Legal Requirements vs. Reality: Do We Have Enough Qualified Interpreters?

When the Interpreting Act (tolkeloven) came into effect on January 1, 2022, it became a legal obligation for public authorities to use qualified interpreters when necessary to ensure proper service delivery. According to Section 7, interpreters should, as a general rule, be listed in the National Register of Interpreters, with verified education or documented professional competence (Lovdata, 2021).

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However, even at its introduction, it was clear that the interpreter pool was insufficient. As a result, a national exemption was granted until December 31, 2026. This allows for the temporary use of unqualified interpreters - but only when no qualified ones are available. While the exemption offers a grace period, it also places urgent pressure on the system to scale up the capacity.

A Growing Gap Between Demand and Capacity

Today, there is a significant gap between what the law requires and what the system can realistically deliver. Many languages have few - or no - qualified interpreters. In some cases, there are no formal educational programs available, and the official Bilingual Test isn’t offered for those languages. This leaves public services with no choice but to deviate from the law, even when they are fully committed to compliance.

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The consequences can beserious: misunderstandings, incorrect decisions, and - in worst case - violations of individual rights in healthcare, legal proceedings, and child welfare cases. At the same time, the small pool of qualified interpreters is under increasing strain, often covering vast regions with high volumes of assignments.

Building a System Fit for Purpose

Professional interpreting goes beyond language skills. It requires a deep understanding of the interpreter’s role, ethical responsibility, and the ability to operate in sensitive, high-stakes situations.

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Despite this, overall capacity remains too low. Not all languages are included in training programs, not all regions have access to education, and the Bilingual Test is only available for selected languages at specific times. For many aspiring interpreters, the system feels inaccessible. If this continues, Norway will be unable to meet legal requirements once the exemption expires in 2027.

How TolkeNett Is Responding

At TolkeNett, we regularly meet interpreters who are eager to become qualified but unsure where to start. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to clarify the path to qualification. We provide guidance on what it takes to become a certified interpreter, and how to begin the process. The Bilingual Test administered by OsloMet is the first step, and we encourage interpreters to sign up for notifications so they’re informed when the test becomes available for their language.

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This fall, we hosted interpreter meetups in Tromsø, Trondheim, and Kristiansand - and previously in many other cities. These social events bring together both new and experienced interpreters, provide us with valuable feedback, and help us improve our services going forward.

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The Interpreting Act is acrucial step toward improved quality and legal protection, but legislation alone is not enough. It must be followed by practical measures: training programs, recruitment initiatives, expanded testing capacity, and real support for those seeking to qualify.

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This was already highlighted in 2014, when a government report concluded that Norway needed a more comprehensive approach to interpreting in public services to uphold the rule of law (NOU 2014:8, Regjeringen.no). The need for action is now urgent.

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At TolkeNett, we are committed to doing our part - but we also need the broader system to deliver. For the Interpreting Act to truly protect the rights it intends to uphold, it must be backed by a clear, actionable plan that enables compliance in practice.