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Norway is an increasingly multilingual society, and the need for qualified interpreters grows every year. At the same time, we're approaching an important milestone in the Interpreting Act, which makes the path to becoming a qualified interpreter more relevant than ever. Many assume that good language skills alone are sufficient, but the reality is that interpreting in the public sector demands formal qualifications, professional insight, and a solid ethical foundation. Here we explain what it takes, which paths exist, and why the timing of your qualification actually matters.
To understand why qualification matters so much, it helps to look at who actually commissions interpreters. In Norway, the public sector accounts for by far the largest share of interpreting assignments. At its core, this is about a principle of equal access: everyone should be able to access public services and be understood, regardless of which language they speak. You can read more about this thinking in Equal services through interpreting in Norway. Precisely because the public sector is the largest client, the Interpretation Act plays such a central role.
Since 2022 , the Interpreting Act has required public bodies to use a qualified interpreter whenever they are obligated to use one. Until now, however, a transitional arrangement has been in place: a dispensation allowing public entities to use unqualified interpreters while the market built up enough capacity. This dispensation expires on December 31, 2026, after which the main rule requiring qualified interpreters applies in full. This means public bodies will increasingly need to source interpreters from the National Register of Interpreters, regardless of category. For anyone considering becoming an interpreter, this is a strong argument for starting your qualification now rather than waiting.
For most people who want to become an interpreter in the public sector, the Bilingual Test is the natural starting point. OsloMet normally offers testing twice a year, though not all languages are available every round. Which languages are offered is determined by actual interpreting needs in the public sector, in collaboration with IMDi. If you don't see your own language listed in the testing schedule, you can register your interest via Min side at OsloMet.
This gives OsloMet a clearer picture of actual demand for your language, and you'll be notified as soon as a test becomes available. A passing result opens the door to further qualification, including the course The Interpreter's Area of Responsibility (TAO), which qualifies you for entry into the National Register of Interpreters.
The National Register of Interpreters sorts interpreters into categories based on their education and which tests they've passed. At one end of the scale are those who have completed the Bilingual Test and the course on the interpreter's area of responsibility. At the other end are interpreters with a bachelor's degree in interpreting, offered at OsloMet, NTNU, and Høgskulen på Vestlandet. The program is offered online and through gathering-based sessions, making it possible to combine studies with work or other commitments. The categories give an overview of where you stand in the qualification process:
Compensation for interpreting assignments varies, both because rates are set by the individual public body commissioning the interpreter, and because they are often differentiated according to which category the interpreter is registered in.
To work as an interpreter, you need to master at least two languages at a very high level, ideally close to native proficiency. If Norwegian isn't your native language, you must document at least B2 level across all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This can be shown in several ways, including taking the Norwegian Test (Norskprøven) through HK-dir and achieving B2 in all sections, completing Norwegian at the Vg3 level in upper secondary school, passing the level-three exam in Norwegian for foreign students, or completing at least 60 credits in Norwegian language and social studies. This is currently sufficient to take the first steps toward becoming an interpreter, though it's worth noting that the Interpreting Act emphasizes that those commissioning interpreters should prioritize candidates registered at least in Category E of the National Register of Interpreters.
Strong language skills alone, however, don't make you a qualified interpreter. You also need to understand how Norwegian public administration works, be familiar with fields such as healthcare, law, police work, and education, and be able to quickly get up to speed on new topics. Memory work and note-taking technique develop over time and become essential when conversations grow long and complex. Equally important is professional judgment: an interpreter must remain neutral even in emotionally charged situations, and confidentiality is absolute. This side of the profession matures through experience and conscious reflection on one's own role, not through theory alone.
Imagine you've just passed the Bilingual Test. The next step is to sign up for the course on the interpreter's area of responsibility (TAO), which gives you formal insight into the framework for public-sector assignments. Once you've passed the course, you're registered in the National Register of Interpreters and can start taking assignments. Many choose to go on to complete a bachelor's degree after a few years in the profession, while others build experience through practice within their category. Both paths are valid, and the choice depends on where you want to take your career. With the Interpreting Act's transitional period drawing to a close, those who start qualifying well in advance will be best positioned once the requirement takes full effect.
If you'd like to become an interpreter with TolkeNett, the path starts with sending in your CV. You can find the full process described on Careers at TolkeNett. If we see that your profile matches our needs, we'll reach out to you. Your application is kept in our system so we can contact you when relevant opportunities arise. If we assess that you'd be a good fit as an interpreter, you'll be invited to our own interpreter training course, either in person or online, followed by a mentorship program where you'll observe assignments and receive close follow-up going forward.
13.08.2026
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