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In Sweden, only translators who have been authorized by the Legal, Financial
and Administrative Services Agency (formerly, by the National Board of
Trade) have the right to describe themselves as authorized translators.
Authorization is awarded after a demanding written examination, consisting
of texts on legal, economic and general topics. Authorized translators
are required to observe high professional standards, which include observing
confidentiality and only taking on assignments they are capable of completing
in a satisfactory manner. Only individuals can be authorized, not companies
or agencies.
Likewise, only interpreters authorized by the Legal,
Financial and Administrative Services Agency may refer to themselves as
authorized interpreters. To obtain authorization, interpreters
have to show in written and oral examinations that they have an adequate
command of both Swedish and the other language concerned, as well as the
necessary interpreting skills. They must also have a basic understanding
of areas such as social services and social security, health care, employment
and general law, and of the terminology used in these fields.
To qualify as a specialist legal interpreter,
an authorized interpreter has to take additional written and oral examinations
to demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and interpreting ability in
the legal field. Legal interpreters typically work in the law courts,
for police and public prosecution authorities, and for lawyers in private
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