What Certified Languages International does

Certified Languages International (CLI) is a translation and interpretation company based in Portland, Oregon, that provides document translation, on-site interpretation, and video remote interpretation services. The company holds certifications from the American Translators Association and works with translators who have subject-matter informed in fields like legal, medical, technical, and business documents.

CLI serves individuals, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. They translate documents into and out of more than 100 languages, and they staff interpreters for medical appointments, legal proceedings, business meetings, and community events. Unlike some translation platforms that use machine translation or crowdsourced translators, CLI employs or contracts with professional translators and interpreters who have credentials in their language pairs and specialties.

The company operates both as a direct-to-consumer service (you can contact them for a quote) and as a vendor for larger organizations that contract them for ongoing translation and interpretation needs. They also offer interpretation services through video remote interpreting (VRI), which means an interpreter joins your appointment or meeting by video rather than appearing in person.

Key Takeaways

  • CLI provides human translation and interpretation, not machine translation, with translators who hold professional credentials and subject-matter informed.
  • Services include document translation, on-site interpretation, phone interpretation, and video remote interpretation across more than 100 languages.
  • You can request a quote directly from CLI for individual projects, or your employer, healthcare provider, or legal representative may already contract with them.
  • Turnaround time and cost depend on document length, language pair, subject matter, and whether you need the work rushed.
  • CLI's translators and interpreters are vetted for accuracy and confidentiality, which matters for medical records, legal documents, and sensitive business materials.

How to request translation or interpretation services

If you need a translation or interpretation, you can contact CLI directly through their website or phone line to describe your project. You will need to tell them the language pair (the language your document is in and the language you need it translated to), the type of document or appointment, the volume of work, and your timeline. For document translation, you may upload the file or describe it; for interpretation, you describe the setting and when you need the interpreter.

CLI will provide a quote based on this information. Pricing for translation typically depends on word count and language pair; pricing for interpretation depends on duration, location (on-site costs more than phone or video), and how soon you need the service. Rush fees explore if you need the work completed faster than their standard turnaround.

Once you accept the quote and provide payment information, CLI assigns a translator or interpreter to your project. For document translation, you receive the completed translation within the agreed timeframe. For interpretation, the interpreter either arrives at your location, joins by phone, or joins by video at the scheduled time.

When your employer, healthcare provider, or lawyer uses CLI

Many hospitals, law firms, government agencies, and large employers contract with CLI to provide interpretation and translation services to their clients or employees. If you are receiving medical care, legal representation, or services through a government program, the organization may already have a standing agreement with CLI. In that case, you do not contact CLI directly — the organization requests the interpreter or translator on your behalf and covers the cost.

This arrangement is common in healthcare settings, where hospitals and clinics use CLI for medical interpretation during appointments, and in legal settings, where law firms use CLI for document translation and courtroom interpretation. If an organization tells you they are arranging an interpreter or translator for you, ask whether they are using CLI or another vendor, so you know what to expect.

Interpretation services: in-person, phone, and video

CLI offers three modes of interpretation. On-site interpretation means the interpreter travels to your location — a medical office, courthouse, business meeting, or community event — and interprets in real time. This is the most expensive option but allows the interpreter to see facial expressions, body language, and documents in person.

Phone interpretation means you and the other party (or parties) speak to an interpreter over the phone who relays what each person says. This is faster to arrange than on-site interpretation and costs less, but the interpreter cannot see documents or visual context unless you describe them aloud.

Video remote interpretation (VRI) means an interpreter joins your appointment or meeting by video call. The interpreter can see you, the other participants, and documents you hold up to the camera, but they are not physically present. VRI is often faster to arrange than on-site interpretation and costs less, but requires a device with video capability and a stable internet connection.

Document types CLI translates

CLI translates a wide range of documents. Common types include birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and other vital records; medical records and health histories; legal contracts, wills, and court documents; business correspondence and technical manuals; and educational transcripts and diplomas. They also translate immigration-related documents, which is common because many people need certified translations of foreign documents for visa applications, green card petitions, or naturalization proceedings.

For sensitive or specialized documents — medical records, legal contracts, financial statements — CLI assigns translators with informed in that field. A medical translator, for example, understands medical terminology and the importance of accuracy in health information. A legal translator understands how legal language must be precise and how translation choices can affect the meaning of a contract or court filing.

When you submit a document for translation, tell CLI what you plan to use the translation for. Some organizations (courts, immigration agencies, educational institutions) require a certified translation, which means the translator signs a statement swearing that the translation is accurate and complete. CLI can provide certified translations; this adds a step but is often necessary for official use.

Confidentiality and professional standards

CLI's translators and interpreters are bound by confidentiality agreements. This means they cannot share or discuss the content of the documents they translate or the conversations they interpret, except as required by law. This is especially important for medical information, legal matters, and business secrets.

CLI's translators hold credentials from the American Translators Association or equivalent professional bodies, and many specialize in specific fields. Interpreters are similarly vetted. This matters because a translation error in a medical record or legal document can have serious consequences — a mistranslation of a medication name, for example, or a misstatement of a contract term. Professional standards and vetting reduce that risk.

Turnaround time and rush requests

Standard turnaround time for document translation varies depending on the length of the document, the language pair, and how busy CLI is. For a short document in a common language pair, turnaround might be a few business days. For a long document in a less common language, it might be one to two weeks. CLI's website or your quote should specify the expected turnaround for your project.

If you need the translation faster, CLI offers rush service for an additional fee. Rush turnaround might be 24 hours or same-day, depending on the project size and language. For interpretation, if you need an interpreter on short notice, availability depends on whether interpreters in that language are available in your area and at that time.

When you request a quote, be clear about your important date. CLI will tell you whether they can meet it and what the cost will be. If they cannot meet your important date, they may refer you to another vendor or suggest a later date when they have availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does CLI charge for translation or interpretation?

Pricing varies by language pair, document length or interpretation duration, subject matter, and urgency. Document translation is typically priced per word; interpretation is priced per hour or per appointment. Contact CLI directly for a quote on your specific project. Many organizations that contract with CLI have negotiated rates, so if your employer or healthcare provider uses them, the cost to you may be covered or reduced.

Can I use CLI for a video remote interpretation appointment I already have scheduled?

Yes, if your healthcare provider, legal representative, or employer does not already have an interpreter arranged, you can ask them to contact CLI to request a video remote interpreter for your appointment. You will need to give them enough notice — usually at least 24 hours — so CLI can find an available interpreter in your language. If your appointment is sooner, ask whether they can accommodate a rush request.

What if I need a translation certified for court or immigration purposes?

CLI provides certified translations, which include a signed statement from the translator attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. When you request a quote, tell CLI that you need a certified translation and what it will be used for. Certified translations cost more than standard translations because of the additional documentation and the translator's liability, but they are often required by courts, immigration agencies, and educational institutions.

Does CLI work with languages other than Spanish?

Yes, CLI works with more than 100 languages. Common languages include Mandarin, Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic, Korean, and many others. If you need a less common language, contact CLI to ask whether they have a translator or interpreter available. Availability and turnaround time may vary for less common language pairs.

What happens if I disagree with a translation CLI provided?

If you believe a translation is inaccurate, contact CLI to explain the issue. They may review the translation and correct it if an error is found. If the translation was certified and you believe it contains material errors, CLI's professional liability insurance may cover the cost of a second opinion or correction, depending on the circumstances and their contract terms. Ask about their revision or dispute process when you receive your translation.