Why Should You Study the FDTI?

Why the FDTI Could Be Your Best First Step

So you're bilingual. You've always been the person people turn to when something needs translating, and somewhere along the way it occurred to you that you could actually do this professionally. But where do you start? The Foundation Diploma in Translation and Interpreting (FDTI) was made exactly for you.

The FDTI is an entry-level course designed for people who are new to the world of professional translation and interpreting, or who are practising informally and want to formalise their skills. It doesn't assume you have any prior professional training. What it does assume is that you have a strong command of at least two languages and the motivation to use them well.

The course covers fifteen modules and takes you through everything from the basics of translation and interpreting techniques to sight translation, note-taking, working with agencies, and building your professional linguist career. It's fully online, available 24/7, and gives you twelve months of access - so you can fit it around work, family, or whatever else life involves right now.

One of the most common questions people ask is: "Will this qualification actually help me get work?" The answer is yes - and sooner than you might think. Many UK public sector organisations require Interpreters to hold a diploma before they can carry out assignments. Completing the FDTI and its online final assessment earns you exactly that: a diploma certificate that you can list on your CV and use to start applying for public sector interpreting work straight away.

The FDTI is also the natural launchpad for higher-level qualifications. If you later want to work towards the DPSI, the CertTrans or the DipTrans, the FDTI gives you the foundational knowledge and confidence to do so. Think of it as getting your footing before you climb.

The course covers a genuinely impressive breadth of content for an entry-level qualification. You'll explore the theory and practice of both translation and interpreting, learn how to prepare professionally for assignments, understand the ethics and responsibilities that come with the role, and develop your awareness of the different settings you might work in - from community interpreting to written translation for businesses and organisations.

There's also a strong practical element. You'll work through exercises designed to build your real-world skills, not just your theoretical knowledge - and by the end of the course, you'll have a much clearer sense of which direction you want to take your career. Some students discover a real passion for translation. Others find that interpreting is where they come alive. Many want to do both.

One student described it as "the cornerstone to begin your career professionally" - and that's a pretty good summary. Whether you want to translate documents, interpret in community settings, or eventually specialise in law or healthcare, the FDTI is where the journey begins. If you're ready to take your language skills seriously, this is the place to start.

Level: Entry Level (CEFR B1-B2) | Cost: £199 | Access: 12 months

Explore the FDTI course at linguisttraining.com/courses/fdti