CertTrans
CertTrans Online Course & CIOL Exam Preparation
The CertTrans course from linguisttraining.com develops your professional translation skills through expert-written content, structured Translation Practices and one-to-one mentoring - and prepares you for the CIOL CertTrans exam if you choose to sit it. The CIOL CertTrans is a Translation Degree equivalent (Level 6) qualification. Study the Course on its own for a Diploma Certificate, and/or use it as your preparation for the nationally recognised CIOL qualification.
Fully online, start any time, all language pairs.
Our student at CIOL CertTrans graduation.
I WANT TO STUDY THE ONLINE COURSE
20 modules and 8 Translation Practices
I WANT CIOL EXAM INFO
How to get qualified
I JUST WANT EXAM SUPPORT
Mock Exams, Translation Practice, Mentoring
Not sure which course to choose? Take our quick quiz to find out →
The Online Course
20 modules, 43 exercises (not all mandatory) and over 175 resources - built around 8 Translation Practices in your own language pair, each proofread and reviewed by your dedicated LanguagePartner™ with detailed written feedback. Fully online, at your own pace, with 24/7 access for 12 months.
- Translate with confidence - general, business, commercial, and public service texts, accurately and professionally.
- Apply professional techniques - back translation, pre-translation analysis, and terminology management.
- Research effectively - targeted research skills and reference strategies for real-world translation work.
- Write Translator's notes - clear, professional notes that demonstrate your decision-making to clients and examiners.
- Handle cultural nuance - language-specific and cultural challenges handled with greater awareness and skill.
- Prepare for the exam - approach the CIOL CertTrans exam (if you choose to sit it) with proven technique and confidence.
- MODULE 01 - Overview of the CertTrans Course
- MODULE 02 - Comprehensive CIOLQ CertTrans Examination Guide
- MODULE 03 - Translation Techniques
- MODULE 04 - General Translation Skills, Unit 01 Introduction
- MODULE 05 - Reading and Reference Materials
- MODULE 06 - Reflective Writing and Research
- MODULE 07 - Translation Approach
- MODULE 08 - Research Skills and Pre-Translation Analysis
- MODULE 09 - Translator's Notes
- MODULE 10 - Awareness of Culture
- MODULE 11 - Comprehension and Related Skills (Decoding)
- MODULE 12 - Business and Commercial Translation Skills, Unit 02 Introduction
- MODULE 13 - Transferring Information to the Target Language (Encoding)
- MODULE 14 - Government and Public Service Translation Skills, Unit 03 Introduction
- MODULE 15 - Revision and LanguagePartner™ Session Preparation
- MODULE 16 - LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session (via video)
- MODULE 17 - Back Translation
- MODULE 18 - Working as a Professional Translator
- MODULE 19 - Revision and Exam Preparation
- MODULE 20 - Review, Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate
Also included:
- 8 Translation Practices worth £632, proofread by your LanguagePartner™ with detailed feedback (CIOLQ past exam papers used where available)
- 43 exercises - analysis, glossary-building, research, note-taking, and more
- Over 175 resources - further reading, articles, videos, and links
- Comprehensive CIOLQ CertTrans Examination Guide for all Units (01, 02 and 03), worth £29
- Full support from the linguisttraining.com team throughout your studies
- Proofreads all 8 of your Translation Practices, providing detailed written feedback and guidance on each one
- Tracks your progress across your Translation Practices over time
- Meets you for a one-to-one video session to discuss your development, answer your questions, and build your confidence ahead of the exam
Study format: fully online. Log in at any time, on any device, and study at your own pace.
Access: 24/7 for 12 months via our online learning platform.
Expected study time: approximately 80 Guided Learning Hours (as recommended by the CIOLQ), plus self-study.
Entry level: a high command of your second language (CEFR C1-C2), and native / mother-tongue command of your first language.
Languages: course content is written in English. Translation Practices and your LanguagePartner™ session are in your language pair.
