreter.
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 5

National Occupational Standards
in Interpreting Incremental Change
Final version approved June 2010
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting © CILT, the National Centre for Languages Final
version approved June 2010
What’s new for 2010
The trainee interpreter units were introduced in 2010 to create a progression route for aspiring
interpreters. The rationale for this development was that many new interpreters faced difficulty in
acquiring professional interpreting skills. The units and accompanying documentation that you see
before you aim to fill this gap. They enable the trainee interpreter to develop their language and
interpreting skills in a sheltered environment and with guidance from a mentor.
CILT would like to thank the many colleagues who contributed to the development of the trainee
interpreter units. We hope that this initiative will prove a useful addition to the field of interpreting
and a helpful progression route for aspiring interpreters. We welcome any feedback that you may
have on the effectiveness of the units and on the way in which they are applied in the sector.
As a result of this development, the UK national occupational standards for interpreting are now
available at three levels:
Advanced professional interpreter

Professional interpreter
Trainee interpreter
Key features of the trainee interpreting units

The main focus of the new units has been to distil the key skills and knowledge that trainee
interpreters need to learn and practise safely. Because trainee interpreters are not yet fully able to
practise independently, we have also built in access to a mentor so that the trainee has support in
the early days of their practice.
1. The naming of the new trainee interpreting units
The new units are identified as TInt which stands for Trainee Interpreter.
2. Overview of the new unit framework

The framework for trainee interpreting contains four units:
TInt1 Prepare for interpreting assignments

TInt2 Interpret two-way as a trainee interpreter
TInt3 Develop your performance as a trainee interpreter
TInt4 Support interpreting though sight translations of simple written documents
These reflect the framework for professional and advanced professional level to a large extent.
However, the types of skills and level of competence have been adjusted and three units which
occur at the professional and advanced professional level do not occur in the trainee standards:
 Interpret one-way as a trainee interpreter

 Support interpreting though draft written translations of simple written documents
 Work with other interpreters
The rationale for this approach is as follows:
One-way interpreting has not been included because, at trainee level, the type of assignment is very
likely to be that of the two-way face-to-face exchange e.g. to get access to services, give information
on products, discuss complaints etc. As a guide, the typical length of the interpreting undertaken at
this level will be up to fifteen minutes. This is in recognition of the fact that the trainee interpreter
has not yet built up the stamina to interpret for extended periods.
The focus in the unit on interpreting Tint2 is on consecutive interpreting because this mode is more
common during two-way interpreting. However, trainee interpreters may work in simultaneous
mode if the assignment demands it and the mentor agrees that it is appropriate.
The unit on written translations has not been included because this is very unlikely to be necessary
in the early stages of interpreting. However, course providers are likely to want to encourage the
trainee to practise this skill as it is a useful language development tool.
There is no unit on co-working because, while the trainee interpreter may work alongside an
experienced colleague, s/he will work under the guidance of the experienced interpreter. In this
sense the trainee is not yet co-working.
3. The role of the mentor
Since the trainee interpreter is not yet professionally qualified and will need to have access to advice
and guidance, the role of the mentor is crucial, both to promote the development of interpreting
skills and to ensure that the trainee interpreter is safe to practise. The function of the mentor is to:
observe the trainee on a regular basis

advise the trainee on the quality of their interpreting and how to develop their skills
take responsibility for deciding the types of assignments that the trainee may
undertake
instil in the trainee the awareness that it is good practice to withdraw from an assignment, both
before and during, if it is beyond his/her competence
Many trainees will develop their skills while working in-house or for an agency. If this is the case, the
trainee’s supervisor may take on the functions of the mentor as described above, providing that s/he
has appropriate occupational competence and experience.
4. Time limit to the traineeship
The registration period of the traineeship will normally be 3 years. However, awarding bodies may
extend this period if the circumstances warrant it. During this time candidates are expected to
achieve the trainee interpreter standards and work towards the achievement of the professional
interpreting standards.
In addition to developing their skills through practical work experience, it is very likely that trainees
will need formal training and support in addition to that provided by the mentor.
A definition of interpreting and description of the role of the interpreter
The text below describes the process of interpreting and role of the interpreter.
Definition of interpreting
Interpreting is the process whereby one spoken or signed language is transferred into another
spoken or signed language.
The role and skills of the professional interpreter

