FDTI
Foundation Diploma in Translation and Interpreting (FDTI) Online Diploma Course
The FDTI course from linguisttraining.com is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to work professionally as a Translator or Interpreter. This entry-level online course covers the practical skills, techniques, and professional standards you need to begin your career with confidence - and on completion, you will receive a Course Diploma Certificate that many UK public sector organisations require before they will book you for assignments. All language pairs supported. Start any time.
Start any time
No term dates. No waiting. Enrol today and start studying immediately. The only element that needs scheduling is an optional LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session if you choose to add one.
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.
Start working straight away
On successful completion of the online final assessment, you will receive a linguisttraining.com Course Diploma Certificate - which many UK public sector organisations require before booking Translators and Interpreters for assignments.
No external exam
Unlike higher-level qualifications, the FDTI has no external CIOL exam. Your Diploma is awarded on successful completion of the online final assessment, which is included in the course.
Enrolment Options
What You Will Learn
The FDTI covers everything you need to begin working professionally as a Translator or Interpreter. The course is presented in written, video, and audio format to suit your learning style, and includes 24 exercises to put your learning into practice. It is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who are already working informally and want to formalise their skills with a recognised Diploma.
Understand the profession
What Translators and Interpreters do, the Code of Conduct, and professional roles and responsibilities.
Work in the public sector
Public sector Translation and Interpreting, including the roles, responsibilities, and settings you will encounter.
Work commercially
Commercial Interpreting and Translation, including how to work with agencies and find professional opportunities.
Apply interpreting techniques
Practical interpreting techniques, note-taking, and sight translation - the core skills of a working Interpreter.
Apply translation techniques
Practical translation techniques to help you produce accurate, professional translations from the start of your career.
Build your career
How to build your professional linguist career, find work, and progress to higher-level qualifications when you are ready.
Ready to get started?
From £199 - payment plans available at checkout via Klarna and Clearpay.
Is The FDTI Course Right for You?
The FDTI is ideal for anyone who wants to begin working professionally as a Translator or Interpreter, or who wants to formalise skills they already have. You should have at least CEFR B1 level in both languages in your language pair. Not sure of your level? Test it here.
Where does the FDTI fit in the qualification route?
The FDTI is the entry-level starting point. It is the foundation from which you can progress to higher-level qualifications when you are ready:
FDTI - Start here
Entry level - CEFR B1
Suitable for aspiring and new Translators and Interpreters
Diploma awarded on course completion - no external exam
This course leads to...
Level 3 - CCI (Certificate in Community Interpreting)
Level 6 - DPSI Law / Health, or CertTrans
Level 7 - DipTrans
If you complete the FDTI and then move on to any of our higher-level courses, we will give you a £100 discount provided you enrol within two months of completing the FDTI. Just get in touch when you finish and we will send you a code.
What’s Included in the FDTI Course?
-
The FDTI is a comprehensive entry-level course covering both Translation and Interpreting. All 15 modules are presented in written, video, and audio format by our tutors Ethan and Abbi, and include 24 exercises and 59 online resources to support your learning.
MODULE 01 - Overview of the FDTI
MODULE 02 - What are Translators and Interpreters?
MODULE 03 - The Code of Conduct
MODULE 04 - Public Sector Translation and Interpreting
MODULE 05 - Public Sector Roles and Responsibilities
MODULE 06 - Linguists in the European Union
MODULE 07 - Commercial Interpreting
MODULE 08 - Commercial Translation
MODULE 09 - Working With Agencies
MODULE 10 - Interpreting Techniques
MODULE 11 - Translation Techniques
MODULE 12 - Sight Translation
MODULE 13 - Note Taking
MODULE 14 - Your Professional Linguist Career
MODULE 15 - Review, Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate
Also included:
24 exercises - including vocabulary building, sight translation, and practical tasks
59 online resources - videos, articles, links, and up-to-date reference materials
1 language-specific Translation Practice - included in the course, with the option to upgrade and have this marked by a professional in your language pair
Online final assessment - must be passed to receive your Diploma Certificate
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 30 Guided Learning Hours, plus additional self-study.Languages
Course content is written in English. Your Translation Practice is in your chosen language pair. -
If you choose the FDTI Bundle, your Translation Practice will be proofread and reviewed by a professional in your language pair, selected by our team. You will receive detailed written feedback to help you understand your strengths and the areas to develop as you progress in your career.
This is not an exam - it is a learning exercise designed to give you a real sense of what professional translation work involves, and to help you improve with expert guidance.
About the FDTI Assessment
Unlike higher-level CIOL qualifications, the FDTI has no external exam. Assessment is carried out entirely online, as part of the course itself.
Assessment type - Online Final Assessment (included in the course)
When - At the end of Module 15, once you have completed all course content
Result - Pass the assessment and you will be awarded your linguisttraining.com Course Diploma Certificate
Resits - If you do not pass first time, you may resit the assessment within your 12-month access period
Your Diploma Certificate is accepted by many UK public sector organisations as evidence of your capability to work as a Translator or Interpreter. It is also the recognised starting point for progression to higher-level CIOL qualifications such as the DPSI, CertTrans, and DipTrans.
Your FDTI Enrolment Options
|
Best value
FDTI Bundle £249 Worth £278 |
Course only £199
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 15-Module Online Course | ||
| 24 Exercises | ||
| 59 Online Resources | ||
| Marked Translation Practice | - | |
| Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate | ||
| linguisttraining.com Team Support | ||
| Enrol Now Find out how bundles work → | 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 →
FDTI 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