DipTrans - Level 7, Master's equivalent. Suitable for established professional Translators, focusing on the highest level of professional translation.
If you start the CertTrans and then find you are ready for DipTrans level, we will give you a £100 discount on the DipTrans, provided you enrol within two months of completing the CertTrans. Just get in touch when you finish and we will send you a code.
"A great self-paced course that has suited my busy schedule. The session with my mentor was wonderful and it has helped me to boost my confidence as a translator." - Katarzyna (EN > PL)
Your CertTrans Enrolment Options
Pay in full at checkout, where Klarna and Clearpay are offered (subject to their approval).
|
Big Bundle £999 Best value Worth over £1,212 |
Deluxe Bundle £765 Worth over £910 |
Course only £599
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Module Online Course | |||
Translation Practices included in course |
8 | 8 | 8 |
Translation Practices additional |
3 | ||
| Online Mock Exams | 3 | ||
| LanguagePartner™ Mentor Sessions | 2 | 5 | 1 |
| Diploma Certificate | |||
| linguisttraining.com Team Support | |||
|
ENROL for £999
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout |
ENROL for £765
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout |
ENROL for £599
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout |
Big Bundle
£999
Best valueWorth over £1,212
8 x Translation Practices (included)
3 x additional Translation Practices
3 x Online Mock Exams
2 x LanguagePartner™ Mentor Sessions
Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout
Deluxe Bundle
£765
Worth over £910
8 x Translation Practices (included)
5 x LanguagePartner™ Mentor Sessions
Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout
Course Only
£599
8 x Translation Practices (included)
1 x LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session
Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout
The CIOL Exam
- Level: 6 - Translation Degree equivalent
- Assessment: CIOL CertTrans Exam (Qualification No. 610/0823/0)
- Accreditation: Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised qualification
- Units: Unit 01 General Translation (all students), plus your choice of Unit 02 Business and Commercial Translation or Unit 03 Government and Public Service Translation
- Exam languages: visit ciol.org.uk for the current list of available language pairs.
- Exam provider: the exam is run by the CIOLQ, not linguisttraining.com.
Exam Support Only
Available on its own - and all included in the Big Bundle.
Mock Exams Bundle
3 x Mock Exams live via Zoom · Strict CIOL exam conditions · Proofread by an expert, with guidance
BUY Mock Exam Bundle £265Translation Practice
A real past exam paper, translated in your own time · Proofread by an expert, with guidance
See Translation PracticeLanguagePartner™ Mentoring
One-to-one live video session with a professional expert, specifically paired to you
See Mentor Sessions"Thrilled to announce I've earned my Certificate in Translation from Spanish to English with Distinction! The linguisttraining.com CertTrans preparation course was instrumental in deepening my understanding of translation theory and its practical application." - Elizabeth (ES > EN)
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start?
Immediately. There are no term dates, no waiting lists, and no set lesson times. Once you enrol, you can log in and start studying straight away, any time of day or night. Only your LanguagePartner™ video session and any Mock Exams need to be scheduled.
Is the exam fee included in the course fee?
No. The course fee is paid to linguisttraining.com and covers your online course, Translation Practices, and mentor support only. The CIOL CertTrans exam fee is paid separately and directly to the CIOLQ. Visit ciol.org.uk for current exam fees and sitting dates.
Do I need to sit the exam?
No. Not all students go on to sit the CIOL exam. Many enrol on the course to develop their professional skills, receive expert feedback on their work, and gain a Diploma Certificate. The choice to sit the exam is yours.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 24/7 access for 12 months from the date of enrolment.
What language pairs do you support?
All language pairs, into and out of English. See our full list of supported language pairs here. If you do not see your language pair, please contact us - we almost certainly have a LanguagePartner™ who can support you. We have previously supported students in Danish, Russian, Thai, Tigrinya, Romanian, Polish, Arabic, and many more.
I have experience as a Translator already. Is there still value in the course for me?
