Sworn translators exams are organized by the Sworn Translator Division of the Ministry of Justice. The cost of the exam is 800 PLN. It is possible to sit the exam before meeting the requirements but the rights of profession practice and an entry in the sworn translator register are obtained only after meeting all requirements. It means that you can sit such exam before obtaining Polish citizenship but full rights will be given only after obtaining this citizenship.
The exam is composed of two parts: written and oral. Both of them include translations from and into Polish. During a written exam, a candidate should translate and official or court document and a standard text. During an oral exam, he or she has to translate examiner’s statements (in a consecutive not a simultaneous way, i.e. after an examiner finishes the speech) and orally translate a written text. In case of a negative result, another sit is possible not earlier than one year from unsuccessful attempt. Exams of various languages have different frequency of terms. E.g. Russian translators exams are organized 3 to 4 times a year and Ukrainian – 1 to 2 times. The department informs a candidate about the exam date not later than 3 weeks before. There are no special materials helping in preparations to the exam.
NOTE!
Persons having rights of a sworn translator issued in other country still have to pass a Polish exam to obtain Polish status of a sworn translator.
In 1999, the Polish Language Law was passed. Its main aim is to protect Polish language (e.g Polish as a teaching language). The Law appoints the Polish Language Board. It is an opinion making and advising institution regarding issues of Polish language use.