The professional interpreter interprets between two languages in such a way that effective
communication takes place between the participating language speakers/signers. The interpreter
interprets one-way (e.g. from French into English during presentations and lectures) and/or two-way
(e.g. during meetings, discussions and consultations). S/he interprets consecutively, i.e. in chunks,
or simultaneously, i.e. at the same time. Most interpreters interpret into and out of two languages
but some conference interpreters interpret one-way from two or more languages into their first
language.
The professional interpreter has an excellent command of the spoken/signed languages in which
s/he interprets. S/he reflects accurately the information and ideas, cultural context and intention of
the speaker/signer. In addition to interpreting spoken or signed languages, s/he may also support
the interpreting assignment by producing a sight or written translation of written documents, such
as correspondence or a medical case study.
Professional interpreters are impartial. While they promote effective communication and clarify
language and cultural misunderstandings where appropriate, they do not act as an advocate for
clients. The interpreter treats information exchanged during an interpreted session as confidential
and has good knowledge of subject areas, such as health, business or law. They decline to take on
work if it is outside their professional expertise. They engage regularly in continuous professional
development. They adhere to the common code of conduct, as stipulated by the organisation with
which they are registered as a professional interpreter.
The national occupational standards for professional interpreters are set two skills levels: at
professional and advanced professional level. Interpreters who are qualified to these levels share
the common core of professional skills as outlined above.
The role and skills of the trainee interpreter

Trainee interpreters are not yet professionally qualified and able to work independently. However,
they are able to practise and develop their skills in a sheltered environment where their
performance is monitored and a mentor is available to give feedback and support, and to advise on
the types of assignments the trainee may undertake. Trainee interpreters work in a limited range of
contexts and subjects, most likely in-house. They are not expected to work freelance.
The trainee interpreter has a very good command of the spoken/signed languages in which s/he
interprets. S/he reflects broadly the information and the cultural context provided by the
speaker/signer. The trainee interpreter has basic research skills and is able to compile and maintain
a glossary of vocabulary. S/he has limited knowledge of subject areas and domains, such as local
health, business or law.
Because the trainee interpreter does not yet have a full command of the language, s/he will have the
skills to check back that s/he has accurately understood the message in the source language. At this
level s/he is also likely to need to rephrase parts of the interpretation more frequently than at
professional interpreter level. The trainee will withdraw from an assignment, if it proves to be
beyond his/her competence, and make every effort to find a suitable replacement.
Normally the trainee interpreter works consecutively only. The trainee interpreter who works
between a signed and a spoken language may interpret simultaneously, if there is a good reason to
do so. S/he may support the interpreting assignment by producing a sight translation of basic
written documents, such as a letter or simple leaflet. However, s/he does not provide written
translations.
Unit TInt1 Prepare for interpreting
assignments as a trainee
interpreter
Unit
overview

This unit is about developing your interpreting skills as a trainee
interpreter. It provides an opportunity to develop your skills in a This unit complements units TInt 2, 3 and 4.
supported environment and with guidance from a mentor.
This unit is about preparing for routine interpreting assignments. This

involves establishing the nature of assignments and considering whether you Specialist terminology
have the right skills. If you find that the task is beyond your competence, you
decline the assignment. You seek advice from your mentor or supervisor, if For specialist terminology, please refer to the glossary.
you are unsure about aspects of interpreting or assignments. www.cilt.org.uk/home/standards_and_qualifications/uk_occupational_standards/interp
reting.aspx
You must be able to use a range of information sources to prepare for

assignments. You must be fully aware of the role of the interpreter and the
principles of professional practice.

