ISO 23155 (Conference Interpreting Services)

Definition & Overview

Published in 2022, ISO 23155 is the comprehensive international standard establishing quality and process requirements for conference interpreting service providers (both translation agencies and consultant interpreters). While ISO 4043 governs physical booth dimensions and ISO 20108 governs audio/video signal fidelity, ISO 23155 governs the human service delivery: team composition, professional credentials, briefing material timelines, and contractual working conditions.

Operational Rules & Standard Guidance

• Mandatory Team Strength: ISO 23155 explicitly mandates a minimum of two interpreters per booth for simultaneous interpretation sessions lasting more than 45–60 minutes, scaling to three interpreters for multi-day or multi-track summits.
• Qualification Profiles: Requires dispatched conference interpreters to possess recognized credentials, such as a postgraduate degree in conference interpreting, formal accreditation with intergovernmental bodies (EU, UN), or verified peer-reviewed membership in recognized international or national associations (e.g., VKD, TAALS, AICE).
• Organizer Information Obligations: Mandates that event clients supply conference briefing dossiers, speaker slide decks, and participant agendas to the interpreting team at least 7 to 14 calendar days before event kick-off.
• Role of the Consultant Interpreter: Codifies the necessity of appointing a qualified Chief Interpreter (Consultant Interpreter) to oversee language combination matrices, booth assignments, and technical liaisons with on-site AV leads.