TS ISO 23155

TS ISO 23155 is a standard for requirements and recommendations governing conference interpreting services. It addresses the professional delivery of spoken-language mediation in conference settings, where clarity, accuracy, timing, and consistency are essential to keep multilingual communication functioning smoothly.

What conference interpreting covers

The standard is aimed primarily at conference interpreters and at providers of conference interpreting services, while also serving as a reference point for users of such services. In general technical terms, conference interpreting is a specialized form of oral language transfer carried out in real time or near real time. It differs from written translation because the interpreter must process speech instantly, preserve meaning and intent, and work within the constraints of live interaction, whether the setting is in person, remote, or hybrid.

Why requirements and recommendations both matter

By combining requirements and recommendations, the standard supports both mandatory service expectations and guidance that helps organisations achieve consistent quality. In practical conference work, preparation, terminology consistency, role definition, team coordination, and session management are all important factors in service performance. This document provides a structured reference for that service environment without changing the fundamental nature of conference interpreting as a professional communication function.

• Focuses on the professional delivery of spoken interpretation in conference environments.
• Provides a common reference for interpreters, service providers, and service users.
• Combines requirements with recommendations to support consistent service practice.
• Concerns interpreting services, not written translation.