Why Should You Study the CertTrans?
Our student Cristina on CertTrans graduation day
The Degree-Level Translation Qualification That Could Change Your Career.
So you're a translator. Maybe you've been doing it for a while, maybe you're just starting out. Either way, you've probably asked yourself: "Should I get a formal qualification?" If you're working at CEFR C1 level and you're serious about building a professional translation career, the answer is almost certainly yes - and the Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) is the ideal place to start.
The CertTrans is a Level 6 Ofqual-accredited qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). Degree-level and internationally recognised, it tests your ability to translate accurately and appropriately across three units - General Translation, Business Communication, and Government and Public Services - and it's available in a wide range of language combinations. Passing it is a genuine mark of professional competence that clients, agencies and employers take seriously.
The linguisttraining.com CertTrans preparation course is fully online and self-paced, giving you everything you need to prepare: comprehensive study materials covering translation theory and practice, translation techniques, register, accuracy, glossary building, and an understanding of what CIOL examiners are looking for. You also get marked practice translations with expert feedback from a qualified LanguagePartner - so you're not just studying in the abstract, you're developing your actual translation skills with real professional input.
You'll work through all three units in depth, exploring the specific demands and conventions of each genre. General translation tests your ability to handle a wide range of topics and registers. Business Communication focuses on the kind of texts you'll regularly encounter in professional settings - reports, correspondence, marketing materials. Government and Public Services takes you into the more formal register of official documentation. Each unit requires a slightly different set of skills, and the course helps you develop all three.
The results speak for themselves. Students regularly pass with Merit and Distinction. "Thrilled to announce I've earned my Certificate in Translation with Distinction," shared one recent student on LinkedIn. Another earned two Distinctions across two units. "I just wanted to relay that I have achieved a Distinction in both exams for the CertTrans," said another. These aren't outliers - they're the product of proper preparation.
Many students use it as a confidence-building qualification that proves to themselves - and to the market - that they can translate at a recognised professional level. Once you have that, the next step becomes much clearer.
"An excellent investment for your future as a translator," as one student put it. If you're ready to take your translation career seriously, the CertTrans is where that commitment starts to show.
Level: 6 (Degree equivalent, C1 CEFR) | Access: 12 months
Explore the CertTrans course at linguisttraining.com/courses/certtrans
