What is the DPSI?
The CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) has been the benchmark qualification for public service interpreting for over 30 years and is available fully online.
Ministry of Justice
DPSI Law is accepted by the UK Ministry of Justice for work in the courts and wider criminal justice system.
New Ministry of Justice (MoJ) contracts from October 2026 will bring updated qualification standards. Getting qualified in good time will help interpreters to access more work and take advantage of better opportunities, as demand in MoJ contexts continues to grow.
Why MoJ Interpreting?
MoJ work supports the UK’s complex justice system. With over 2,000 interpreters already registered, demand continues to grow - especially for interpreters with recognised qualifications.
The new MoJ framework is set to make career progression clearer:
- Level 3 – Community Standard
For predictable, non-specialist work across MoJ and other public services.
- Level 6 – Professional Standard
Required for courts and complex hearings; higher-level qualification and better-paid assignments.
Why Upskill Now?
- More work opportunities across courts, tribunals and public services
- Professional recognition that shows your skills and commitment
- A clear route to higher earnings with a Level 6 qualification like the CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)
Please note: For languages where currently there are no formal qualifications available, alternative arrangements are in place. Please check future MoJ communications for more information on the new contract requirements.
UK Police
DPSI Law is accepted by the UK Police for the PAIT Police Approved Interpreter and Translator Scheme.
Scottish Government, NRPSI and NHS
DPSI Law is also recognised and accepted by the Scottish Government and the UK's National Register of Public Service Interpreters NRPSI and is strongly recommended for work in Health and all public service contexts.
The CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting provides candidates with recognition and validation of their skills in specialist areas of public service and provides reassurance to public bodies and those benefiting from their services, that the interpreting skills of qualified holders are of the highest professional standard.
Is the qualification right for me?
CIOL Qualifications (CIOLQ) supports professional linguists by providing the benchmark qualifications for interpreters and translators, which are widely recognised in the UK and around the world.
Holders of the CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting have been tested rigorously and in depth to prove they have the language skills, interpreting techniques and the sight and written translation skills to take on the most demanding and rewarding public service assignments. Add CIOL Study Affiliate Membership to that and you have:
- Membership of the UK's Royal Charter professional body for language practitioners
- Access to CIOL's mentoring programme
- Access to online webinars and a community of other interpreters, language professionals and linguists
Our DPSI qualifies you not just for vitally important work, but also to become a valued participant in a community of like-minded professionals, widely respected for their skill, expertise and experience. Once you have our qualification, applying for full CIOL membership and Chartered Linguist status can set you apart and help you get the recognition and reward you deserve in all areas of spoken word work.
Registration
Registration for the DPSI June 2026 exam session is now open. Please note minimum candidate numbers are required for languages to run, so please register early to avoid disappointment. If we are not currently offering your language and pathway combination, you can register an interest for the exams by completing the form here.
As of January 2026 the Law pathway will be offered twice a year in both June and November, and the Health pathway once a year, in June only.
Languages offered in June 2026
Register now for the following languages (paired with English):
Law pathway - Arabic (MSA), Bengali, Bulgarian, Cantonese (Traditional), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Italian, Kurdish (Sorani), Lithuanian, Mandarin (Simplified), Mandarin (Traditional), Polish, Portuguese (European), Portuguese (Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian and Urdu.
Health pathway - Arabic (MSA), Bulgarian, Cantonese (Traditional), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Mandarin (Simplified), Polish, Portuguese (European), Portuguese (Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Urdu.
You can express an interest in other languages and future sessions here.
If you have any questions about languages, pathways, or future sessions please contact our Client Services Team (CST) at [email protected]