Responsibilities of the Interpreter
Professional interpreting requires preparation, accuracy and responsibility. This page summarizes key professional principles that help interpreters deliver ethical, reliable and high-quality services.
Professional guidance for interpreters working through Tolk2Go
Professional Standards for Interpreters
Interpreters have an important responsibility in helping people communicate across languages and cultures. The work requires preparation, professional judgment, accuracy, confidentiality and respect for everyone involved.
The guidance on this page is based on general principles described in ISO 18841:2018 , “Interpreting services — General requirements and recommendations”.
Ten Core Responsibilities
Accept assignments only when your language skills, qualifications and experience match the requirements. Check that the working conditions and agreed terms allow you to deliver the service properly.
Make sure you receive the relevant date, time, location, subject, participants, background materials and technical requirements before the assignment.
Be punctual, prepared and appropriately dressed. Introduce yourself, explain your role and follow the relevant professional protocols.
Communicate the message faithfully without adding, omitting or changing content. Use direct speech where appropriate and help keep the conversation clear.
Follow applicable ethical guidelines, professional codes, assignment protocols and standards of practice.
Keep the content of assignments confidential, especially when interpreting sensitive, personal, medical, legal or business information.
Report technical difficulties, safety concerns, conflicts of interest, unclear instructions or other issues that may affect the quality of the service.
Check that the environment, equipment, seating, sound and visibility are appropriate for the assignment. Raise concerns when adjustments are needed.
Manage your workload and breaks to reduce fatigue, burnout and secondary stress, especially during demanding assignments.
Where suitable, participate in a debriefing after the assignment to discuss challenges, improve future service delivery and identify professional development needs.
Before Accepting an Assignment
- Confirm that the language combination matches your skills.
- Check the subject, sector and level of specialization required.
- Review the date, time, location, duration and working format.
- Request documents, terminology or background information needed for preparation.
- Confirm the agreed rates, travel arrangements and assignment conditions.
During the Assignment
- Arrive or connect on time and be properly prepared.
- Introduce yourself and explain your role to the participants.
- Interpret the complete message without personal additions or omissions.
- Ask for clarification when the meaning or instruction is unclear.
- Remain neutral and avoid taking sides.
- Protect confidential information and avoid discussing the assignment with unauthorized people.
- Report technical, safety or communication problems promptly.
- Take appropriate breaks during demanding or extended assignments.
After the Assignment
After completing an assignment, check whether any follow-up is needed. This may include returning materials, confirming administrative details or participating in a debriefing.
A short debrief can help identify practical improvements, clarify any difficulties and support continued professional development.
Consider what worked well and whether any communication or technical issues occurred.
Inform the appropriate person or organization about problems that may affect future assignments.
Do not share the content or details of the assignment with people who are not authorized to receive them.
Use feedback and experience to improve your skills, preparation and professional practice.
Working with Tolk2Go
Tolk2Go is a modern online interpreter agency connecting customers with professional interpreters through a digital platform.
By accepting an assignment through Tolk2Go, interpreters are expected to review the assignment information, communicate professionally, follow agreed terms and provide the service to a suitable professional standard.
Tolk2Go supports a network of 1800+ interpreters working across 190+ languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I decline an assignment?
Yes. You should accept assignments only when your language skills, qualifications, experience and availability match the requirements.
What information should I request before an assignment?
Request the subject, language combination, date, time, location, duration, participants, background information and any technical or logistical requirements you need to prepare properly.
What does impartial interpreting mean?
Impartial interpreting means communicating the message faithfully without taking sides, adding personal opinions or changing the meaning.
Is confidentiality required?
Interpreters are expected to protect confidential information and follow the applicable professional, contractual and legal requirements for the assignment.
What should I do if the working conditions are unsafe?
Raise the concern with the client or appropriate organization immediately and request the adjustments needed to perform the assignment safely and professionally.
Should interpreters take breaks?
Yes. Interpreters should manage breaks and workload appropriately, especially during long, demanding or emotionally difficult assignments.
Is this page the complete ISO standard?
No. This page is an informational summary of professional principles. It is not a reproduction of ISO 18841:2018, a certification or legal advice.
For the complete standard, visit the official ISO page .
Need More Information?
If you have questions about your responsibilities, a specific assignment or working conditions, contact the Tolk2Go team before accepting or starting the assignment.
Use Tolk2Go on the Go
Tolk2Go is a modern online interpreter agency with a website and mobile app. Manage your interpreter activity wherever you are.
Download the Tolk2Go app from Google Play.
Download the Tolk2Go app from the App Store.
This page is an informational summary of professional interpreting principles. ISO 18841:2018 is copyrighted by ISO and should be consulted in its official form for the complete text. Professional and legal requirements may vary according to country, specialization and assignment.