Overview
SIST ISO 23155:2023 - "Interpreting services - Conference interpreting - Requirements and recommendations" is an international standard from ISO (first edition, 2022) that defines general requirements, recommendations and terminology for the provision of conference interpreting services. Primarily addressed to conference interpreters and conference interpreting service providers (CISPs), it also serves as a reference for users of interpreting services such as conference organizers, international organizations, governments, equipment vendors and educational institutions.
The document sets out a structured framework covering scope, terms and definitions, general provisions, competence and qualification requirements, and practical requirements before, during and after assignments. It also includes informative annexes (workflow, code of conduct, contract content, team roles and customary recruitment practice).
Key Topics and Technical Requirements
The standard covers both conceptual and practical aspects, including:
- Terminology and definitions: clear definitions for concepts such as source/target language, ‘A’/‘B’/‘C’ languages, working languages, content, competence and qualification.
- Modes of interpreting: guidance on modes used in conferences (e.g., simultaneous, consecutive) and related considerations.
- Team strength and working hours: requirements and recommendations for team composition and shift planning for simultaneous interpreting to ensure quality and interpreter wellbeing.
- Competences and qualifications: a comprehensive breakdown of required competences - intellectual, linguistic, interpreting, communicative, intercultural, technical, interpersonal, research/knowledge management, business, information security and stress management.
- Professional conduct: confidentiality, code of ethics and recommended behaviours for interpreters.
- Operational requirements: pre-conference preparation, travel arrangements, on-site workflows, terminology management, conference information management and post-assignment quality assurance.
- Requirements for CISPs: planning, client and interpreter liaison, assignment agreements and responsibilities before, during and after conferences.
- Informative annexes: model code of conduct, example assignment agreement contents, head-of-team role and recruitment practices.
Note: SIST ISO 23155:2023 contains no normative references and was prepared by ISO/TC 37/SC 5.
Practical Applications - Who Uses It
ISO 23155 is directly useful to:
- Freelance and staff conference interpreters seeking guidance on professional competences and best practice.
- Conference interpreting service providers (CISPs) for designing contracts, staffing, workflows and quality assurance.
- Event organizers and conference centres procuring interpreting services and equipment.
- International organizations, governments and agencies setting procurement or operational policies.
- Language service providers, equipment manufacturers and training institutions aligning services, products and curricula with recognized international practice.
Adopting ISO 23155 helps improve service quality, clarify roles and expectations, mitigate risks (confidentiality, security, fatigue) and support consistent procurement and staffing decisions.
Related Standards
- ISO 20539 (terminology and concepts for translation/interpreting) - referenced for definitions.
- ISO/IEC 17024 (personnel certification) - referenced for the definition of qualification.
For implementation or purchase, consult your national ISO member body or ISO’s online catalogue.
