Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our translation, interpreting, and language services.
General
What services does EPIC Translations provide?
EPIC Translations provides professional translation, interpreting (on-site, VRI, OPI, ASL), AI-assisted translation with human review, localization, multilingual desktop publishing, and certified document translation services. We serve government agencies, healthcare organizations, legal teams, educational institutions, and businesses across the United States.
What languages do you support?
We provide services in over 150 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), French, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Hmong, Russian, and many more. Our network includes thousands of certified linguists covering both common and rare language pairs.
How do I request a quote?
You can request a quote by visiting our online quote form, calling us at (734) 786-8293, or emailing translate@epictranslations.com. For translation projects, upload your source files and we will provide a detailed quote with pricing, turnaround options, and project scope within a few hours.
Where is EPIC Translations located?
Our headquarters is located at 39555 Orchard Hill Place, STE 600, Novi, Michigan 48375. We serve clients nationwide and internationally, with interpreters and translators available across the United States.
Do you offer rush or expedited services?
Yes. We offer multiple turnaround options for most projects, including rush delivery. When you request a quote, you will see up to four turnaround tiers with pricing for each. We also provide 24/7 on-demand interpreting services through our OPI and VRI platforms.
Translation Services
What is the difference between human translation and AI-assisted translation?
Human translation involves a professional linguist translating your content from scratch, followed by a second linguist review. AI-assisted translation (MTPE) uses advanced AI models like GPT-4o for the initial translation, followed by a certified human translator who reviews and edits every segment. AI-assisted translation is faster and more cost-effective while maintaining professional quality, making it ideal for large-volume projects.
How is translation pricing determined?
Translation pricing is based on word count, language pair, subject matter complexity, turnaround time, and any special formatting requirements such as desktop publishing. We provide transparent per-word rates and include all revision rounds in the quoted price. Volume discounts are available for large or ongoing projects.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept virtually all file formats including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, HTML, XML, JSON, and more. We return translations in the same format as the source file, preserving all original formatting, layout, and design elements.
Do you provide certified translations?
Yes. We provide certified translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy for legal, immigration, academic, and official documents. Our certified translations are accepted by USCIS, courts, universities, and government agencies nationwide.
What is a Translation Memory (TM)?
A Translation Memory is a database that stores previously translated segments. When similar or identical text appears in future projects, the TM automatically suggests the prior translation, ensuring consistency across all your documents and reducing costs over time. We maintain dedicated TMs for each client.
Interpreting Services
What is the difference between OPI, VRI, and on-site interpreting?
OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpreting) connects you with an interpreter via phone call, available 24/7 with connection times under 60 seconds. VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) provides face-to-face interpreting through a video platform, ideal when visual cues are important. On-site interpreting places a certified interpreter physically at your location for meetings, conferences, medical appointments, or court proceedings.
How quickly can you provide an interpreter?
OPI and VRI interpreters are available on-demand 24/7, typically connecting within 30-60 seconds. For on-site interpreting, we recommend 48-72 hours advance notice, though same-day arrangements may be possible depending on location and language. ASL interpreters typically require 3-5 business days advance booking.
Are your interpreters certified?
Yes. Our interpreters hold professional certifications including state and federal court certification, medical interpreter certification (CMI/CHI), and other industry-specific credentials. All interpreters undergo rigorous language proficiency testing, background checks, and ongoing quality evaluations.
Quality & Compliance
What quality standards does EPIC follow?
We follow ISO 17100 translation service standards, which require qualified translators, a mandatory revision step by a second linguist, and documented quality management processes. Our workflow includes translation, editing, and proofreading (TEP) as standard practice for all projects.
How do you ensure data security and confidentiality?
All linguists sign NDAs before accessing any client materials. Our systems use encrypted file transfer and storage. We comply with HIPAA requirements for healthcare content, maintain SOC 2-aligned practices, and can accommodate specific security requirements including VPN access, secure portals, and data residency restrictions.
Can you help with LEP compliance and Title VI requirements?
Yes. We help government agencies and organizations receiving federal funding meet their Title VI and Executive Order 13166 obligations for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations. This includes translating vital documents, providing interpreting services, developing Language Access Plans, and conducting needs assessments to identify required languages and services.
Pricing & Process
Do you offer volume discounts or contract pricing?
Yes. We offer volume-based pricing tiers and annual contract rates for clients with recurring translation and interpreting needs. Contact us to discuss a customized pricing agreement based on your projected volume and service requirements.
What is your typical turnaround time?
Turnaround depends on project size, language pair, and complexity. As a general guide: small documents (under 2,000 words) are typically completed within 1-3 business days, while larger projects are quoted individually. We provide up to four turnaround options with each quote so you can choose the timeline that fits your needs and budget.
How do I track the status of my project?
All clients have access to the EPIC Client Portal (EPS), where you can view project status, download completed files, submit new projects, review invoices, and communicate with your project manager. You will also receive email notifications at key milestones throughout the project lifecycle.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, ACH bank transfers, wire transfers, and checks. Government agencies and enterprise clients can be set up with net-30 payment terms. We also accept purchase orders for qualifying organizations.
Technology
What is the AI Translation Hub?
The AI Translation Hub is EPIC’s proprietary platform that combines AI-powered translation with professional human review. Documents are translated using advanced AI models, then every segment is reviewed and edited by a certified human translator. The result is faster turnaround and lower cost while maintaining the accuracy and nuance that only human expertise can provide.
Can your technology integrate with our existing systems?
Yes. We offer API integrations, automated file transfer workflows, and custom connectors for CMS platforms, document management systems, and enterprise applications. Contact our team to discuss integration options for your specific technology environment.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to help. Contact us for answers specific to your project.
