Chartered Institute
of Linguists
CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)
What are the benefits?
- Ofqual-regulated, internationally recognised qualification
- Improved career prospects
- You will be entitled to:
- Use the title DipTrans after your name
- Apply for CIOL membership
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
- Arts and Culture
NEW Arts & Culture option
The texts for the Arts & Culture option will reflect the style of language used when discussing various notions relating to the arts and culture depending on audience and medium. Whether the text is written for an art collector, an audience at a theatre or at a conference on a cultural theme, the translators will have to adapt the language to reflect the target audience.
The texts candidates will have to translate for this option could, for example, promote an art exhibition in an inflight magazine or review a recently published book, film or theatre production; excerpts from exhibition catalogues, classical music websites, and translations for theatre companies might also be offered.
Potential sub-topic areas for Paper 3(G): Arts & Culture:
- Art
- Design and graphics
- Museums and galleries
- Arts councils and groups
- Dance companies
- Guidebooks
- Performing Arts
- Culture
- Theatre
- Cinema
How can I prepare for the exam?
The CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation is a professional qualification, set at 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 good writing skills and the ability to translate 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:
- 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 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.
A selection of free illustrative source texts can be accessed by CIOL Study Affiliates. You can also purchase past DipTrans papers and Examiner Reports using these forms: 
Exam Report Order Form and Past Exam Paper Order Form.
Preparing to take the DipTrans online
An online demo test is available. This is recommended, to familiarise yourself with the exam software in advance:
Tips from Diploma in Translation award winners
Click the images below to watch the interviews with recent Diploma in Translation award winners for some tips on how to prepare for the exam.
Best candidate
Award winner: Madalina Onofras
Interview with: Madalina Onofras
Best English-German candidate
Award winner: Heike Kurtz
Interview with: Heike Kurtz
Best literature translation
Award winner: Mihail Banica
Interview with: Mihail Banica
Exam Dates
5 July 2022: Unit 01 & Unit 02 English into Other Language
6 July 2022: Unit 01 & Unit 02 Other Language into English
7 July 2022: Unit 03 English into Other Language & Unit 03 Other Language into English
Fees
To register for the DipTrans exam two sets of fees are payable - Exam Fees plus mandatory CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fees which cover the costs of invigilation and online assessment.
Exam Fees
| Unit 01 Written Translation of a General Text |
£440 |
|||||
| Unit 02 One written translation of a Semi-specialised text in a Technology, Business or Literature context |
£325 |
|||||
| Unit 03 One written translation of a Semi-specialised text in a Science, Social Science, Law or Arts & Culture context |
£325 |
|||||
|
Full registration (all three units)* |
£650 |
*Exam Fees are capped at £650; if the total cost of the units you are sitting exceeds this amount, the maximum Exam Fee is still £650.
CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fees
Unit 01: £60
Unit 02: £60
Unit 03: £60
Full CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fee (all three units): £180
For more information, please check our Exam Fees, Invoicing and Billing Policy on our Policies page.
Registration
Registration has closed for the July 2022 exams.
If you want to explore any possibility of late booking for language combinations which are confirmed for July please contact info.diptrans@ciol.org.uk. You will then need to download and complete the Entry Form.