DipTrans

DipTrans Online Course & CIOL Exam Preparation

The DipTrans course from linguisttraining.com prepares you for the CIOL Diploma in Translation exam - the gold standard of professional translation qualifications, recognised around the world. The CIOL DipTrans is a Master's Degree equivalent (Level 7) qualification. Through expert-written content, structured Translation Practices across a range of specialist subject areas and one-to-one mentoring, you will be ready to sit the exam with confidence. 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.

DipTrans Online Course
🏆 CIOL Fred Brandeis Award for the best DipTrans candidate
Not sure which course / level is for you? →

I WANT TO STUDY THE ONLINE COURSE

19 modules and 9 Translation Practices

SEE THE COURSE

I WANT CIOL EXAM INFO

How to get qualified

EXAM INFORMATION

I JUST WANT EXAM SUPPORT

Mock Exams, Translation Practice, Mentoring

SUPPORT OPTIONS

Not sure which course to choose? Take our quick quiz to find out →

565+
linguist enrolments since launch
Worldwide
Students on six continents
Verified
CIOL exam Passes, Merits and Distinctions

The Online Course

19 modules, 17 exercises and 166 resources - built around 9 Translation Practices in your own language pair, each proofread and reviewed by your dedicated LanguagePartner™ with detailed written feedback following the DipTrans scoring matrix. Fully online, at your own pace, with 24/7 access for 12 months.

  • Translate at the highest level - General, Technology, Business, Literature, Science, Social Science, Law, and Art & Culture texts.
  • Apply advanced techniques - translation approach, back translation, semi-specialised texts, and the theory of translation.
  • Research at depth - specialist terminology, glossary-building, and reference strategies for complex subject areas.
  • 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 the awareness expected at Master's level.
  • Prepare for the exam - approach the CIOL DipTrans exam with proven technique and the confidence that comes from rigorous preparation.
8 modules cover non-language-specific subjects (such as Translation Techniques, Translation Approach, Semi-Specialised Texts, and Theory of Translation). 11 modules are specific to your language pair (the Translation Practices and your LanguagePartner™ mentor session).
  • MODULE 01 - Overview of the DipTrans Course
  • MODULE 02 - Comprehensive CIOLQ DipTrans Examination Guide
  • MODULE 03 - Translation Techniques
  • MODULE 04 - Translation Approach
  • MODULE 05 - General Translation, Unit 01
  • MODULE 06 - Reading and Reference Materials
  • MODULE 07 - Semi-Specialised Texts
  • MODULE 08 - Technology Translation, Unit 02
  • MODULE 09 - Business Translation, Unit 02
  • MODULE 10 - Literature Translation, Unit 02
  • MODULE 11 - Theory of Translation
  • MODULE 12 - Science Translation, Unit 03
  • MODULE 13 - Social Science Translation, Unit 03
  • MODULE 14 - Law Translation, Unit 03
  • MODULE 15 - Art & Culture Translation, Unit 03
  • MODULE 16 - Revision and LanguagePartner™ Session Preparation
  • MODULE 17 - LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session (via video)
  • MODULE 18 - Revision and Exam Preparation
  • MODULE 19 - Review, Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate

Also included:

  • 9 Translation Practices worth £711, proofread by your LanguagePartner™ with detailed feedback (CIOLQ past exam papers used where available)
  • 17 exercises - note-taking, glossary-building, research, and more
  • 166 resources - further reading, articles, videos, and links
  • Comprehensive CIOLQ DipTrans Examination Guide for all Units (01, 02 and 03)
  • Full support from the linguisttraining.com team throughout your studies
When you enrol, we hand-pick a LanguagePartner™ specifically suited to your language pair and professional background. Your LanguagePartner™ is an experienced, qualified professional Translator working at Level 7 equivalent, who understands your language pair and its specific challenges.
  • Proofreads all 9 of your Translation Practices, providing detailed written feedback and guidance on each one, following the DipTrans scoring matrix
  • 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
This human interaction with a professional is what sets the DipTrans course apart from other online courses. Read what students say about their LanguagePartners™ →
Course start date: there is no set start date. Enrol whenever you like and start immediately. Only your LanguagePartner™ session and any Mock Exams need to be scheduled in advance.
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: the CIOLQ advises a Total Qualification Time of approximately 460 hours, plus self-study.
Entry level: a high command of both languages in your language pair at CEFR C2 level.
Languages: course content is written in English. Translation Practices and your LanguagePartner™ session are in your language pair.
CertTrans - Level 6, Degree equivalent. Suitable for practising and aspiring Translators, focusing on working-level translation skills.
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.

