Chartered Institute
of Linguists
CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)
About the exam
Is it right for me?
The Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) is the gold standard for anyone wanting a career as a freelance translator or to work as a translator for international corporations worldwide and meets the need for a high-level professional translating qualification.
Level: postgraduate-level qualification.
What are the benefits?
- Ofqual-regulated, internationally recognised qualification
- Improved career prospects
- You will be entitled to:
- Use the title DipTrans after your name
- CIOL membership at the grade of IoLET Affiliate
What format does the exam take?
The qualification 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
Entry Criteria
The CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation tests professional translating skills at a postgraduate level of competence. The examination is open to all. However, candidates are advised to ensure prior to registering, that their level of linguistic attainment in the source language is at least equivalent to a good Honours degree, and that they are familiar with the relevant cultural background. In line with the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) requirements, as a guideline candidates should be 19yrs+.
Preparation
The CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation is a professional qualification, set at postgraduate level. It is the responsibility of each Candidate to ascertain that they are sufficiently prepared for the examination, and competent in both the source and target languages, have good writing skills and the ability to translate at a professional level.
How can I prepare for the exam?
It is essential that you read the Qualification Specification and our Candidate Regulations to find out detailed information about the exam format, criteria and regulations.
We also offer preparatory notes on translation:
- Preparing for the Diploma in Translation and Importance of translation theory
- Translation techniques
- Hints and pitfalls
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 at international centres. Please refer to the list of centres 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.
A selection of free sample exam papers can be accessed by prospective candidates.
Non-members and Student Affiliates can purchase past DipTrans papers and Examiner Reports using these forms: Examiner Report Order Form and 
Past Paper Order Form.
Remember however that you can access these resources as a membership benefit through:
IoLET Affiliate membership
All candidates for the DipTrans exam are required to first become an IoLET Affiliate of CIOL*. This will give you access to exclusive preparation resources including past papers and examiner reports.
*Higher grades of membership (Career Affiliate, Associate, Member and Fellow) are also eligible to enter for exams and access the same exam preparation resources
Preparing to take the DipTrans online
An online demo test is available if you are preparing to take the DipTrans online. This recommended to familiarise yourself with the exam software in advance:
Click here to view Key Dates for the Diploma in Translation July 2021.
Click here to view Key Dates for the Diploma in Translation January 2022.
Dates and registration
When can I take the exam?
The January exams take place on 18, 19 and 20 January 2022.
18 January 2022: Unit 01 & Unit 02 English into Other Language only
19 January 2022: Unit 01 & Unit 02 Other Language into English only
20 January 2022: Unit 03 English into Other Language & Unit 03 Other Language into English
Fees
How much does it cost?
Candidates must pay exam fees and a centre fee. Fees are reviewed annually.
Exam fees 2021
| Unit 01 Written Translation of a General Text |
£415 |
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| Unit 02 One written translation of a Semi-specialised text in a Technology, Business or Literature context |
£308 |
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| Unit 03 One written translation of a Semi-specialised text in a Science, Social Science or Law context |
£308 |
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Any two units booked together |
£616 |
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| Full registration (all units) | £616 |
Centre Enrolment Fees
To take the exam online via the CIOLQ Virtual Centre, the following fees apply:
- Unit 01: £55
- Unit 02: £55
- Unit 03: £55
- All 3 units: £165
For more information, please check our Exam Fees, Invoicing and Billing Policy.
Venues
Where can I take the exam?
The next session of the DipTrans is available via the CIOLQ Virtual Centre only.
After the exam - FAQs
Due to illness/personal circumstances I could not attend the exam. Can I request a refund?
Candidates unable to sit an exam due to personal ill health may apply to be considered for the issue of a credit note to the value of 50% of the exam fee received. The credit note is valid for the next available exam session only and has no alternative cash value.
To apply for a credit note, submit a current medical certificate from your doctor to qualifications@ciol.org.uk, no later than two weeks after the exam date. In the absence of any such proof, candidates are liable to forfeit the full exam fee paid. Any difference arising due to increased fees at the next exam session is payable by the candidate.
Something went wrong on the day of the exam. How do I report this?
Please refer to our Special Consideration policy.
How do I submit an enquiry, deliver a compliment, or lodge a complaint?
Please refer to our Enquiries, Compliments and Complaints policy.
What if I want to appeal my result?
Please refer to our Enquiries about Results and Appeals policy and Stage 1 application form.
I have passed a unit, but not the full qualification. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will receive an electronic certificate for the unit which you have passed.
When and how are e-certificates released?
Please refer to the qualification Key Dates document. This gives you the date by which the electronic certificate will be emailed to you.
What is the cost of a resit?
Please refer to our Exam Fees, Invoicing and Billing policy. To resit a unit, you will need to pay the Standard Qualification Fee for the unit plus the Virtual Centre Fee for the unit.
How many times can I resit a unit?
You are required to complete the full qualification within a three-year period. CIOLQ does not specify how many times you resit a unit. The three-year full exam completion period applies from the first year that you receive a unit certificate.
Please read our policies which provide all the information you need.