Absolutely. Many experienced Translators enrol specifically for the Translation Practices and the LanguagePartner™ mentor session, rather than the tuition modules. If you are primarily interested in the feedback and practice elements, these are also available as standalone products. See Translation Practices and LanguagePartner™ Mentoring.
Can I specialise my CertTrans in a specific area, such as legal or trade translation?
The CertTrans exam covers two units. The first is General Translation, which all students sit. For the second unit, you choose either Business and Commercial Translation or Government and Public Service Translation. The skills you develop throughout the course are applicable across many specialist fields.
CIOL does not offer my language pair for the CertTrans exam. Can I still take the course?
Yes. The linguisttraining.com CertTrans course is available for all language pairs regardless of which language pairs the CIOLQ currently offers for their exam. If the CIOLQ does not yet offer your language pair, you can still benefit fully from the course itself and the Diploma Certificate. You can also register an interest in your language pair for future exam sessions directly with the CIOLQ at ciol.org.uk.
Will I be a sworn or certified Translator after completing this course?
The concept of a 'sworn' or 'certified' Translator as it exists in some other countries does not apply to individual Translators in the UK - in the UK, only companies can hold certified Translator status. The CertTrans is a recognised UK qualification demonstrating professional-level translation competence. If you need guidance on translation certification requirements in a specific country, we recommend contacting the relevant authority in that jurisdiction.
What is the difference between completing the course and gaining the qualification?
Completing the course earns you a linguisttraining.com Diploma Certificate. The official CIOL CertTrans qualification (Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised, Level 6) is awarded by the CIOLQ when you pass their exam.
I'm not sure whether to do CertTrans or DipTrans. What should I do?
The CertTrans is set at Level 6 (Degree equivalent) and is ideal for practising and aspiring Translators looking to formalise their skills. The DipTrans is set at Level 7 (Master's equivalent) and is designed for established professional Translators working at the highest level. Use our Which Course Is Right for You? tool, or just get in touch - we are always happy to talk it through. And remember: if you start CertTrans and find you are ready for DipTrans level, we offer a £100 discount on the DipTrans if you enrol within two months of completing the CertTrans.
Can I study two language pairs on the same course enrolment?
Yes - one enrolment covers your course regardless of how many language pairs you work in. However, for the CIOL CertTrans exam itself, you must choose one language pair only. Please contact us to discuss your situation and we will advise the best approach.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Klarna and Clearpay are offered at checkout, allowing you to spread the cost (subject to their approval). Find out more at our payment options page.
Buying this course for someone else?
At checkout, simply tick 'This is a gift' and you can enter their details as well as yours, so they get access.
Is funding available for this course?
Funding availability for linguist training courses can change, and any funding that does exist tends to be linked to the accredited CIOL qualification rather than the preparatory course itself. We recommend contacting us to discuss your situation, and checking directly with any relevant funding bodies. Contact us here.
Can I contact the team for advice before enrolling?
Absolutely - please do. We are a team of real people based in Sheffield, and we are always happy to discuss which course is right for you, your language pair, your experience level, or anything else you are unsure about. Contact us at support@linguisttraining.com or via our contact page.
About linguisttraining.com
Award-winning courses for Translators and Interpreters
linguisttraining.com is the UK's leading provider of online courses for Translators and Interpreters. Based in Sheffield, we are a team of real people who are passionate about helping linguists develop their skills and achieve recognised qualifications.
Our courses have been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Linguists, who awarded us the CIOL Nuffield Trophy (when we were Talking Heads Linguist Training). The quality of our exam preparation is further evidenced by the fact that one of our students won the CIOL Fred Brandeis Award for the best DipTrans candidate - a remarkable achievement that reflects the standard of tuition and mentoring we provide.
Read more about us →'We are a team of real people based in Sheffield - not just a website. We talk to our students, we support them, and we celebrate when they pass. If you need anything before or during your training with us, just get in touch.'
Eileen, Founder of linguisttraining.com
