ProZ.com frequently asked questions

1 - What are ProZ.com Pools?

Pools are specialized groups of screened experts. ProZ.com freelancers from the industry’s database are vetted, organized and made available for external opportunities. Business members may select pool experts for opportunities or integrate pools into their platform.

2 - Who can apply for the ProZ.com Pools?

Any ProZ.com member may apply. Standard members will be limited to three (3) pools. Plus subscribers will be able to join five (5) pools. Additional restrictions may be placed on non-members.

2.1 - Can I apply in additional language pairs?

Members of pools can be added in up to three different language pairs. Applicants will need to demonstrate commercial viability in each suggested language pair. Language pairs will be approved by ProZ.com site staff members.

2.2 - How are members accepted into a Pool?

Those interested in joining a pool need to fill in a form with details about their past experience, qualifications, personal description, specific services offered and, in some cases, a work sample. Application forms differ from pool to pool so that the information provided stays relevant and useful for pool users. In order to evaluate the commercial viability of each candidate, site staff will contact each candidate and request further information about their past experience and qualifications. Applications may also be rejected if the candidate does not meet the minimum requirements to participate in ProZ.com Pools.

3 - Who will review my pool application?

Applications for inclusion in ProZ.com pools are reviewed by site staff members.

3.1 - What screening process determines if someone qualifies for pool admission?

Pool membership will be based on commercial viability in specialized services. Credentials, invoices and feedback provided by clients and colleagues will be considered. Screening will be ongoing and guided by industry standards and the requirements of the ProZ.com Certified PRO Network.

4 - What do businesses obtain from a ProZ.com Pool?

Business members will gain access to pre-screened specialists in each pool. Source these specialists for your next project.

5 - Who can contact Pool members?

Only ProZ.com business members can contact pool members.

6 - I do not have any credentials or certifications. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. Assessment of ability will be performed based on other information supplied in your application. Some specialties do not offer accrediting bodies or certifications. Work history and willingness to work again will be reviewed as well.

7 - And if my application is not approved?

Members may reapply for pools at any time.

8 - Why do I need to agree to display my real name in ProZ.com pools?

Pools are different from the rest of the site with regard to name display. Real names are shown to those with full access to the pool, in order to increase outsourcer confidence and expand opportunities for all pool members. First name and last initial will be shown to those that do not have full access to pools. Currently, business plus members have the most access, while business members and those in the pool also have greater pool access than others.

9 - Why am I asked to provide rates?

Pool partners will integrate to make opportunities available to those with rates that meet their requirements.

10 - What is feedback?

Feedback becomes a part of a pool profile record. It allows clients to review and thus continue the screening process for pool members. ProZ.com requests that outsourcers try to contact the ProZ.com member to resolve any issues before leaving negative feedback. ProZ.com requests that all feedback is constructive and based on specific services offered.

10.1 - Why do I need to accept and showcase feedback?

Business members have requested feedback as part of this service in order to integrate with ProZ.com. Feedback is required to open up more opportunities to ProZ.com members. Pool members will have opportunities to follow up on all feedback and seek arbitration.

11 - FAQs for Native speaker conversation partner pool

Q: What level of language command is required for being in a conversation pair?

A: Any person being paid for this service should be a native speaker.



Q: Why can only native speakers be conversation partners?

A: Native speakers have a better understanding of the language than people who are learning the language. Given that so many people in the ProZ.com community are already language industry professionals, we understand the value of a native speaker of a language.



Q: Am I required to be verified as a native to be a speaker?

A: At the moment there is no requirement for verification, though this is subject to change in the future.



Q: Will being non- verified limit my opportunities?

A: Currently, this will not limit your opportunities at ProZ.com, however, it could affect how attractive you are to ProZ.com partners in the future. We strongly encourage applying for verification, you can learn more here: https://www.proz.com/index.php?sp=cred/show&show_pns_faq=y&id=1991357



Q: I am a ProZ.com user (do not have membership), and have more than one native language. Why am I unable to be verified in one or more.

A: For native speakers of more than one language, the application for verification is only available if you are a member.



Q: I am not sure that my native language is very popular for language learners, is it worth it for me to make a native speaker profile?

A: Of course! These native speaker conversations will be available to people all over the world. For some languages that are not as widely known, this may be the only place a language learner can find resources to learn your native language.



Q: Can I be in the Native speaker conversation partners pool if I am a non-member?

