What Stichting RTGS does

Stichting Register Tolken Gebarentaal en Schrijftolken (RTGS) is a Dutch non-profit foundation (stichting) established on 6 July 2001 and headquartered in Bilthoven, Netherlands. It operates as the only official public registry of qualified sign language interpreters (covering NGT, NmG, ASL, BSL) and written interpreters (schrijftolken) in the Netherlands, serving two principal constituencies: deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafblind individuals ("tolkgebruikers") seeking interpreters free of charge via a public online directory, and the registered interpreters themselves, who pay annual registration fees. RTGS governs quality through mandatory registration criteria (Bachelor diploma Tolk NGT or Associate Degree Schrijftolk from Hogeschool Utrecht), a 60-hour (75-hour for combinatietolken) four-year Permanente Educatie (continuing education) cycle with at least 50% in Category 1 Scholingsactiviteiten, a Specialisatiesysteem (specialization accreditation) including an active deafblind-interpreting pilot, an independent Klachtencommissie (complaints committee) relocated under RTGS in October 2024, and a Beroepscommissie for appeals.

The organization's core technology is a public web-based register and map-based interpreter search tool (/zoek-een-tolk) that allows filtering by interpreter type, specialization, experience area, language, and Dutch region; no proprietary AI or algorithmic capabilities are described. RTGS is structured as an independent foundation governed by a Raad van Toezicht (Supervisory Board) with multi-stakeholder representation from user associations (Dovenschap, Stichting Hoormij-NVVS, FODOK, SH-Jong, Oogvereniging OOR & OOG) and professional associations (NBTG, NSV). The organization is VAT-exempt under Article 11(1)(t) Wet OB 1968 and is funded almost entirely by interpreter registration fees — €185 one-time enrollment and €205 annual recurring, collected via SEPA direct debit at the end of March. The operating base is small (7 employees), and the organization plans a 25th-anniversary symposium for 2 October 2026 at Theater De Kom, Nieuwegein.

Name

Stichting RTGS

Legal name

Stichting Register Tolken Gebarentaal en Schrijftolken

Website

https://stichtingrtgs.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Stichting RTGS is the Dutch non-profit foundation that maintains the official public registry of qualified sign language and written interpreters in the Netherlands, serving deaf and hard-of-hearing interpreter users and the registered interpreters themselves.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Interpreter Registry Services

NAICS

Translation and Interpretation Services (541930), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD), Interpretation, Translation & Language Access Training (Community Interpreting) (EDAAADAJ)

Keywords

• Sign language interpreting
• Interpreter registry
• Professional accreditation
• Continuing education
• Interpreter directory

Headquarters

HQ city

Bilthoven

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Interpreter registration fees: RTGS charges annual registration fees to interpreters who wish to be listed in the public register. Fees are collected via SEPA direct debit. The organization is VAT-exempt under Dutch tax law (Article 11(1)(t) Wet OB 1968) as it is an association of professionals serving members' collective interests. Revenue is also generated from one-time enrollment fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Stichting RTGS is a Dutch non-profit foundation that maintains a public register of qualified sign language interpreters (NGT, NmG, ASL, BSL) and written interpreters (schrijftolken) operating in the Netherlands. The organization safeguards interpreter quality through mandatory registration criteria (university-level degrees) and a 60-hour-per-48-month continuing education cycle (Permanente Educatie). It also operates an independent Klachtencommissie (Complaints Committee), a specialization recognition system, and an accredited training provider network.