The unit is recommended for people who have very good language skills in
two languages and who would like to develop and/or accredit the skills
needed on the way to full professional competence.
This unit forms part of a progression route towards professional
interpreter status.
National Occupational Standards in Interpreting © CILT, the National Centre for Languages approved May 2010
Unit TInt1 Prepare for interpreting assignments as 11 you use relevant sources of information
a trainee interpreter 12 you compile and maintain a glossary of terminology
13 you seek advice from your mentor on a regular basis
Performance Criteria
Knowledge and Skills
When you get a new interpreting assignment, you must show that:
1 you communicate to the client that you are a trainee interpreter, if they are To prepare effectively, you must have knowledge of:
not already aware K1 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 6 in
2 you identify: your first language; and at level 4 in your other language*
the subject matter and purpose of the assignment the K2 the process of interpreting from one language into another and how to reflect
level of language and interpreting skills required the meaning of the source language into the target language
3 you assess whether the mode of consecutive interpreting is suitable for the K3 the cognitive processing involved in interpreting, concepts such as
assignment reformulation, and strategies to deal with an unknown word or phrase
4 you seek advice from your mentor, if you doubt whether you have the K4 the cultures of the languages in which you interpret and their conventions
necessary level of skills for the assignment for communication, and the implications of these aspects on the planning for
the interpreting assignment
5 you do not accept any assignment which is beyond your competence in terms
of subject matter, degree of complexity or simultaneous mode of interpreting K5 the mode of consecutive interpreting and the concept of
simultaneous/whispered interpreting
6 you agree contract details, including location and timescales, and any
payment K6 the concept of domain-specific terminology
7 you check with your employer, placement provider or professional K7 techniques to anticipate the type and the degree of difficulty of the
association that you are insured assignment and the client's and users' needs
8 if appropriate, you request in advance of the assignment a briefing K8 terminology to describe aspects of language and communication and to
session and sight of documents to be used compare features of the languages in which you interpret
9 you plan appropriately so that you will be able to deal with: the K9 the role of the interpreter and the principles of professional conduct,
specifically the need to:
type and topic of the assignment
turn down any assignment which is beyond your competence be
the language likely to be used during the assignment
impartial, and maintain integrity and professionalism
any weaknesses in your language skills and processing skills and how
you overcome these treat all information you receive in the course of your duties as
confidential, unless required to disclose by law
domain-specific language
K10 contract negotiation, including time scales, any payment and
the cultural and communication conventions of the users professional indemnity as well as third party insurance
any special requirements, and expectations of the users, including the K11 techniques to research and verify terminology
positioning of the users and yourself
K12 techniques to compile and maintain glossaries of terminology K13
commonly encountered dilemmas sources of general and specialist information to assist with
10 you use terminology accurately to describe interpreting and language assignments, e.g. internet, leaflets, video and glossaries
features K14 study skills and the ability to handle extended reading in both
languages
* See the Listening/Receptive and Speaking/Productive units of the National Language
Standards for performance and knowledge requirements This unit forms part of a progression route towards professional
interpreter status.
Unit TInt2 Interpret two-way as a

trainee interpreter
Unit
overview
This unit is about developing your interpreting skills as a trainee

