What is the DipTrans?
The CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) is set at Master's level and is the gold standard for anyone working as a freelance translator or as a translator for companies and organisations worldwide, meeting their need for the highest-level professional translating qualification.
The DipTrans has been the premier translation qualification for over 30 years, and is now available fully online. It is taken in around 30 countries annually, as candidates around the world recognise the career benefits that such a high-level qualification brings. It serves both as a qualification for organisations employing translators and as a validation for freelance translators for their skills. The DipTrans has become the qualification of choice when selecting professional translators.
Click here or on the image above to view our introductory video interview.
Is the CIOLQ DipTrans right for me?
CIOL Qualifications (CIOLQ) serves language professionals by providing the benchmark qualifications for translators and interpreters which are recognised widely in the UK and around the world. These qualifications are also of value to other linguists who may have different roles and who use languages on a regular basis in their professional work.
DipTrans holders are tested rigorously and in depth to prove they have the language skills, translation techniques and the right approach to take on the most demanding translation assignments. Add a fast-track to CIOL Associate Membership to that and you have:
- Membership of the UK's Royal Charter professional body for language practitioners
- A mentoring programme
- Access to online CPD and a community of language professionals and linguists
The DipTrans qualifies you not just for the highest level translation 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 the DipTrans you can apply for full CIOL membership and Chartered Linguist status, which can set you apart to ensure you get the recognition and reward you deserve.
What are the benefits?
The DipTrans is regulated by Ofqual and others in the UK and is underpinned by the expertise and standards of the Chartered Institute of Linguists. It is an internationally recognised qualification which will improve your employability and career prospects.
As a DipTrans holder you are entitled to:
- Use the post-nominals DipTrans after your name
- Apply to join the Chartered Insitute of Linguists as a Member.
What others say
“The DipTrans is ideal for professional translators looking to validate their expertise with the highest level of qualification in the languages they work in.”
Raisa McNab, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Translation Companies
What is the qualification's structure?
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
What format does the assessment take?
The assessments are taken online from your home via our CIOLQ Online Virtual Centre and are available in the UK and internationally across all timezones. Candidates will translate from a source language into English or from English into a target language. The passages set for translation will be of a standard of difficulty that translators at this level would expect to meet in their daily work.
Prove specific expertise
Did you know that with the DipTrans you can prove your Master's level expertise in these areas of translation: Technology, Business, Literature, Science, Social Science, Law and in Arts & Culture?
There is no better way than a DipTrans semi-specialised unit to demonstrate you have the highest levels of translation skills in the texts, styles and genres which are in demand.
A DipTrans semi-specialised unit certificate evidences your Master's level achievement and shows the breadth of your skill and expertise. A DipTrans unit can also be taken as a standalone to prove specific proficiency in different domains of translation as a complement to other qualifications you may already have. Full unit certificates are awarded for all component units of the DipTrans.
Language combinations offered in July 2025
Language offered into English (target language):
- Arabic (MSA), Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.
English (source language) into:
- Arabic (MSA), Bulgarian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.
If you would like to express an interest for a particular language combination for a future session of the DipTrans please do so here.
The CertTrans
Potential candidates may also want to consider the CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Translation (CertTrans), a degree-level qualification that provides benchmark evidence of practical working-level translation skills and knowledge. The CertTrans has been developed with early career translation skills, the needs of international organisations and translators (and interpreters) adding additional languages to their portfolio as its focus. It also offers a firm foundation to progress to the DipTrans and higher levels of professional translation.
The CertTrans offers the opportunity to acquire a degree-level translation qualification that demonstrates the ability to work in languages, which will also assist those who want to use their written skills in a wide range of international organisations worldwide. For more on the CertTrans click here.
