Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of an interpreter for a CBR exam?

The cost for interpreter services during a theory exam is €226.00 incl. VAT for a car driving licence. The prices for other types of exams are shown when filling out the request.

When should I submit a request for an interpreter?

You must do this at least 14 days prior to the exam.

Can I cancel a request?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to cancel an exam once it has been scheduled. You can reschedule the exam for a future date up to one week in advance of the original date.

Can I report changes to my information?

Small changes such as your name or date of birth (for professional exams) must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. Please email your request with changes to tolkendesk@avb-vertalingen.nl.

What should I do if I want to change the date, language, time or location of the exam?

You can submit changes to the above information up to one week in advance. Please email your request to tolkendesk@avb-vertalingen.nl as soon as possible. Note: the exam can only be rescheduled for a future date and cannot be brought forward to an earlier date.

Where can I find the exam details I need to provide?

Once you have booked an exam with the CBR, you will receive a confirmation letter from them. It contains the information you must provide when requesting an interpreter from us. The letter from the CBR includes details such as your candidate number and the location, date and start time.

Once I have paid, can I be assured that an interpreter will be there?

Yes, you do not have to do anything else. Should we be unable to be there, we will immediately inform you and work with the CBR to arrange an alternative date. Be assured that this almost never happens.

I have already booked an exam WITH an interpreter at the CBR. Do I also need to reserve an interpreter with you?

Good question. You must indeed reserve the interpreter with us. You book a theory exam with the CBR for a specific location and indicate that you would like the services of an interpreter. You will then be assigned a special place to take the exam with the help of an interpreter. Note: this does not mean that you have reserved an interpreter. You request an interpreter with us once you have booked an exam with the CBR.

If I am not happy with the interpreter’s work, can I get a different interpreter?

Rest assured that we will provide a good interpreter. That’s our job. All our interpreters have done this many times, have been trained in the field and/or are sworn/certified interpreters. Of course, we are all only human and there is a small chance that things might not run as smoothly as hoped. That is why the examiner will ask at the start of the exam whether you and the interpreter properly understand each other so that further action can be taken if required. No other interpreter can be used once the exam has begun. If you feel that things did not go well, please inform us immediately afterwards so we can discuss a resolution to the issue with you, the interpreter and the CBR.

My language is spoken in several countries but I want an interpreter from my country or region of origin. Is that possible?

No. Unfortunately, we cannot take that into account. Because the interpreter takes an oath of impartiality, any origin from specific countries should therefore not play a role when an interpreter carries out their profession. An interpreter speaks and is trained in a specific language, regardless of the country they or you come from. You can see all available languages when completing the request.

I speak a specific dialect, can I request an interpreter who uses that dialect?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. An interpreter speaks and is trained in a specific language. We can test interpreters on their language proficiency but not on dialects. We cannot therefore guarantee the quality of interpreters at the dialect level but can do so for languages. You can see all available languages when completing the request.

Can I use someone I know as an interpreter during the exam?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. This is an official exam from a government authority. For reasons of integrity, impartiality and quality, only interpreters reserved through us can be used.

Can I specify which interpreter I want?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. We cannot specify in advance which interpreter will carry out the service. You and the interpreter are not permitted to communicate with or know one another prior to the exam. It is an official exam and we must guarantee the CBR that the interpreter is completely impartial. We thereby want to avoid any appearance of a relationship, such as by indicating a preference for a specific interpreter.

Can I arrange the services of an interpreter without contacting you?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. This is an official exam for a government authority, which has determined that interpreters may only be provided through authorised intermediaries. We are an authorised intermediary. The CBR and the exam candidates must reserve an interpreter with us or another authorised intermediary. This ensures that you will be assigned a properly trained and reliable interpreter.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please send any positive feedback, complaints and/or questions to tolkendesk@avb-vertalingen.nl or call us at +3185 002 7130.