interpreter. It provides an opportunity to develop your skills in a Links to other units
supported environment and with guidance from a mentor. This unit complements units TInt1, 3 and 4.
This unit is about carrying out two-way interpreting assignments. The setting
is typically face-to-face and one-to-one interactions between two language
users, for example to discuss a complaint about a bureaucratic mistake or an
interview between a service provider and a customer about access to Specialist terminology
services. Please note that, at this level, one-way interpreting does not form For specialist terminology, please refer to the glossary.
part of the units.
www.cilt.org.uk/home/standards_and_qualifications/uk_occupational_standards/interp
At this level the contexts of the assignments and topics re- occur frequently reting.aspx
and are of low complexity. As a guide, the typical length of the interpreting
undertaken at this level will be up to fifteen minutes.
Any misunderstandings as a result of poor interpreting do not have
irreversible consequences. If it becomes clear during the assignment that it is
beyond your competence, you withdraw and negotiate alternative
arrangements in consultation with your mentor or supervisor.
Unit TInt2 Interpret two-way as a trainee interpreter
Performance Criteria To interpret two-way effectively, you must have knowledge of:
When you interpret two-way, you must show that: K1 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 6 in
1 you communicate to the users that you are a trainee interpreter, if they are not your first language; and at level 4 in your other language*
already aware K2 the process of interpreting from one language into another and how to reflect
2 you interpret largely accurately the meaning expressed by users who the meaning of the source language into the target language
communicate across two languages K3 the cognitive processing involved in interpreting and concepts such as long-
3 your interpretation reflects the flow of communication between the users term and working memory, reformulation and time lag
4 you have some ability to reflect the language users’ register and K4 the cultures of the languages in which you interpret and their
attitude but not yet total control conventions for communication
5 you interpret consecutively K5 the concept of register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate)
6 while you may omit some information and not always relay information and the transfer of register from one language into the other
completely accurately, you have good strategies to repair mistakes K6 the concept of consecutive and simultaneous/whispered modes of
7 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terms and phrases, if you do not interpreting and when you might use these
know the direct equivalent in the target language K7 techniques to manage communication if it breaks down in one or more of the
8 you check back with the source language user if you are unable to following ways:
interpret or are not sure that you have interpreted the meaning accurately you need to check on meaning
9 you withdraw from the assignment if it becomes clear that it is beyond your the degree of complexity, technicality or emotional charge is beyond your
competence and you negotiate alternative arrangements ability to deal with it
10 you support effective communication throughout the assignment and take
action if communication breaks down an apparent lack of understanding or misunderstanding hinders
11 you interpret factual information and reflect opinions largely accurately communication between the source and target language user
12 you handle the standard national variety of the languages in which you your position and/or that of the users hinders communication the
interpret users are communicating too fast or too slowly
13 you take notes during consecutive interpreting, where required
14 your conduct is consistent with the principles of professional practice and the users fail to observe appropriate turn-taking
the registration body’s code of conduct K8 the role of the interpreter and the principles of professional practice K9
15 your social and interpersonal skills enable you to interact effectively the concept of the domain in interpreting
before, during and after the assignment K10 health and safety requirements
16 you seek advice from your mentor on a regular basis K11 techniques of taking notes when interpreting in consecutive mode

Standards for performance and knowledge requirements
Unit TInt3 Develop your performance
as a trainee interpreter
Unit
overview
This unit is about developing your interpreting skills as a trainee interpreter.

It provides an opportunity to develop your skills in a supported environment
and with guidance from a mentor. In addition, you may also need to attend Links to other units
formal training and receive support and advice from others, e.g. colleague This unit complements units TInt1, 2 and 4.
interpreters.
This unit is about your ability to evaluate your performance as an interpreter. Specialist terminology
It involves keeping a journal to reflect on your interpreting assignments and For specialist terminology, please refer to the glossary
recording yourself on video or digitally while interpreting. Together with
www.cilt.org.uk/home/standards_and_qualifications/uk_occupational_standards/inter
your mentor, you evaluate your interpreting skills and your preparation for preting.aspx
assignments. You identify your strengths and weaknesses and seek feedback
from your mentor or supervisor. You undertake training to develop your
skills and knowledge.

