CertTrans
CertTrans Online Course & CIOL Exam Preparation
The CertTrans course from linguisttraining.com develops your professional translation skills through expert-led feedback, one-to-one mentoring, and structured practice, whether you are preparing for the CIOL CertTrans exam or simply want to sharpen your skills and gain a recognised course diploma at Translation Degree level.
Start any time
No term dates. No waiting. Enrol today and start studying immediately. Only your LanguagePartner™ session and any Mock Exams need to be scheduled in advance.
All language pairs supported
All language pairs into and out of English are welcome. If you do not see yours on our supported languages page, please contact us - we almost certainly have a LanguagePartner™ for you.
Two stages, one goal
Completing this course earns you a linguisttraining.com Course Completion Diploma Certificate. To gain the nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated CIOL CertTrans qualification, you will also need to pass the CIOLQ exam - which this course is designed to help you do.
Course fee and exam fee are separate
Your course fee covers the linguisttraining.com online course 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.
Enrolment Options
What You Will Learn
The CertTrans course does much more than prepare you for an exam. At its heart are 8 Translation Practices in your own language pair, each proofread and reviewed by your dedicated LanguagePartner™, with detailed written feedback on every piece of work. This kind of expert, one-to-one feedback is rare in online learning, and for Translators building a professional career, it is invaluable.
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.
Not all students go on to sit the CIOL exam. Many enrol to develop their professional skills, receive expert feedback on their work, and gain a Course Completion Diploma Certificate. The choice to sit the exam is entirely yours.
Ready to get started?
From £599 - payment plans available at checkout via Klarna and Clearpay.
Is This Course Right for You?
The CertTrans is ideal for practising and aspiring Translators who want to develop their professional skills, receive expert feedback on their work, and (if they choose) gain a recognised CIOL qualification. You should have a high command of your second language (CEFR C1-C2 level) and native / mother-tongue command of your first language. Not sure of your CEFR level? Test it here.
CertTrans or DipTrans - what is the difference?
This is one of the most common questions we receive. Here is a quick guide:
CertTrans
Level 6 - Degree equivalent
Suitable for practising and aspiring Translators
Focus on working-level translation skills
DipTrans
Level 7 - Master's equivalent
Suitable for established professional Translators
Focus 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.
What’s Included in the CertTrans Course?
-
When you enrol, we hand-pick a LanguagePartner™ specifically suited to your language pair and professional background. Your LanguagePartner™ is an experienced, qualified linguist who works in your language pair and understands its specific challenges.
Your LanguagePartner™ will:
Proofread all 8 of your Translation Practices, providing detailed written feedback and guidance on each one
Track your progress across your Translation Practices over time
Meet with you for a one-to-one video session to discuss your development, answer your questions, and help you build confidence ahead of the exam
This human interaction with a professional is what sets the CertTrans course apart from other online courses.
-
9 of the modules cover non-language-specific subjects (such as Translation Techniques, Back Translation, and Revision and Exam Preparation).
10 of the modules are specific to your language pair (the Translation Practices and your LanguagePartner™ mentor session, all carried out in your chosen language pair).
MODULE 1 Overview of the CertTrans Course
MODULE 2 Comprehensive CIOLQ CertTrans Examination Guide for all Units (01, 02 and 03) (worth £29)
MODULE 3 Translation Techniques
MODULE 4 General Translation Skills - Unit 01 Introduction (Translation Practice 01)
MODULE 5 Reading and Reference Materials (Translation Practice 02)
MODULE 6 Reflective Writing and Research
MODULE 7 Translation Approach
MODULE 8 Research Skills and Pre-Translation Analysis (Translation Practice 03)
MODULE 9 Translator's Notes
MODULE 10 Awareness of Culture (Translation Practice 04)
MODULE 11 Comprehension and Related Skills (Decoding)
MODULE 12 Business and Commercial Translation Skills - Unit 02 Introduction (Translation Practice 05)
MODULE 13 Transferring Information to the Target Language (Encoding) (Translation Practice 06)
MODULE 14 Government and Public Service Translation Skills - Unit 03 Introduction (Translation Practice 07)
MODULE 15 Revision and LanguagePartner™ Session Preparation
MODULE 16 LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session (via video) (worth £79)
MODULE 17 Back Translation
MODULE 18 Working as a Professional Translator (Translation Practice 08)
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, links, and more
Full support from the linguisttraining.com team throughout your studies
-
Course start date: There is no set start date. Enrol whenever you like and start immediately.
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.
Languages: Course content is written in English. Translation Practices and your LanguagePartner™ session are in your language pair.
CertTrans Qualification Route
About the CIOL CertTrans Exam
Level: 6 - Degree equivalent
Assessment: CIOL CertTrans Exam (Qualification No. 610/0823/0)
Accreditation: Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised qualification
Exam languages: Visit ciol.org.uk for the current list of available language pairs. You can also register an interest in future language sessions on their website.
Exam provider: The exam is run by the CIOLQ, not linguisttraining.com.
Our course and the exam are entirely separate. Fees for this course are paid to linguisttraining.com. Exam fees are paid separately and directly to the CIOLQ. Visit ciol.org.uk for all current exam fees, sitting dates, and available language pairs.
Your CertTrans Enrolment Options
|
Best value
Big Bundle £999 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 |
| Course Completion Diploma Certificate | |||
| linguisttraining.com Team Support | |||
| Enrol Now | Enrol Now | Enrol Now |
🎁 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.
💳 Payment plans available at checkout
Spread the cost interest-free with Klarna or Clearpay.
Find out more about payment options →
CERTTRANS STUDENT FEEDBACK
Frequently Asked Questions
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