4.1 This practice is intended for all stakeholders of interpreting services.

4.2 Interpreting Services Stakeholders: 

4.2.1 Customer—The person(s) or entity that pays for the interpreting services.

4.2.2 Requester—The person(s) or entity that places the order for interpreting services.

4.2.3 End User or Consumer—All persons communicating through an interpreter.

4.2.4 Interpreting Services Provider—The person(s), interpreter(s), organization, or language services company (LSC) arranging for the provision of interpreting services including, but not limited to, selecting, contracting, scheduling, invoicing, and paying the interpreter.

4.2.5 Interpreter—Person who performs the interpreting service.

Note 1: The above categories of stakeholders are not mutually exclusive.

4.3 Characteristics of Interpreting—Interpreting is a professional activity resulting in an immediate and final oral/signed rendition of the message from the source language into the target language. It does not serve the same purpose as, nor should it be compared to, a written translation or a scripted voice-over. Interpreting is performed in real time (simultaneously), immediately after a speaker pauses to allow for interpreting (consecutively), or as an oral or signed rendition of a written document (sight translation).

1.1 This practice defines the minimum professional standard for quality services in language interpreting. It is intended to assist stakeholders with varying levels of knowledge about interpreting so that they can make informed decisions when procuring signed and spoken language interpreting services.

1.2 This practice establishes criteria for providing interpreting services and covers interpreter qualifications, certifications, credentials, and working conditions.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.