interpreter status.
Unit TInt3 Develop your performance as a trainee
interpreter
Performance Criteria To evaluate your performance effectively, you need to make use of the knowledge
components of Units Tint1, Tint2 and Tint4. You must also have knowledge of:
When you evaluate your performance through your journal entries and
analysis of recorded material, you must show that:
1 you reflect on the effectiveness of your preparation for assignments K12 terminology to describe aspects of language and communication and to
2 you reflect on the effectiveness of your interpreting performance: how compare features of the languages in which you interpret
well you caught the overall meaning K13 training opportunities available from professional bodies
whether you captured the main points K14 opportunities for development, e.g. training courses, published materials,
how well you captured a sequence of events or actions resources available on the internet, peer evaluation and networking with
how well you used discourse markers to structure the interpretation how other interpreters
well your use of register matched that of the source language user
3 you reflect on the accuracy of the language that you used while
interpreting, e.g. vocabulary and syntax
4 you evaluate how well you managed the assignment in terms of: your
conduct, style and interaction with users
the approach you took to dealing with cultural conventions
instances of communication breakdown and imperfect interpreting, their
causes, and whether you took the right action to repair them
your compliance with the principles of professional practice
5 you use terminology accurately to describe language and interpreting
features, while evaluating your performance
6 you discuss your findings with your mentor
7 you identify ways in which you can improve:
your preparation for assignments
your interpreting skills
the evaluation of your work
8 you identify and take relevant opportunities to develop your interpreting skills
and knowledge
9 you review your progress and achievements with your mentor on a
regular basis
Unit TInt4 Support interpreting through
sight translations of simple
written documents
Unit
overview
This unit is about developing your interpreting skills as a trainee The unit is recommended for trainee interpreters, where at least one of the
interpreter. It provides an opportunity to develop your skills in a languages in which they interpret has a written form.
supported environment and with guidance from a mentor.
interpreter status.
This unit is about producing translations at sight of simple written documents
into oral or signed language. You may be required to do this within the
context of an interpreting assignment when one of the users produces a Links to other units
document, the content of which needs to be translated at sight. This may
This unit complements units TInt1, 2 and 3.
involve producing sight translations of documents such as a simple, short
letter, personal status certificate or a simple leaflet. Your mentor will decide
if the type and degree of complexity of the text is within your range of skills.
Specialist terminology
If you are interpreting between spoken languages, you must be able to
produce sight translations of written documents in either language. If you are For specialist terminology, please refer to the glossary.
a BSL/English interpreter, you must produce sight translations of documents www.cilt.org.uk/home/standards_and_qualifications/uk_occupation
which are written in English into BSL. al_standards/interpreting.aspx
Unit TInt4 Support interpreting through sight translations
of simple written documents
Performance Criteria To produce effective sight translations, you must have knowledge of: K1
When you produce a sight translation of a written document, you must show that: the process of providing a sight translation from written text
K2 the languages in which you interpret, with the ability to function at level 6 in
1 you give an accurate sight translation of the contents of the document
your first language; and at level 4 in your other language*
2 you translate at sight factual information as well as concepts and
K3 the cultures, conventions and formats used to communicate oral/signed and
opinions
written communication in the languages in which you interpret; and the
3 you reflect broadly the language, register and tone used in the implications of these aspects for translating a document at sight
document
K4 register (frozen, formal, informal, colloquial and intimate); the transfer of
4 you paraphrase the meaning of complex terms and phrases, if you do not register from one language into another; and from written into spoken or
know the direct equivalent in the target language signed language
5 if necessary, you check and clarify any uncertainty of meaning with the user K5 the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and glossaries stored
to whom the document belongs in hard copy or electronic format
6 if you have access to reference materials, you make effective use of these
to check on unfamiliar vocabulary

Standards for performance and knowledge requirements
Glossary to form part of the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting
(revised March 2010 to following introduction of the TInt units)
British Sign Language The visuo-spatial language used by deaf people,

referred to in the text as BSL.
BSL/English interpreter An interpreter who interprets between BSL and

English.
Chunk A ‘chunk’ of language is a sequence of speech or

signed language which forms a unit. A chunk can vary
from a few sentences to a sequence of up to five
minutes.
Client The person or organisation which hires an interpreter.

This may be, but does not have to be, the same person
as the user. See also ‘user’.
Code of conduct You will find in the standards references to code(s) of

conduct for interpreters. For a copy of current codes of
conduct, please contact the organisations which hold
registers for spoken and sign language interpreters.
For conference interpreting, please contact AIIC

www.aiic.net.
For spoken language interpreting, contact the
Institute of Translating and Interpreting
www.iol.org.uk ; the Institute of Translation and
Interpreting www.iti.org.uk , the National Register of
Public Service Interpreters www.nrpsi.co.uk and/or
the Association of Police and Courts Interpreters
www.apciinterpreters.org.uk .
For sign to English interpreting, please contact
Signature www.signature.org.uk , the Association of
Sign Language Interpreters www.asli.org.uk and/or
the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters
www.sasli.org.uk
For conference interpreting, please contact AIIC
www.aiic.net.
Consecutive interpreting The speaker/signer does not speak all the time but
delivers the material in chunks, stopping at regular
intervals. Once a unit of information is complete, the
interpreter provides an interpretation of what
the speaker has just said.
version approved May 2010
Documents which need a sight It is quite common to find that users bring written
or written translation documents which either need a sight or written
translation. Here are some examples of the most
common types:
leaflets explaining health precautions or medical

