Not all translators are sworn translators. In fact, you don't become a sworn translator overnight. To be a sworn translator, you must be listed in the Dutch register For Sworn interpreters And Translators (Rbtv). Only then are you authorised to make sworn translations. Sworn translations are then considered "official" translations of, for example, your passport, marriage certificate or driver's licence.
What are the requirements to register as a sworn translator in the Rbtv?
To register as a sworn translator in the Dutch register For Sworn interpreters And Translators, you must meet certain requirements. For example, you must be able to demonstrate your language skills in both the source language and the final target language. You can prove this if you have completed a translation course at least at bachelor level or if you have passed an Rbtv translation test at C1 level. In addition, you can also register if you meet the following conditions:
- You have a Certificate of Good Conduct that is not older than three months.
- You master the source and target languages at least C1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Demonstrated by a diploma at least at Bachelor level or a certificate of a language test, which must meet the framework for language tests (C1 level). - You have knowledge of the culture of the country/area of both the source and target language.
- You will have completed at least 420 hours of training to develop translation skills and attitude in the areas of text comprehension, text and culture, and the technical aspects of translation. You testawill to be able to show a diploma or certificate for this.
- You have a minimum of five years of work experience as a professional translator.
Knowledge of the culture of the country/area of the source and target languages cannot be measured objectively. However, it is a requirement that the translator keep abreast of developments in the culture, language area or country.
When the Rbtv has doubts about the mastery of these aspects in a request for registration, the request will be refused. When the request for registration is approved, the translator will be officially registered in the Rbtv. All that remains to be done is for the sworn translator to take an oath of impartiality and secrecy regarding confidential information. The translator takes this oath in court. After this, he or she receives an official certificate.
What are the requirements to remain a sworn translator?
A sworn translator's authority to make sworn translations is valid for five years. To continue performing the duties of a sworn translator after five years, he or she will have to apply for an extension. In the extension, the sworn translator will have to be able to demonstrate that he or she has earned 80 PE points (Continuing Education) over the past five years and has performed at least ten assignments per language combination. If the translator has a specialization in, for example, criminal cases, four additional PE specialization points will be added and this person must have translated at least 5,000 words.