Compare CertTrans and DipTrans in detail →

"Just wanted to let you know that I passed the DipTrans with a merit and two distinctions - the preparation course was really helpful!" - Catriona (DE > EN)

Read all DipTrans Student feedback ↗

Your DipTrans Enrolment Options

Pay in full at checkout, where Klarna and Clearpay are offered (subject to their approval).

Big Bundle

£1,099

Best value

Worth over £1,300

Deluxe Bundle

£865

Worth over £1,000

Course only

£699

 

19-Module Online Course
Translation Practices included in course 9 9 9
Translation Practices additional 3
Online Mock Exams 3
LanguagePartner™ Mentor Sessions 2 5 1
Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
ENROL for £1,099

Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout

ENROL for £865

Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout

ENROL for £699

Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout

Find out how bundles work →

Big Bundle

£1,099

Best valueWorth over £1,300

19-Module Online Course
9 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
ENROL for £1,099

Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout

Find out how bundles work →

Deluxe Bundle

£865

Worth over £1,000

19-Module Online Course
9 x Translation Practices (included)
5 x LanguagePartner™ Mentor Sessions
Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
ENROL for £865

Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout

Course Only

£699

19-Module Online Course
9 x Translation Practices (included)
1 x LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session
Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
ENROL for £699

Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout

The CIOL Exam

  • Level: 7 - Master's Degree equivalent
  • Assessment: CIOL DipTrans Exam (Qualification No. 501/1445/1)
  • Accreditation: Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised qualification
  • Units: Unit 01 General Translation, plus your choice of Unit 02 (Technology, Business or Literature) and Unit 03 (Science, Social Science, Law or Art & Culture)
  • Direction: the exam requires you to translate into your mother tongue.
  • 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.
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.

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 £265

Translation Practice

A real past exam paper, translated in your own time · Proofread by an expert, with guidance

See Translation Practice

LanguagePartner™ Mentoring

One-to-one live video session with a professional expert, specifically paired to you

See Mentor Sessions

"I am learning a lot from their observations and comments, and I really appreciate how thoroughly they review my work." - Kleopatra (EN > EL)

Read all DipTrans Student feedback ↗

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 DipTrans exam fee is paid separately and directly to the CIOLQ. Visit ciol.org.uk for current exam fees and sitting dates.

How long will I have access to the course?

You will have 24/7 access for 12 months from the date of enrolment.

How long will the course take to complete?

The CIOLQ advises a Total Qualification Time of approximately 460 hours. How long you take depends on how much time you are able to commit and your learning speed. There is no set pace - you study whenever suits you.

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.

Is the DipTrans right for me, or should I do the CertTrans first?

The DipTrans is set at Level 7 (Master's equivalent) and is designed for established professional Translators. The CertTrans is set at Level 6 (Degree equivalent) and is more suitable for practising and aspiring Translators. Use our Which Course Is Right for You? tool, or just get in touch and we will help you decide. And remember - if you start the CertTrans and then 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.

I have a degree in a non-language subject. Can I still enrol?

Yes, provided you have a high command of both languages in your language pair at CEFR C2 level. A degree in languages or translation is not required. What matters is your language ability and your commitment to developing your translation skills.

Can I study two language pairs on the same enrolment?

One enrolment can cover two language pairs (provided English is in both). However, we recommend focusing on one language pair to get the most out of your Translation Practices and LanguagePartner™ sessions. For the CIOL DipTrans exam itself, you must choose one language pair only. Please contact us to discuss your situation and we will advise the best approach.

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 DipTrans qualification (Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised, Level 7) is awarded by the CIOLQ when you pass their exam.

Is it preferable to take the CertTrans exam before the DipTrans?

It is not a requirement, but some students find the CertTrans a useful stepping stone, particularly if they are unsure of their level. If you are already working as a professional Translator at a high level, you may be ready to go straight to the DipTrans. Use our Which Course Is Right for You? tool or contact us for guidance.

Which direction should I translate in - into or out of English?

The DipTrans exam requires you to translate into your mother tongue (native language). So if your native language is French and you also work in English, you would translate from English into French. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will advise.

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

Eileen, Founder of 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.

'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

Read more about us →
Previous
Previous

CertTrans

Next
Next

Intro to Legal Translation (ILTD) CPD