CertTrans vs DipTrans: Which Translation Qualification Is Right for You?

18 Mar

Written By Support LT

If you are considering a career as a professional Translator, you have likely come across two key qualifications awarded by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) - the Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) and the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans).

Both are respected, Ofqual-regulated credentials, but they are aimed at very different stages of your career.

What Is the CertTrans?

Ofqual Level 6 (Degree)
Designed for Translators who are confident in their written language skills and may already have a foundation-level qualification or relevant experience behind them.
Allows you to use the letters CIOL CertTrans after your name.
Not a beginner's qualification - you will need a strong command of both your source and target languages to succeed.
Pass mark is 60% in both units.
3 years to complete all parts of the qualification.
It is common for employers and agencies to require a Degree-level qualification to undertake professional work.

What Is the DipTrans?

Ofqual Level 7 (Master’s Degree)
Widely regarded as the gold standard qualification for professional Translators.
Allows you to use the letters CIOL DipTrans after your name.
Suited to highly experienced Translators who already work in the field and are ready to demonstrate professional-level competence.
You will need to be writing at a genuinely professional level in your first language, with the ability to edit and proofread your own work to a high standard.
Rarely is it essential to require a Master’s-level qualification to undertake professional work.

CertTrans v DipTrans Exam Pass Rates - What to Expect

The difficulty gap between the two qualifications is significant.

The DipTrans has an approximate pass rate of around 25% - 30%.
Reports indicate that the CertTrans has a healthy pass rate of around 80% - 86%.

CertTrans v DipTrans Course Comparison

  
      CertTrans Course
      DipTrans Course
    
      Level
      Level 6 – Degree equivalent
      Level 7 – Master's equivalent
    
      Modules
      20
      19
    
      Marked Translation Practices
      8
      9
    
      Study hours (CIOLQ guidance)
      80 GLH
      460 hours total
    
      Course cost
      £599
      £699
    
      Big Bundle cost
      £999
      £1099
    
      Course access
      12 months
      12 months
    
      Specialisms covered
      General, Business & Commercial, Government & Public Service
      General, Technology, Business, Literature, Science, Social Science, Law, Arts & Culture

Which Should You Choose?

The answer largely depends on where you are right now. If you have solid written language skills and want a recognised credential to validate your abilities and open doors with agencies and employers, the CertTrans is a strong starting point. If you are looking to gain the highest qualification possible, the DipTrans is for you.

Many Translators work through both, using the CertTrans as a stepping stone towards the more advanced diploma. Whichever route you choose, proper preparation is key - and the investment in your credentials will pay dividends throughout your career.