You can conduct your own search via specific governing bodies’ websites. We have provided those resources for you on our website. Go to our certifications page and access the links to connect to the “Master Registries”. By typing in the interpreter’s name and some basic information, you will find out if your interpreter is certified or not.

Popular belief is that the only qualification to be an interpreter is that you speak two languages. Many interpreting companies hire bilingual individuals without ever verifying or vetting their skills or knowledge of each language, which has huge implications on interpreting. Aside from speaking two languages, an interpreter must know how to properly use idiomatic expressions and to interpret nuances in both languages. Furthermore, an interpreter should know the proper slang for both languages. An interpreter must understand both cultures and the different dialects within each culture. As an example, there are twelve countries in the world that speak the Spanish language. Each country speaks the Spanish language differently. Given these facts, the art of interpreting is being able to convey all of this as though you are only speaking one language. Becoming a certified interpreter requires both education and training supplemented with immersion in both cultures. Simply because someone speaks two languages does not qualify them be an interpreter.

Training, certifications, reputation and reliability are great indicators of a quality interpreting agency. Often times, the large interpreting agencies that attempt to service Northern California seem to disregard the deeper requirements and responsibilities of thorough education and training. Ultimately the injured worker is the one who is most at risk. There have been countless cases where a hurting, injured worker has their doctor’s appointment rescheduled five times because the interpreter was not qualified or did not show up. DFS Interpreting aims to provide a service that is above and beyond the competition.

“Interpreting and translation are two closely related linguistic disciplines. Yet they are rarely performed by the same people. The difference in skills, training, aptitude and even language knowledge are so substantial that few people can do both successfully on a professional level.”

An interpreter translates a spoken word while a translator focuses on written documents. Interpreters need to be mentally prepared to “translate” orally and immediately while someone else is speaking, and to do so, must memorize and retain a large volume of technical vocabulary to render the exact translation on the spot. A translator can rely on the use of dictionaries and the internet to write a proper translation, and does not necessarily need to rely on memory to do a good translation.

A certified interpreter is someone who earned a license by passing specific board exams. A “standard” or “provisionally certified” interpreter is a generic term used for someone who has not passed any type of exam and may have not had any professional training either. Some language agencies will provide these types of interpreters but they are NOT certified. When hiring an interpreter, make sure to specify the type of interpreter you are expecting before using that language agency. In rare instances, you may not need a certified interpreter; however, certified interpreters are the most highly educated and trained.

Go to our “Contact Us” page on this website and write your request. The process is easy and we will make sure you get the correct interpreter or translator to satisfactorily complete the job.

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you need an interpreter afterhours, please send an email to Staff@DFSInterpreting.com. Our system alerts management afterhours and on the weekend as well. We take pride in being known as the most reliable source for providing certified interpreters at any time in this region.

Our main office is in the beautiful city of Redding. Primarily we cover all of Northern California. However, we work with interpreters all over California and can ultimately provide an interpreter anywhere in the State.

We typically dispatch certified interpreters to medical and legal assignments. We have extensive experience interpreting and translating for most appointments or scenarios where you need assistance with an LEP (Limited English Proficient) individual. For more specifics look through the links on this website for assistance with the general services we provide.

Yes. On a regular basis other language agencies (usually located out of State) request our services who need assistance finding a certified interpreter in the area. If you feel more comfortable working through another agency, please do so and they may contact us to get the job covered.

Yes. DFS Interpreting can provide a translator or interpreter for any language you need. Please go to the “Contact Us” page on this website and select your choice of language. We will then contact you with a quote and availability of the selected interpreter.