advice
leaflets giving information about rights,
entitlements and/or responsibilities
business, medical or legal letters
personal status certificates, such as certificates of
foreign qualifications or documents to prove identity
Domain The field or area of work in which you interpret,

e.g. law, health, local government or business.
Draft written translation The production of a draft written translation of a

written document. A draft written translation may be
required within the context of an interpreting
assignment when one of the users produces a
document, the content of which needs to be
translated.
Draft written translations are working documents

which are used to assist an interpreting assignment.
They are not intended for publication. A draft written
translation produced to support interpreting is not the
equivalent to the standard of a professionally produced
translation.
Excellent language skills See language skills.
Interpreting one-way A situation where a person gives a sustained

presentation in the source language. You interpret the
presentation in the target language. There is no two-
way exchange.
Interpreting two-way A situation where people who speak and/or sign in
different languages communicate with each other
during meetings, consultations or discussions. You
Language skills The language levels needed to interpret are

defined as follows:
at trainee level, the standards require very

good language skills, i.e. QCF level 6 in your first
language and QCF level 4 in your other language
at professional level, the standards require
excellent language skills, i.e. QCF level 8 in your first
language and QCF level 6 in your other
language(s)
at advanced professional level, the standards
require the full range of language skills,
i.e. QCF level 8 for both you first language and any
other language(s) in which you interpret
Interpreting two-way A situation where people who speak and/or sign in
different languages communicate with each other
during meetings, consultations or discussions. You
Mentor Generally speaking, interpreters may wish to have

access to a mentor who can review their performance
and provide advice on how to develop their skills
further.
In the case of the trainee interpreter, the role of the

mentor is crucial, both to promote the development of
interpreting skills and to ensure that the trainee
interpreter is safe to practise. The function of the
mentor is to:
observe the trainee on a regular basis
advise the trainee on the quality of their

interpreting and how to develop their skills
take responsibility for deciding on what

types of assignments the trainee may take on
instil in the trainee the awareness that it is
good practice to withdraw from an assignment,
before and while it is in progress, if it is beyond
his/her competence
Mode There are three modes of interpreting: consecutive,

simultaneous/whispered and summary. Definitions of
these terms are found in elsewhere in the glossary.
Modulation The interpreting standards refer to pronunciation &

intonation/modulation. Please note that modulation
applies to sign language and pronunciation &
intonation to spoken language.
Paraphrase To paraphrase means to put the meaning of terms or

phrases in your own words.
Presentation This term is used to describe a monologue which is

expressed in one language and which needs to be
interpreted into the other language. This could be for
example, a presentation during a meeting; a college
lecture; or a witness statement made at the police
station describing what happened during a robbery.
Principles of professional The principles of professional practice summarise the

practice common essentials of good practice in interpreting.
They are distilled from the codes of good practice from
registration bodies such as ITI, NRPSI, Signature and
AIIC.
Pronunciation and The interpreting standards refer to pronunciation &

intonation/modulation intonation/modulation. Please note that pronunciation
& intonation apply to spoken languages and
modulation to sign language.
Register The term ‘register’ is used to describe the degree of

formality in language use. Register is divided into five
categories:
frozen: e.g. the Lord’s prayer, the wedding

ceremony or the police caution
formal: e.g. court sessions, local authority
meetings, a lecture on English literature and any
documentation used for these
informal: e.g. small meetings and letters or e-
mails between colleagues who know each other
well
colloquial: e.g. friends chatting at a party,
colleagues gossiping about their boss or dashing off a
quick message to each other
intimate: e.g. a husband and wife, or parents and
children talking to each other.
Register is of particular relevance to interpreters when

there is a mismatch between the registers used by the
people participating in the communication exchange.
This is quite a common occurrence, for example, when a
lawyer and the client meet; a policeman and the suspect;
or a doctor and the patient.
Sight translation The production of an oral/signed version of a

