Prescheduling Your Interpreting Services

While all 230+ telephone languages are available on demand with no prescheduling required, there are situations where scheduling an interpreter ensures a smoother experience for you and your client. 

Ready to Schedule?

For over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) calls:
Call us: (800) 225–5254 or
Email us: orders@certifiedlanguages.com

You may also preschedule an audio or video call through the MERFi platform using the schedule feature. The MERFi user guide contains written instruction on scheduling an audio or video call

Please reach out at least 24 hours in advance, and our team will do everything we can to accommodate your needs.

Not sure if you should book ahead? Below are some suggested scenarios — but this list is far from complete!

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When to Preschedule Your Interpreter

Scheduling in advance allows us to reserve the right interpreter, prepare for specific needs, and give your client the best possible interaction.

Here are a few scenarios where prescheduling is recommended:

Continuity Matters

If you have recurring appointments and want to work with the same interpreter each time, prescheduling makes that possible. This consistency helps your client feel more comfortable and builds trust.

Sensitive or Complex Conversations

For sensitive discussions, such as medical, legal, or behavioral health appointments, prescheduling ensures you’re matched with an interpreter experienced in that subject matter.

Interpreter Requirements

If your client prefers a specific gender or requires a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), a scheduled appointment allows us to accommodate that request.

Less Common Languages

Some languages of lesser diffusion may not always have interpreters available on demand when you need them, although we do our best. Scheduling ahead helps us secure a professional interpreter in the specific language or dialect you need.

Beyond Standard Hours

Video services are available on demand 24/7 in Spanish and ASL, but other languages have set hours. If you need an interpreter outside of the set hours, we recommend scheduling in advance.

Extended Sessions or Prep Work

If you anticipate a long appointment (with breaks or downtime), or if your interpreter needs to review materials beforehand, please schedule ahead so we can arrange the right support.

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Making Your Prescheduled Appointment a Success

A little preparation before your scheduled appointment can help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Here’s what to know:

Plan Ahead

Whenever possible, please schedule 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives us time to secure the best interpreter for your needs, especially for less common languages or specialized requests.

Keep Your Reference Number Handy

Every prescheduled appointment comes with a unique reference number (different from your customer code). You’ll need this if you need to reconnect with your interpreter or check on your appointment.

Understand Minimums and Cancellations

• All scheduled calls have a 30-minute minimum billing period
• If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, a 30-minute cancellation fee applies
• However, if no interpreter has yet been assigned, that fee is waived

Running Late?

Your interpreter will remain on standby for up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. After that, the interpreter will disconnect.

Reconnecting to Your Interpreter

If the interpreter becomes disconnected, call back right away and provide your reference number. We’ll reconnect you to the same interpreter if possible.

Keep the Interpreter on the Line

To ensure continuity, please keep your interpreter on the line for the entire duration of your appointment. If the interpreter is dismissed or intentionally disconnected, the same interpreter may not be immediately available again.