Question 1

How do I book an interpreter or request a translation?

Accepted Answer

Call us at 800-374-5444, email info@focusinterpreting.com, or submit the request-a-quote form on this site. Tell us the language, the date, time, and location (or the file for translation), and the setting, such as a medical appointment, a deposition, or a training. A coordinator will confirm availability and send a written quote. Established clients can also book directly through our online scheduler.

Question 2

How much notice do you need?

Accepted Answer

For on-site assignments, the more notice the better, especially for less common languages or specialized settings. That said, rush and emergency service is part of what we do: phone and video interpreting is available 24/7, and we regularly dispatch interpreters on short notice. Call us and we will tell you what is possible for your date.

Question 3

Which languages do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide interpreting and translation in more than 120 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Armenian, Farsi, Russian, Arabic, and American Sign Language. If you need a language you do not see listed on the site, ask. Our network is broad and we will tell you promptly whether we can staff it.

Question 4

Where do you provide services?

Accepted Answer

Focus Interpreting is headquartered in Victorville, California, with an office in Alhambra. We send on-site interpreters throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco, and serve clients nationwide. Phone interpreting, video remote interpreting, translation, and transcription are available anywhere in the world.

Question 5

Do you work with government agencies and large organizations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our clients include the County of Los Angeles, the California Department of Education, the California Highway Patrol, Southern California Edison, Disney, and Foster Farms, among others. We are a Veteran-Owned Small Business and a certified Minority Business Enterprise, and our contracting identifiers (CMAS, NAICS, UNSPSC, CAGE, and DUNS) are available to procurement teams on request.

Question 6

What is the difference between interpreting and translation?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting is spoken or signed: an interpreter converts live speech or sign language between two languages, in person, by phone, or by video. Translation is written: a translator converts documents, websites, software strings, or subtitles into another language. Focus Interpreting provides both, and many clients use us for a mix of the two.

Question 7

Are your interpreters certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our interpreters are certified in accordance with national standards, and we provide state-certified medical and legal interpreters for healthcare, court, deposition, and workers' compensation settings. Every interpreter is HIPAA-trained, U.S.-based, experienced in both simultaneous and consecutive modes, and required to complete continuing education.

Question 8

Should I choose on-site, phone, or video remote interpreting?

Accepted Answer

On-site interpreting is best for depositions, medical exams, trainings, and any meeting where body language and documents matter. Phone interpreting is fastest for short, unplanned conversations and is available around the clock. Video remote interpreting (VRI) combines the visual cues of an in-person session with the speed of a call, and it is often the right choice for American Sign Language. Our patented Focus VRI app works on any smartphone or tablet. If you are unsure, describe the situation and we will recommend a mode.

Question 9

Will the interpreter arrive on time?

Accepted Answer

Punctuality is a requirement, not a goal. Our interpreters are required to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start so they can check in, review any materials, and be ready when you are. Tell your coordinator in advance if the session may run long so we can plan for it.

Question 10

Can you provide interpreters for conferences and large events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide conference interpreters along with the equipment and staff needed for simultaneous interpreting, including booths, transmitters, and receivers. Tell us the number of languages, the audience size, and the venue, and we will scope the setup for you.

Question 11

What is a certified translation, and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A certified translation is a translation delivered with a signed statement from the translator or agency attesting that it is complete and accurate. Immigration filings, court submissions, academic records, and many government and insurance processes require one. Focus Interpreting has provided certified translations to law practices since 2010. If the receiving agency also requires notarization, ask us whether it can be arranged for your document.

Question 12

How long does a translation take?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround depends on length, subject matter, formatting, and language pair. Short documents such as certificates and letters can usually turn around quickly, while longer technical, legal, or medical files take more time for translation and review. Rush service is available. When you send the file, we will give you a firm delivery date with the quote.

Question 13

What file formats can you work with?

Accepted Answer

We accept Word, PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, InDesign, scanned images, and most other common formats. For websites, software, and mobile apps we work from exported resource files or content management system exports. Our desktop publishing team can return translated files in the original layout, and we offer ADA remediation for accessible PDFs.

Question 14

How do you keep my documents confidential?

Accepted Answer

Everything you share with us is held in the strictest confidence. Our linguists are HIPAA-trained, and we adhere to the American Translators Association Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. Ask your coordinator if your organization requires a non-disclosure or business associate agreement.

Question 15

Do you offer transcription as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We transcribe academic, investigative, legal, media, and medical recordings, in English and in other languages, with translation of the transcript when needed. Send us the audio or video file and tell us how the transcript will be used, and we will confirm the format and turnaround.

Question 16

How is interpreting priced?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting is typically billed by time, with rates that vary by language, mode (on-site, phone, or video), setting, and how much notice we receive. On-site assignments may include a minimum booking and travel where applicable. Your written quote spells everything out before you confirm, and there are no hidden fees.

Question 17

How is translation priced?

Accepted Answer

Translation is usually quoted per word or per page, depending on the document, with additional line items for certification, desktop publishing, or rush delivery when they apply. Send us the file and we will return a firm, itemized quote at no cost.

Question 18

Do you charge extra for rush or after-hours service?

Accepted Answer

Rush and after-hours requests may carry a premium because they take priority over scheduled work, and we will always tell you the rate before you confirm. Phone and video interpreting is available 24/7, so urgent needs can often be met without an on-site rush fee.

Question 19

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation terms are stated on your booking confirmation and depend on the type of assignment and how far in advance you cancel. Because interpreters reserve their time for you, late cancellations may be billable. Let your coordinator know as early as possible if plans change and we will do our best to reschedule instead.

Question 20

How do I pay, and do you offer account billing?

Accepted Answer

Payment and invoicing options are confirmed with your quote. Ask your coordinator about account billing for recurring work, and we will walk you through the options available for your project.

Questions, answered

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Interpreting

Translation & documents

Pricing & policies

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