It is the policy of CWCIA and its members to refer non-certified interpreters claiming
to be certified or using the certification number of another interpreter, to the proper
government agency.

This code shall serve as an ethical guide for professional and business conduct among members. All CWCIA members agree to comply with this code.

For purpose of this code, an interpreter is a specially trained professional with proficient knowledge in two or more languages. The interpreter provides effective communication between parties using different languages. Necessary skills should include cultural sensitivity as well as mastery of specialized terminology. Interpreters shall maintain the highest standards of performance and ethics.

Interpreters

Accuracy

Interpreters shall endeavor to render a complete and accurate interpretation of the source language into the target language without omission, addition, or alteration while accommodating the syntactic and semantic patterns of the target language.

Impartiality

Interpreters shall remain impartial and neutral and avoid any appearance to the contrary. Interpreters should avoid unnecessary familiarity with the parties.

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest shall be defined by applicable government codes or regulations.
Interpreters shall recuse themselves from any situation that may represent a conflict of interest. Interpreters will advise the parties involved of any real or potential conflict of interest.

Confidentiality

Interpreters shall maintain strict confidentiality of all information communicated between the parties.

Limitations of the professional role

Interpreters shall not give medical or legal advice or express any personal opinion.

Representation of Credentials

Interpreters shall be truthful about their credentials and qualifications and will only accept assignments for which they are qualified.

Conduct and Protocol

Interpreters shall dress and conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Interpreters shall be punctual, and conduct themselves with integrity.

Interpreters shall fulfill all agreements and obligations with an agency or client. They shall not return any previously accepted assignment without adequate advance notice or cause.

Interpreters shall not replace themselves with another interpreter without the consent of the contracting party.

Interpreters shall not accept the same assignment from two different contracting parties.

Interpreters are representatives of the agency or contracting party and shall not solicit or interfere with an existing business relationship.

Fees shall be mutually agreed upon prior to accepting an assignment.

Interpreters shall notify the agency contracting their services of any unresolved difficulties and will attempt in good faith to reach a resolution.

Agencies

Agencies and/or contractors will commit to treating interpreters with respect, consideration and honesty.

Agencies and/or contractors shall fulfill their agreed obligation to pay interpreters in a timely manner in accordance with the previously agreed upon terms.

Agencies and/or contractors shall state their expectations and provide interpreters with any written company policies before contracting them.

Agencies and/or contractors shall promptly acknowledge any complaint or dispute and address them in good faith.

Agencies and/or contractors shall honor any verbal or written agreement made with interpreters.

Agencies and/or contractors shall not encourage or knowingly permit interpreters to misrepresent their qualifications.

Agencies and/or contractors shall convey any positive or negative feedback about an interpreter from the client. Any complaints about the interpreter shall be addressed in a confidential manner.

Agencies and/or contractors shall maintain confidential any negative feedback from agencies' clients.

Agencies and/or contractors shall respect the independent contractor’s clients.

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