Interpreter Education at HVL: A Step Towards Category D

Are you working as an interpreter but lack formal qualifications? The foundation course Interpreting in the Public Sector at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) is worth considering. The programme gives you Category D in the National Interpreter Registry — and that means real, tangible benefits: more assignments, greater trust from clients, and better income potential.

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From Practice to Formal Qualifications

In Norway, interpreters are registered in the National Interpreter Registry according to qualification level, from A to E. The higher your category, the more assignments you have access to, and the greater the demand for your services.

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Many interpreters start at category E after passing the Bilingual Test and the TAO course, and that is a good starting point. Each category represents a real level of competence, and higher qualifications give you greater professional confidence, better preparation for demanding situations and increased demand for your services. The Interpreter Act makes clear that public sector bodies are required to prioritise qualified interpreters, which makes formal training a sound investment in your career.

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For those who want to go even further, there is also the option of completing a bachelor's degree in interpreting at OsloMet, which gives category B and even broader opportunities.

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What Is the Course at HVL?

The Public Sector Interpreting course is a one-year part-time programme worth 30 credits at HVL in Bergen. The course focuses on professional knowledge, professional ethics and interpreting in practice — everything you actually need to interpret well and confidently in public sector settings.

Nedelina, Project Coordinator for Interpreting in the Public Sector at HVL, describes who the course is designed for:

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The course is aimed at people who want to work as an interpreter, or who already work as an interpreter but lack interpreter training and formal qualifications.

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Admission Requirements

To apply for admission you need general university admissions certification or prior learning recognition, in addition to one of the following:

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• A satisfactory result on the Bilingual Test (taken in 2022 or later)

• A passed state authorisation examination

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If you took the Bilingual Test before 2022, you will need to retake it for the result to be valid as a basis for admission in autumn 2027.

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Easy to Combine with Work

One of the greatest advantages of the course is its flexibility. Nedelina, Project Coordinator for Interpreting in the Public Sector at HVL, explains:

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The course is web-based and campus-based, and fits easily around work. There are 3 physical two-day gatherings and 8 to 9 online sessions per semester. The physical gatherings take place in Bergen. The online sessions are 1 to 2 hours and are held between 18:00 and 20:00.

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You do not need to choose between studying and working. Most interpreters can complete the course alongside their existing assignments.

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The Deadline Is Approaching

The application deadline for the autumn 2027 intake is 1 February 2027. The following languages will be available in the next application round: Arabic, Polish, Russian, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

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One or two additional languages may also be offered. Keep an eye on HVL's program page for the latest information.

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The Bilingual Test is held twice a year, and information about the summer sitting is expected soon. Follow OsloMet's pages for updates.

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Further information about the program can be found on HVL's program page for Interpreting in the Public Sector.

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Coming Soon: A New Bachelor's Program

HVL and the University of Agder are working together to establish a bachelor's degree in interpreting and translation in the public sector — an entirely new program that will offer higher qualifications than the foundation course and open up new career opportunities. The degree will also be designed to suit students in employment. If all goes to plan, the first intake will take place in spring 2027, with the program starting in autumn 2027. This is an exciting development for the interpreting profession in Norway, and we will return with more information as it becomes available.