> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/customers-and-work/scheduling/schedule-technician-time-off.md).

# Schedule technician time off

To block a technician from normal service work, use a scheduled internal visit as an unavailable-time block.

This works best when your business has a no-property visit type, such as Misc - Tech Unavailable. Choosing a no-property visit type hides the Property field entirely — there's no placeholder property to create or select.

If your business doesn't have a no-property visit type yet, ask an administrator or Essential to add one before using this workflow.

## Create the unavailable block

1. Open the Scheduling page.
2. Choose Add Visit.
3. Choose the unavailable visit category and type, such as Misc - Tech Unavailable. The Property field disappears once you've selected it.
4. Assign the technician and set the date, start time, and duration.
5. Save the visit.

## Why this works

The unavailable block appears on the schedule like other work, so dispatchers can see that the technician should not be assigned another visit during that time. Use clear descriptions for context, such as vacation, training, shop time, or unavailable.

Because this is still a scheduled visit, treat it like a schedule block, not a payroll or HR time-off record. If the time changes, reschedule or update the visit the same way you would move other scheduled work.

> **Where to find it:** Scheduling page > Add Visit

## Related guides

* [Create a new visit](/customers-and-work/scheduling/create-a-new-visit.md)
* [Schedule multi-technician visits](/customers-and-work/scheduling/schedule-multi-technician-visits.md)
* [Scheduling overview](/customers-and-work/scheduling/scheduling-overview.md)


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