Chartered Institute
of Linguists

Take the DipTrans

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How can I prepare for the DipTrans?


The CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation is a high-level professional qualification, set at Master's/postgraduate level. It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that they are sufficiently prepared for the exam, competent in both the source and target languages, have very good writing skills and the ability to translate quickly and very accurately at a professional level.

It is essential that you read the Qualification Specification and our Candidate Information for detailed information about the exam format, criteria and regulations.

We also offer preparatory notes on translation:

DipTrans Courses and Support


It is good practice to prepare for a professional qualification by following a course of study. Courses are available in different regions of the UK and internationally. Please refer to the list of courses and contact course providers directly. Please note that as the Awarding Organisation for the DipTrans, we are unable to endorse or recommend any particular course.

Tips from DipTrans CIOL Award winners


Click the links below to watch the interviews with past Diploma in Translation CIOL Award winners for some tips on how to prepare for the exam.

Source texts from past exams


You can also purchase past DipTrans papers and Examiner Reports using these forms:

An examiner report from July 2022 is available here

What set-up do I need to take CIOLQ online assessments?


Our Candidate Information will support and guide you in preparing and ensuring that your equipment, connection, software and settings are adequate to be able to successfully access our fully-invigilated online assessment platform.

Demo Test


An online demo test is available. This is recommended, to familiarise yourself with the exam software in advance:

The Online Exam Delivery Platform


This YouTube video guide (click the link or the picture below) offers advice on joining the CIOLQ Online Exam Delivery Platform for written units. 

Units


The DipTrans is composed of three units. 

Unit 01 - Written translation of a general text

Unit 02 - Written translation of a semi-specialised text in one of the following:

  • Technology
  • Business
  • Literature

Unit 03 - Written translation of a semi-specialised text in one of the following:

  • Science
  • Social science
  • Law
  • Arts and Culture

All three units that comprise this qualification must be successfully completed within a three year period for candidates to be awarded the full qualification. The three year full exam completion period applies from the first year that a candidate receives a unit certificate. Once a candidate has received a ‘pass’ in any unit, they have two more years to successfully complete the outstanding part of the qualification. Candidates successful in both units will be awarded full electronic qualification certificates.


Next Exam Session  

The next DipTrans exams will take place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th July 2024.


Fees

To take the exam in 2024, the following fees apply:

Individual Unit Fees (if taken separately): 

Unit 01 - £500 

Unit 02 - £385

Unit 03 - £385

Full exam entry (all three Units) - £895

For more information, please check our Exam Fees, Invoicing and Billing Policy on our Policies page.​​​​​​​


Registration

Registration for the DipTrans in July 2024 is now open. You can register and pay using the Register Now button below.

 

Once you have submitted the registration form, you will be taken to PayPal to complete the payment. You do not need to have a Paypal account to book and pay, you can pay securely via PayPay using a debit/credit card. Your payment will be taken by the IoL Educational Trust, CIOL's associated educational charity.

 

 

If you are interested in taking the DipTrans at a later date, please express an interest here

For help and support with registration and payment contact us at  info.diptrans@ciol.org.uk