AIIC at a glance
AS THE EARLY PROFESSION DEVELOPED, LEADING PRACTITIONERS RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR CODIFIED WORKING CONDITIONS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE. AIIC WAS BORN.
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Based in Geneva, Switzerland, AIIC has over 3000 members in some 100 countries. 'AIIC' stands for 'International Association of Conference Interpreters' in French. Founded in 1953, AIIC is still the only truly global association of conference interpreters.
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AIIC’s stringent application process – involving sponsorship by peers and validated experience – provides assurance of a high level of professionalism. The name 'AIIC' is synonymous with quality and strict adherence to professional ethics.
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AIIC was the first to recognise the need to create order in the emerging profession of interpreting, as early as the 1950s. It introduced the internationally used A-B-C language classification system, which clearly indicates the languages an interpreter works from and into.
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AIIC has signed collective agreements with most international organisations, including the EU and UN. AIIC’s authority is such, that these agreements set out the working conditions of all interpreters working there - AIIC members and non-members alike.
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AIIC’s online directory and the smart search engine are valuable tools enabling conference organisers to search for interpreters that they wish to recruit. AIIC also created the institution of Consultant Interpreters, to give organisers peace of mind by assigning all language-related services to a specialised professional.
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AIIC has worked closely with ISO on international standards for interpreting services and equipment. Moreover, AIIC develops guidelines and best practices, adhered to worldwide on a series of matters related to interpreting such as distance interpreting.
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AIIC has produced best practice criteria for interpreting schools.
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AIIC extended membership to sign language interpreters in 2012.
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AIIC has worked extensively on training for its members and offers continuous professional development through AIIC hosted seminars and courses.
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Proud of its heritage, the Association is the custodian of a vast repository of digital historical records, to facilitate access for interpreters and researchers to the remarkable success story that is AIIC.