written document. Sight translation may be
translated at sight.
Simultaneous interpreting The interpreter provides an instant,

contemporaneous interpretation of spoken or
signed language.
In the case of spoken languages, the interpreter
typically sits in a soundproof booth or at the back of
the room and gives a simultaneous interpretation at
the same time as the speaker is delivering. The
listener receives the interpretation through
headphones.
In the case of BSL/English interpreting, the interpreter
stands at the front of the room and interprets by
signing or speaking at the same time as the
speaker/signer is delivering. Microphones and
headphones are not used.
Summary interpreting The interpreter gives a summary of what the

speaker(s) have just said. A full account is not
given. This type of interpreting may only be
provided at the request of the user(s).
Supervisor Trainee interpreters who work in-house or for an
agency are likely to have a supervisor. If this is the
case, the supervisor may take on the functions of the
mentor; see glossary.
Terminology Terminology used to describe features of language and

interpreting.For example, interpreters will need to be
able to describe aspects of language such as grammar,
word order, discourse markers, register, tenses and
passive and active voice. They will also need to be able
to compare how these aspects are handled when
interpreting from one language into the other
User(s) The person(s) who participate in a meeting or

presentation which is being interpreted.
Very good language skills See language skills.
Whispered interpreting Whispered interpreting is similar to simultaneous

interpreting in that the interpreter provides an instant,
contemporaneous interpretation of spoken or signed
material. However, whispered interpreting does not
involve electronic means or technical equipment.
Instead the interpreter sits alongside the language user
and whispers the interpretation at the same time as the
source language user speaks or signs.
World of work Any business done or meetings held in the work

context, e.g. job interviews and performance reviews;
meetings between managers and staff to discuss work
plans; or a presentation to managers on performance
and achievement of targets.
Written translation The production of a draft written translation of a

written document. A written translation may be
translated. Please note that a draft written translation
produced to support interpreting is not
the equivalent to the standard of a professionally
produced translation.
You In the standards ‘you’ refers to the interpreter.

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National Occupational

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting copyright

How units apply to job roles..............................................................3

Key and core skills signposting..........................................................7

Principles of professional practice...................................................12

Overview of the National Occupationals Standards in Interpreting...........13

The National Occupational Standards in Interpreting.....................14

National Occupational Standards

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 1

2006 edition: what’s new?

2 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 3

National/Scottish Vocational Qualification Structure

Level 4 NVQ in Interpreting (BSL/English)

A1 Prepare for interpreting assignments

B1 Interpret one-way as a professional interpreter

C1 Interpret two-way as a professional interpreter

D1 Develop your performance as an interpreter

Candidates must also achieve one of the following optional units:

E1 Support interpreting through sight translations of routine written documents

G Work with other interpreters

4 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

External quality control

Performance in the workplace

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 5

Internal verifiers must have:

External verifiers must have:

6 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

Key and core skills equivalences

Equivalences of key and core skills

Level 3 Higher (SCQF Level 6)

Level 2 Intermediate 2 (SCQF Level 5)

Level 1 Intermediate 1 (SCQF Level 4)

Adult basic skills entry level 3 Access 3 (SCQF Level 3)

Adult basic skills entry level 2 Access 2 (SCQF Level 2)

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 7

A1 Prepare for interpreting assignments

A2 Extend existing skills to prepare for interpreting assignments

B1 Interpret one-way as a professional interpreter

B2 Interpret one-way as an advanced professional interpreter

C1 Interpret two-way as a professional interpreter

C2 Interpret two-way as an advanced professional interpreter

D1 Develop your performance as an interpreter

Information and communication technology Information Technology Intermediate 2

8 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

E1 Support interpreting through sight translations of routine written documents

E2 Support interpreting through sight translations of complex written documents

F1 Support interpreting through draft written translations of routine written documents

F2 Support interpreting through draft written translations of complex written documents

G Work with other interpreters

Application of number Level 3 Numeracy Higher

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 9

1 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

© CILT, the National Centre for Languages

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 11

1 National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised

National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (revised 2006) 13

Unit A1 Prepare for interpreting assignments

Who this unit is for Further information