What is a interpreter services agreement?
An interpreter services agreement sets out what kind of interpreting is needed, when and where, and the practical terms that interpreters rely on: a minimum booking, preparation materials in good time, breaks, travel and a clear cancellation policy.
This template covers the languages and mode (consecutive, simultaneous, whispered, sign language or a mix), in person or remote, the assignment, dates, times and location, team interpreting, the interpreter's impartial role, checking certification for legal or medical settings, preparation materials, confidentiality and recording, fees with a minimum booking and overtime, travel, invoicing and free and late cancellation. FileIt places the signature, date and initials boxes for the interpreter and the client, with a job-title box for the client.
- Best for
- Freelance interpreters, interpreting agencies, sign language interpreters
- Signed by
- The interpreter and the client
- Modes
- Consecutive, simultaneous, whispered, sign language or a mix — in person, video or phone
- Length
- About 2 pages, initialled on every page
When to use a interpreter services agreement
- A business meeting or factory visit with a foreign delegation
- A conference session needing simultaneous interpreting
- A sign language interpreter for a workplace training day
- A remote video interpreting session for an interview
- A community event or parent-teacher meeting
What you fill in
23 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: interpreter, client.
1 The parties
- Interpreter (your name or business)*
- Your phone or email*
- Qualifications or registration (optional)
- Client*
- Client phone or email*
2 The assignment
- Languages*
- Mode of interpreting* consecutive interpreting · simultaneous interpreting · whispered (chuchotage) interpreting · sign language interpreting · a mix of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
- In person or remote* in person · remotely by video · remotely by phone
- What the interpreting is for*
- Date (first day)*
- Times and duration*
- Location or video link*
- Team interpreting (optional)
3 Fees
- Currency*
- Fee*
- The fee is* per hour · per half day · per day · for the whole assignment
- Minimum booking*
- Overtime*
- Travel and expenses
- Invoices due within (days)*
4 Cancellation and terms
- Free cancellation up to (hours before)*
- Charge for later cancellation*
- Governing law*
5 Who signs
- Interpreter signature and date, initials on every page · The interpreter, or the interpreting agency providing them.
- Client signature and date, job title, initials on every page · The person or organisation booking and paying for the interpreting.
What the interpreter services agreement covers
- The assignment
- The Interpreter's role
- Preparation materials
- Confidentiality
- Fees and payment
- Cancellation
- General
Using the interpreter services agreement, step by step
1 Describe the assignment
Enter the languages, choose the mode and whether it's in person or remote, and describe what the interpreting is for, with dates, times and location or link.
2 Add team interpreting
For long or simultaneous assignments, note the team arrangement — two interpreters taking turns.
3 Set your fees
Enter the fee and its basis, the minimum booking, overtime and any travel and expenses, plus when invoices are due.
4 Cancellation and send
Set the free cancellation window and the late cancellation charge, then add the client as a signer.
Tips before you send it
- Ask for agendas, slides, scripts and names of participants at least 2 working days ahead — the template requires it.
- For legal, medical or court settings, the rules may require a certified or registered interpreter. The template makes the client responsible for checking.
- If the client wants to record the session, agree it in writing first; the template requires consent and allows a fee.
- For written documents, use a translation services agreement instead.
Sign it online in minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. FileIt builds the PDF with every signature, date and initials box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in your vault and emailed to everyone.
Interpreter services agreement: frequently asked questions
What's the difference between interpreting and translation?
Interpreting is spoken or signed, in real time. Translation is written. This template is for interpreting; FileIt has a separate translation services agreement for written work.
Is the interpreter paid if the meeting finishes early?
The client pays at least the minimum booking you set, even if the assignment is shorter. Time is charged from the booked start time, including waiting time if the assignment starts late for reasons outside the interpreter's control.
Does the interpreter keep things confidential?
Yes. The interpreter keeps everything heard, seen and received confidential, uses it only for the assignment, and deletes or returns preparation materials afterwards, except where the law requires disclosure.
Is it valid if signed online?
In most countries, including the US (ESIGN Act and UETA), the UK, the EU (eIDAS) and Canada, an electronic signature is generally valid for an ordinary services contract like this one. FileIt keeps an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion with the signed PDF as evidence of who signed and when.
Can I change the wording?
You fill in the blanks and choose the options on the setup page; optional clauses appear only when you fill them in. If you need different clauses, draft your own document and upload it to FileIt eSignature instead — you can still place the signature boxes in the editor.
Is this template free?
Yes. The template is free to use with the eSignature app in FileIt. The person you send it to doesn't need a FileIt account to sign.