A: Non-members are able to join one pool. If you wish to join more than one, you will have to purchase membership.



Q: As a non-member, am I able to switch which pool I am in?

A: Non-members can request to switch pools by contacting support staff. You can do so here: https://go.proz.com/help



Q: What is required to be accepted into the pool?

A: To be accepted into the pool you must fill out the application in its entirety, and make sure that your personal page is also completed. Not to worry, if you submit an application and need to make a few changes before being accepted- we will let you know.
If you would like to submit an application to be part of the pool, you can do so here: https://www.proz.com/pools/native-speaker-conversation-partners/apply

12 - How much does it cost to join the program?

Full participation in ProZ.com pools is available to ProZ.com members only. If admitted, members pay no additional fees. Additional external opportunities and preferential ranking may be available to Plus members at the freelancer and business levels.

13 - Can I opt-out of pool opportunities with a specific company or platform?

Yes, ProZ.com will make an effort to allow pool members to opt out of opportunities from specific companies or platforms.

14 - Is it possible for a person / a company to be removed from the pool?

Yes. If it becomes clear that a participant does not (or no longer) meets the minimum requirements of any of the parts to the screening process, that person would be subject to removal from the program. Business members at certain levels may be able to exclude pool members from their opportunities.

15 - Remote interpreter pool

15.1 - What are the ProZ.com Pools?

ProZ.com Pools are teams of language experts. The ProZ.com staff reviews each individual application to determine whether a professional can be accepted into a pool. Pools are listed here https://www.proz.com/pools

Standard members can be part of up to three pools at the same time and Plus members up to five.

15.2 - What is the ProZ.com Interpreter Network?

It's a special pool integrated with an on-demand remote interpreting service. That means that professionals in this pool can receive remote interpreting assignments as long as they are online on this platform. They carry out the interpretation remotely and they receive a payment for each assignment.

15.3 - How does the Interpreter Network work?

Once you are accepted into the interpreter pool, you will receive an invitation to create an account in a special platform. In a few words, the platform consists of a web interface designed to let you take calls, keep track of your assignments, and see your performance.

Interpreters log in to this platform and put themselves online. Calls come in on-demand (that is to say, when a customer needs an interpreter). Usually, interpreters are not notified before an assignment. As long as you are online, you can start receiving calls. Calls are taken solely through this web interface using Google Chrome. Calls ring for all interpreters at the same time and they are connected to the interpreter that picks them up first.

15.4 - How do I apply to the remote interpreter pool?

You can fill in the form that appears on this page https://go.proz.com/join-pool-now

15.5 - Are my calls being recorded?

Yes, most calls are being recorded. ProZ.com carefully handles the recordings to ensure no PHI, PCI, or any other type of disclosure. The ProZ.com team listens to call recordings randomly every month for quality assurance purposes. Calls that last more than 1.5 hours are reviewed by ProZ.com partners and the ProZ.com team.

15.6 - I see a smaller payment amount after the 25th

If your final payment on the 25th is smaller than what you were expecting, it's likely that some of your monthly calls weren't included in your payment.

This may happen due to time zone differences. Boostlingo shows you your monthly total and your monthly call logs based on your local time zone. However, for payments, Boostlingo will apply the PST time zone. This means that there's a small chance that some calls will actually be paid to you in the month before or the month after. For this reason, if you are taking calls by the end of the month, you may want to check what time it is in the PST time zone. You may always reach out to [email protected] so that the team can provide you with a file containing all your monthly call logs.

Another reason for not having a call included in your final payment is that calls may be disputed by clients. If the client sent a complaint and they demanded not to be charged for the call, it's likely that the platform will discount this call from your final payment.

Finally, it's also possible that the ProZ.com partner has made a mistake when computing payments. In this case, you can contact the ProZ.com team at [email protected], but please check the other alternatives before reaching out.

15.7 - Why do I see a different payment amount on ProZ*Pay?

If your payment was added to ProZ*Pay before the 25th of the month, you may be seeing a smaller amount because this is an advance payment.

ProZ.com gives you the chance to request an advance payment (that is, before the 25th) for a small fee. In most cases, you can only request a portion of your earnings in advance, not the full amount. This is because ProZ.com won't have the final numbers until they are confirmed by the interpretation platform partner (by the 25th).

15.8 - Do interpreters bid for projects or interpretation requests?

