# Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)
> The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is the UK's Royal Charter professional body for language professionals. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in London, CIOL provides internationally recognised qualifications, professional membership grades, and resources for translators, interpreters, language teachers, and other linguists. CIOL sets professional and ethical standards for the language profession in the UK and internationally.
## About
- [About CIOL](https://www.ciol.org.uk/about): Overview of CIOL's mission, history, governance, and role as the UK's chartered body for linguists.
## Qualifications
- [CIOL Qualifications Overview](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-qualifications): All CIOL-awarded qualifications for linguists in the UK and worldwide.
- [Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/DipTrans): CIOL's flagship internationally recognised postgraduate-level translation qualification.
- [Certificate in Translation (CertTrans)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/CertTrans): An entry-level translation qualification from CIOL.
- [Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-diploma-public-service-interpreting-dpsi): Qualification for interpreters working in UK public services including law and health.
- [UK Police Qualifications](https://www.ciol.org.uk/uk-police-qualifications): Specialist interpreting qualifications for UK policing contexts.
- [Regulation & Recognition](https://www.ciol.org.uk/regulation-and-recognition): How CIOL qualifications are regulated and recognised nationally and internationally.
## Membership
- [Membership Overview](https://www.ciol.org.uk/membership-overview): Grades of CIOL membership, benefits, and how to join.
- [Find Your Grade](https://www.ciol.org.uk/grades): Tool to identify the right CIOL membership grade based on qualifications and experience.
- [Benefits of Membership](https://www.ciol.org.uk/benefits-membership): What CIOL membership offers, including CPD, networking, and professional recognition.
- [Membership Fees](https://www.ciol.org.uk/member-fees): Current annual fees for each membership grade.
- [Associate (ACIL)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/associate): Entry-level professional membership grade.
- [Member (MCIL)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/member): Mid-level professional membership grade.
- [Fellow (FCIL)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/fellow): Senior professional membership grade, the highest elected grade.
- [Chartered Linguist](https://www.ciol.org.uk/chartership): How to achieve Chartered Linguist status through CIOL.
- [Code of Conduct](https://www.ciol.org.uk/code): CIOL's professional code of conduct for members.
- [Business & Corporate Partners](https://www.ciol.org.uk/business-and-corporate-partnerships): Corporate partnership options for language service companies.
## Language Assessments
- [Certified English Speaking Test](https://www.ciol.org.uk/certifiedenglish): CIOL's speaking test for non-native English speakers requiring evidence of professional-level spoken English, designed for visa and professional registration purposes.
- [CIOL Language Level Assessments (LLAS)](https://www.ciol.org.uk/llas): Language level assessments covering languages other than English.
- [ITG Professional Assessments](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ITG-Professional-Tests): Language assessments for the Institute of Tourist Guiding.
## Resources for Translators & Interpreters
- [Certified Translations](https://www.ciol.org.uk/certified-translations): Guidance on what a certified translation is, when one is required in the UK, and how to find a qualified translator. UK Government requires translators to confirm identity, name and address in writing.
- [Working as a Translator](https://www.ciol.org.uk/Working-as-a-Translator): Practical guidance for those pursuing or developing a career in translation.
- [Translation Technology: Easy Definitions](https://www.ciol.org.uk/translation-technology-easy-definitions): Plain-language glossary of translation technology terms including CAT tools, MT, and post-editing.
- [Glossary of Terms](https://www.ciol.org.uk/glossary): Definitions of key terms used in the language and linguistics professions.
- [Types of Linguist](https://www.ciol.org.uk/finding-a-linguist): Explanation of different language professional roles — translator, interpreter, teacher, etc.
- [CIOL Reports & Guides](https://www.ciol.org.uk/resources-public-policy): Research reports and professional guides published by CIOL.
## Find a Linguist
- [Find-a-Linguist Directory](https://www.ciol.org.uk/find-a-linguist): Searchable directory of CIOL-registered translators, interpreters, and language teachers available for hire.
## Standards & Policy
- [ISO Resources](https://www.ciol.org.uk/iso-resources): Information on ISO standards relevant to translation and language services (including ISO 17100, ISO 18587).
- [CIOL Language Level Frameworks](https://www.ciol.org.uk/language-level-frameworks): CIOL's frameworks for describing language proficiency levels.
- [Inclusive Language Resources](https://www.ciol.org.uk/inclusive-language-resources): Guidance on inclusive and accessible language use.
- [APPG on Modern Languages](https://www.ciol.org.uk/all-party-parliamentary-group-modern-languages): CIOL's involvement in the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages.
- [Towards a National Languages Strategy](https://www.ciol.org.uk/towards-national-languages-strategy): CIOL's advocacy for a UK national languages strategy.
## CIOL & AI
- [CIOL AI Voices](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-ai-voices-2025): Member perspectives and case studies on AI's impact on the language professions.
- [CIOL AI Updates](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-ai-updates): Latest news and guidance from CIOL on AI in translation and interpreting.
- [AI in Public Services](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ai-translation-uk-public-services): CIOL's position and resources on AI use in UK public service language provision.
## News & Publications
- [News](https://www.ciol.org.uk/news/news): Latest CIOL news and announcements.
- [CIOL Voices](https://www.ciol.org.uk/news/CIOL-Voices): Opinion and commentary from CIOL members and the wider language community.
- [The Linguist Magazine](https://www.ciol.org.uk/the-direct-linguist): CIOL's professional magazine for language practitioners.
- [CIOL eNews](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-enews-highlights): CIOL's regular member email newsletter.
## Events & CPD
- [Webinars](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-webinars): Free and open CPD webinars on topics relevant to translators, interpreters, and language professionals.
- [CIOL Conferences 2026](https://www.ciol.org.uk/ciol-conferences-2026): Annual CIOL conference programme for 2026.
- [CIOL Mentoring](https://www.ciol.org.uk/mentoring): CIOL's peer mentoring programme for language professionals.
## UK Public Services
- [Guidance for Public Service Interpreters](https://www.ciol.org.uk/guidance-public-service-interpreters-police): Resources for interpreters working in UK police, justice, and NHS settings.