Product overview

Stichting RTGS operates a public registry and quality assurance system for sign language interpreters (NGT, NmG, vierhandengebaren) and write interpreters in the Netherlands. The core offering is the Openbaar Register (Public Register) where qualified interpreters are listed with their profiles, specializations, and contact information. The organization manages the complete lifecycle including registration, continuing education (Permanente Educatie), specialization recognition, and quality monitoring. Supporting services include a complaints committee, supervision/intervision programs, coaching accreditation, and periodic symposium events. The registry supports search by interpreter type (NGT, Schrijftolk, Combitolk, ASL, BSL), location, specialization, and experience areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Openbaar Register van Gekwalificeerde Tolken (Public Register of Qualified Interpreters) The main public registry where users can search for qualified sign language interpreters (NGT, NmG) and written interpreters (schrijftolken) in the Netherlands. The register includes interpreter profiles with contact details, specializations, and experience areas.
• Permanente Educatie (Continuing Education Program) Professional development program requiring registered interpreters to complete 60 hours (or 75 hours for combin interpreters) of continuing education every 4 years, divided into Category 1 Scholingsactiviteiten and Category 2 Overige activiteiten.
• Tolkzoekfunctionaliteit (Interpreter Search Tool) Online search tool allowing users to find interpreters by location, region, interpreter group, specialization, experience area, language, and more. Includes map-based search functionality.
• Klachtencommissie (Complaints Committee) Independent complaints committee handling complaints from interpreter users about sign language or written interpreters who allegedly violated professional codes or provided unsatisfactory service quality.
• Specialisatiesysteem (Specialization System) System allowing interpreters to obtain recognized specializations in specific work areas. Currently running a pilot for deafblind interpreting, with a two-phase process for work groups to apply for preliminary recognition and eventual formal specialization status.
• Nascholingen Overzicht (Training Overview) Platform displaying approved training and educational activities for interpreters, including workshops, coaching, supervision, and intervision sessions offered by accredited providers.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DovenschapcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDovenschap is a Dutch organization representing deaf and sign language users, safeguarding the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Dutch deaf community. It participates as a stakeholder in RTGS governance, consulted on policy decisions affecting interpreter users.
• Stichting Hoormij - NVVScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStichting Hoormij-NVVS advocates for people with hearing impairments, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and balance disorders. Participates in RTGS stakeholder governance to represent the interests of hard-of-hearing individuals who use interpreters.
• Stichting Plots- en laatdovenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization advocating for people who have become deaf suddenly or gradually. Participates in RTGS stakeholder consultations.
• FODOK (Nederlandse Federatie van Ouders van Dove Kinderen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch federation representing parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Participates in RTGS stakeholder governance.
• SH-JongminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization for hard-of-hearing youth aged 12-30, focused on meeting, information, and advocacy. Participates in RTGS stakeholder consultations.
• Oogvereniging OOR & OOG (Participatiegroep DoofBlinden)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization representing people with deafblindness. Participates in RTGS governance. RTGS offers a specialized pilot for interpreters working with deafblind individuals.
• NBTG (Nederlandse Beroepsvereniging Tolken Gebarentaal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association representing sign language interpreters in the Netherlands. Co-governs RTGS as a stakeholder, contributes to professional codes, and collaborates on continuing education standards and the annual symposium.
• NSV (Nederlandse Schrijftolken Vereniging)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association for written interpreters in the Netherlands. Co-governs RTGS as a stakeholder and co-develops professional standards and continuing education requirements for written interpreters.
• Hogeschool UtrechtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe HU offers the Bachelor degree in Dutch Sign Language Interpreting (Tolk NGT) and the Associate Degree in Written Interpreting (Schrijftolk). These are the mandatory qualification pathways for RTGS registration, making HU the primary educational pipeline for the registry.
• TolkcontactminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTolkcontact (www.tolkcontact.nl) is the national intermediary for interpreter requests in the Netherlands. Users seeking an interpreter are referred to Tolkcontact when they cannot find one through the RTGS register. Available 24/7 for urgent/special needs via 06 30 80 47 15.
• Nederlands Gebarencentrum (NgC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment-recognized lexicographic institute responsible for mapping and managing the lexicon of Dutch Sign Language (NGT). Provides workshops and knowledge about NGT translation, Deaf culture, and history, which contribute to interpreter quality.
• Register beëdigde tolken en vertalers (Rbtv)minorOthersNational register of sworn interpreters and translators in the judicial domain. Listed as a related resource on RTGS's links page for interpreters seeking to work in legal settings.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Register beëdigde tolken en vertalers (Rbtv): The Dutch national register of sworn interpreters and translators in the judicial domain, explicitly linked from RTGS's website. Closest Dutch counterpart for a different interpreter segment, with similar governance and quality-assurance mandate.
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): The US national certifying body for sign language interpreters, operating a public registry, certification testing, and continuing education oversight. Most directly comparable to RTGS in mandate, structure, and stakeholder ecosystem.
• Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI): Canada's national body for certifying and registering sign language interpreters, with public directory and professional standards. Directly comparable mandate to RTGS.
• European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli): European association of sign language interpreter associations, coordinating standards across member countries including the Netherlands. Comparable as a peer-level umbrella body relevant to RTGS's professional community.
• National Register of Communication Professionals with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD): The UK regulator maintaining a public register of qualified communication professionals, with registration tiers, quality assurance, and complaints handling — closely mirroring RTGS's role in the Netherlands.

Regional players

• National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service (NABS) / Deaf Connect: Australian organization providing Auslan interpreter booking and payment services with quality standards. Comparable registry/intermediation role in a different geography for sign language interpreters.

Broad incumbents

• World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI): Global association supporting sign language interpreter associations worldwide, including setting international standards. Broader in scope than RTGS but operates in the same professional space.
• American Translators Association (ATA): The largest US association for translators and interpreters, providing certification, directories, and professional standards. Broader in scope (spoken languages) but operates a comparable registry and certification model.
• Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (FIT): International federation of translator and interpreter associations, setting global professional standards. Operates at a higher umbrella level than RTGS but covers the same broader profession.

Others

• Tolkcontact: The Dutch national intermediary that matches interpreter users with sign language and written interpreters. Already partnered with RTGS as the referral channel when users can't self-serve via the directory; ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stichting-rtgs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stichting RTGS