No, calls are received on an on-demand basis. You will receive a calls if you meet certain pre-established criteria (like medical, legal, or court permissions). You will see the call ringing on the platform and you will have the option to accept it or reject it. You won't be able to interpret in that call if another interpreter takes the call first.

15.9 - What do I need in order to join in?

The minimum requirements are:

Certificate or degree in interpreting, translation, or language.
Experience as an interpreter.
HIPAA-compliance certification (if you don't have this certification, ProZ.com will provide this training for you).
Before applying, you need to watch the introductory video and read the code of conduct: https://cfcdn.proz.com/file_resources/other/a35620946db1741b6522659dcdfa29a0_Code_of_Conduct.pdf

15.10 - Do I have to be a registered interpreter to join in?

No, your application to the Interpreter Network can be accepted if you meet the minimum requirements to apply. See "What do I need to join in?" above.

15.11 - I am not a standard/Plus member, can I still apply?

Yes, the ProZ.com Interpreter Network is open for all ProZ.com users. Note that members still have benefits when it comes to advance payment fees.

15.12 - What are the rates?

The rate is 0.40 USD for each minute of interpretation. That is to say, 24 USD for each hour of remote interpretation. Rates can increase based on performance or if there's high demand for a particular language, however, rates won't decrease from 0.40 USD per minute. There's payment total for each call. All payments for a given month add up to a grand monthly total. If you are an ASL interpreter, then the applicable rate is 0.90 USD per minute.

15.13 - What payment methods are there?

PayPal, Skrill, and bank transfer.

You can set up your payment methods here: https://www.proz.com/get-paid

15.14 - How does payment work?

Funds for a given month will be available on ProZ*Pay from the 25th of the following month onwards. On that day you will see a button that reads Request payout. Click on that button to transfer your funds via the payment method chosen previously. For example, if you started taking calls in January 2021, your payment for your January minutes will be available on February 25th.

Set up your payment methods: https://www.proz.com/?sp=proz_payment_preferences

You can also request an advanced payment so that you don't have to wait until the 25th. Click on the button that reads Request an advance payment. Advance payments have an associated fee, and the fee is lower for those that have a paid ProZ.com Membership. The advance payment option will usually be available on the first week of the month (provided that you have taken calls the month before).

15.15 - What types of calls do interpreters receive?

There are two types of calls: generals and specialized.

General calls include the following fields: business, community interpreting, government, education, customer service, emergencies, non-profits, and more. All active pool interpreters can receive these calls.

Specialized calls are only for interpreters with certain qualifications. There are three types: medical, legal, and court.

Medical calls represent 60-70% of the demand. In order to take these calls, interpreters need to pass a HIPAA-compliance course. This course is available for free to ProZ.com interpreters here: https://www.proz.com/translator-training/courses/180/view

15.16 - Who can take medical calls?

Only interpreters who have medical interpreting training can take these calls. This usually means completion of a 60-hour medical interpreting course.

See recommended courses here: https://go.proz.com/interpreter-training

15.17 - What is the likelihood of taking a call?

Remember that calls ring for all interpreters at the same time. That means that your chances of taking a call will depend on the number of interpreters online and the number of calls coming in.

The call center manager (the person overseeing the whole service) will notify you when there's high demand for a certain language.

15.18 - How long do calls usually last?

The average call duration for August 2019 is 14 minutes 26 seconds (this is a payment of 7.25 USD). Calls may be as short as five minutes or as long as two hours. Usually medical calls are the longest, and government calls the shortest.

15.19 - What is a normal call like?

You may receive voice or video calls. When the interpreter picks up the call, they must introduce themselves saying their name, their language and their ID number. The person on the other side briefly explains the context to the interpreter. This is short consecutive interpreting. You will have some time to note down data like numbers, dates, and names, and also look for terms in your glossary or on the internet (you won't have much time, though).

Calls are not being recorded or monitored, but the customer may rate the quality of your interpretation service. When the call is over, the interpreter and the customer say goodbye courteously. Call information, as well as the corresponding payment, are recorded on the platform.

15.20 - Do you have a contract to sign?

No, ProZ.com doesn't have a contract to sign. However, site staff are working on that and it may be a possibility in the near future.

15.21 - Does ProZ.com file my 1099 form?

Yes, site staff will file your 1099 form by the end of the year.

15.22 - Do I have to stay connected for a certain number of hours?

Interpreters are needed from 8:30 AM to 2 PM Pacific Time. You should be available during these hours Monday through Friday. In order to be considered for this pool, you need to be available during those hours.