Authorisation

In Sweden, only translators authorised by the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (formerly, by the National Board of Trade) have the right to describe themselves as authorised translators. Authorisation is awarded after a demanding written examination, consisting of texts on legal, economic and general topics. Authorised translators are required to observe high professional standards, which include maintaining confidentiality and only taking on assignments they are capable of completing in a satisfactory manner. Only individuals can be authorised, not companies or agencies.

Likewise, only interpreters authorised by the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency may refer to themselves as authorised interpreters. To obtain authorisation, interpreters have to show in written and oral examinations that they have a good command of both Swedish and the other language concerned, as well as the necessary interpreting skills. They must also have a basic understanding of areas such as social services and social security, health care, employment and general law, and of the terminology used in these fields.

To qualify as a specialist legal interpreter, an authorised interpreter has to take additional written and oral examinations to demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and interpreting ability in the legal field. Legal interpreters typically work in the law courts, for police and public prosecution authorities, and for lawyers in private practice.