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FAQs

Browse our FAQs for quick answers to common questions.

General Questions

What is the difference between interpretation and translation?

Interpretation deals with spoken communication, converting speech from one language to another in real-time. Translation focuses on written content, converting text from one language into another.

Why is certification important when hiring an interpreter or translator?

Certification indicates that the linguist has passed rigorous exams by recognized credentialing bodies. It ensures high standards in accuracy, ethics, and professionalism.

What industries do you serve?

We work across a wide range of industries, including legal, medical, education, business, and community services.

Interpretation Questions

Which languages do you offer interpreting services in?
Amharic
Arabic
Serbo-Croation
Cantonese
Filipino (Tagalog)
French
Haitian Creole
Hmong
Khmer
Korean
Mandarin
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Somali
Spanish
Turkish
Vietnamese
Why do you offer interpreting services in only 18 languages?

We limit our services to languages with established credentialing pathways from reputable certifying authorities. This ensures we can provide qualified, trusted interpreters for every assignment. Simply put, we focus on quality over quantity.

What certifications do your interpreters hold?

Every interpreter we work with is certified by one or more of the nation’s most reputable credentialing bodies, including AOUSC, NCSC, CCHI, and NBCMI.

Are there state and national interpreter certifications available for all industries?

Currently, state and national interpreter certifications are only available in the legal and medical fields. Other industries do not yet have their own state or national-level certification programs.

What if I need an interpreter for a field other than legal or medical?

While state and national interpreter certifications are currently only available in the legal and medical fields, certified interpreters are still your best option—even for other industries. Certification demonstrates proven expertise and language proficiency. Just let us know the field you need support in, and we’ll match you with a certified interpreter who’s the right fit for your needs.

What are certification tiers for court interpreters and why do they matter?

Certification tiers vary by state and reflect the interpreter’s performance on standardized exams. Understanding the certification tiers of your state allows you to make informed decisions when choosing an interpreter. At Certlingo, we understand the complexities of certification tiers. Let us help you select the interpreters who meet the highest standards in your state.
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Do you provide both in-person and remote interpretation?

Yes. We offer both options depending on your needs. Our interpreters can attend courtrooms, hospitals, schools, or join virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, etc.

Do you offer in-person services in my area?

We offer in-person interpretation in many locations across the country. Availability depends on the language, the dates, and the type of service required. Contact us to confirm interpreter availability in your area.

How far in advance should I book an interpreter?

As early as possible is best, especially for rare languages and for in-person requests in less populated locations. However, we also accommodate urgent requests when possible.

What if I need a service outside regular business hours?

We offer flexible scheduling and can often accommodate evenings, weekends, and holidays.

What if I need interpretation in multiple languages at once?

We can provide multilingual interpreters or teams depending on your event’s needs. Contact us to plan the logistics.

What modes of interpretation do you offer?

We provide consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, and sight translation. Consecutive Interpretation is when the speaker pauses regularly to allow the interpreter to relay each segment before continuing. The speaker and interpreter take turns, so they never speak at the same time. Simultaneous interpretation is when the interpreter conveys the message in real time, almost as the speaker is talking. There’s no need for the speaker to pause. (Simultaneous interpretation is performed with interpreting equipment.) Sight Translation is a hybrid of interpreting and translating. The interpreter reads written text in one language and immediately—on sight—renders it orally into the target language.

What kind of equipment do you use for simultaneous in-person interpretation?

We use ListenTALK equipment by Listen Technologies, the industry standard for simultaneous interpretation. Designed for professional use in any setting, this system offers crystal-clear audio and an impressive range—over 300 feet indoors and 600 feet outdoors—ensuring smooth, uninterrupted communication throughout your event. To explore ListenTALK equipment, visit Listen Technologies .

Translation Questions

Which languages do you offer translation services in?
Arabic
German
French
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Chinese (Simplified)
Why do you offer translation services in only 10 languages?

We offer translation services exclusively in languages for which the American Translators Association (ATA) offers certification – currently, 10 languages and over 30 language pairs. By limiting our services to languages backed by ATA’s rigorous credentialing process, we ensure that every project is handled by a translator who has demonstrated mastery of both linguistic accuracy and industry best practices.

What types of translation services do you offer?

Our services include document translation, transcription & translation, localization, and certified translations for official use.

What types of documents do you translate?

We translate legal, medical, technical, business, and educational documents, as well as marketing content and personal records.

What is localization in translation?

Localization adapts content for a specific cultural or regional audience, beyond just translating the language.

Are your translators certified?

Yes, all our translators are certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), ensuring high-quality and legally recognized work.

Do you offer certified translations for official use?

Yes. Our certified translations are legally recognized for use in official proceedings, including immigration, legal filings, and education.

Can you transcribe and translate audio or video files?

Absolutely. We offer transcription and translation services for both audio and video content.

Can you handle urgent translation requests?

Yes. We offer expedited services depending on project scope and timeline requirements.

Do you offer proofreading or editing of existing translations?

Yes, we can review and refine existing translations to improve accuracy and clarity.

How are your translation fees calculated?

Fees are typically based on word count, language pair, and document complexity. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Do you provide translation for websites and digital content?

Yes. We offer website and digital media translation, including localization for international audiences.

How do I submit documents for translation?

You can upload files HERE . We accept a wide range of file formats including PDF, Word, and audio files. Please contact us if you would like to share large audio or video files you need transcribed.

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