NATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
FOR INTERPRETERS IN HEALTH CARE
NCIHC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care - ANSWER-Are a set of
guidelines that define what an interpreter does in the performance of his or her role, that
is, the tasks and skills the interpreter should be able to perform in the course of fulfilling
the duties of the profession.
How many Standards of Practice are there? - ANSWER-There are 32 Standards of
Practice grouped under nine headings. Accuracy, Confidentiality, Impartiality, Respect,
Cultural Awareness, Role Boundaries, Professionalism, Professional Development and
Advocacy.
Accuracy - ANSWER-Objective: To enable other parties to know precisely what each
speaker has said.
1. The Interpreter renders all messages accurately and completely, without adding.
omitting, or substituting.
2. The interpreter replicates the register, style, and tone of the speaker.
3. The interpreter advises parties that everything said will be interpreted.
4. The interpreter manages the flow of communication.
5. The interpreter corrects errors in interpretation.
6. The interpreter maintains transparency.
Role Boundaries - ANSWER-Objective: To clarify the scope and limits of the interpreting
role, in order to avoid conflicts of interest.
16. The interpreter limits personal involvement with all parties during the interpreting
assignment.
17. The interpreter limits his or her professional activity to interpreting within an
encounter.
18. The interpreter with an additional role adheres to all interpreting standards of
practice while interpreting.
Professionalism - ANSWER-Objective: To uphold the public's trust in the interpreting
profession.
19. The interpreter is honest and ethical in all business practices.
20. The interpreter is prepared for all assignments.
21. The interpreter discloses skill limitations with respect to particular assignments.
22. The interpreter avoids sight translation, especially of complex or critical documents,
if he or she lacks sight translation skills.
23. The interpreter is accountable for professional performance.
24. The interpreter advocates for working conditions that support quality interpreting.
FOR INTERPRETERS IN HEALTH CARE
NCIHC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care - ANSWER-Are a set of
guidelines that define what an interpreter does in the performance of his or her role, that
is, the tasks and skills the interpreter should be able to perform in the course of fulfilling
the duties of the profession.
How many Standards of Practice are there? - ANSWER-There are 32 Standards of
Practice grouped under nine headings. Accuracy, Confidentiality, Impartiality, Respect,
Cultural Awareness, Role Boundaries, Professionalism, Professional Development and
Advocacy.
Accuracy - ANSWER-Objective: To enable other parties to know precisely what each
speaker has said.
1. The Interpreter renders all messages accurately and completely, without adding.
omitting, or substituting.
2. The interpreter replicates the register, style, and tone of the speaker.
3. The interpreter advises parties that everything said will be interpreted.
4. The interpreter manages the flow of communication.
5. The interpreter corrects errors in interpretation.
6. The interpreter maintains transparency.
Role Boundaries - ANSWER-Objective: To clarify the scope and limits of the interpreting
role, in order to avoid conflicts of interest.
16. The interpreter limits personal involvement with all parties during the interpreting
assignment.
17. The interpreter limits his or her professional activity to interpreting within an
encounter.
18. The interpreter with an additional role adheres to all interpreting standards of
practice while interpreting.
Professionalism - ANSWER-Objective: To uphold the public's trust in the interpreting
profession.
19. The interpreter is honest and ethical in all business practices.
20. The interpreter is prepared for all assignments.
21. The interpreter discloses skill limitations with respect to particular assignments.
22. The interpreter avoids sight translation, especially of complex or critical documents,
if he or she lacks sight translation skills.
23. The interpreter is accountable for professional performance.
24. The interpreter advocates for working conditions that support quality interpreting.
