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. There is no external exam. All language pairs supported. Start any time.
Start any time
No term dates. No waiting. Enrol today and start studying immediately.
Start professional work straight away
Pass the online final assessment and receive your Diploma.
All language pairs supported
Into and out of English.
The Online Course
15 modules, 24 exercises and 59 online resources covering the profession, the Code of Conduct, public sector and commercial work, interpreting and translation techniques, note-taking, sight translation, and building your career. Presented in written, video and audio format by our tutors Ethan and Abbi. Fully online, at your own pace, with 24/7 access for 12 months.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 proofread 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
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.
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.
Entry level: no formal qualifications are required. You should have at least CEFR B1 level in both languages in your language pair.
Languages: course content is written in English. Your Translation Practice is in your chosen language pair.
- Level 3 - CCI (Certificate in Community Interpreting)
- Level 6 - DPSI Law, DPSI 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 £50 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.
"Informative and helpful course! The course is straightforward and easy to follow. It gave me a clear understanding of the professional standards required to be an interpreter. Highly recommended!" - Suchaya (EN > Thai)
Your FDTI Enrolment Options
Pay in full at checkout, where Klarna and Clearpay are offered (subject to their approval).
|
FDTI Bundle £249 Best valueWorth £278 |
Course only £199
|
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|---|---|---|
| 15-Module Online Course | ||
| 24 Exercises | ||
| 59 Online Resources | ||
| Translation Practice, proofread with guidance | - | |
| Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate | ||
| linguisttraining.com Team Support | ||
|
ENROL for £249
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout |
ENROL for £199
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout |
FDTI Bundle
£249
Best valueWorth £278
24 Exercises
59 Online Resources
Translation Practice, proofread with guidance
Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout
Course Only
£199
24 Exercises
59 Online Resources
Online Final Assessment and Diploma Certificate
linguisttraining.com Team Support
Klarna and Clearpay offered at checkout
The FDTI Assessment
- 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
"Very helpful foundation course. This course was very interesting and has helped me to understand the difference between Interpreting and translating better. It has helped me decide which career to choose." - Fabienne (EN > French)
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.
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 FDTI is approximately 30 Guided Learning Hours, plus additional self-study. How long you take depends on how much time you can commit. 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 can support you.
Do I need any qualifications to enrol?
No formal qualifications are required. You should have at least CEFR B1 level in both languages in your language pair. Not sure of your level? Test it here.
Is there an exam?
No. Unlike higher-level CIOL qualifications, the FDTI has no external exam. Your Diploma is awarded on successful completion of the online final assessment, which is included in the course and taken at the end of Module 15.
What is the difference between the Bundle and the Course only?
Both options include the full 15-module course, 24 exercises, 59 resources, the online final assessment, and your Diploma Certificate. The Bundle also includes a Translation Practice - real-life translation work sourced from a professional agency, proofread and reviewed with detailed written guidance. This is a valuable learning exercise that gives you a taste of real professional translation work and expert guidance on your performance.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Payment plans are available at checkout via Klarna and Clearpay, allowing you to spread the cost. Find out more at our payment options page.
What happens after I complete the FDTI?
You will receive your Course Diploma Certificate, which many UK public sector organisations require before booking Translators and Interpreters for assignments. You can then progress to higher-level qualifications such as the CCI (Level 3), DPSI Law or Health (Level 6), CertTrans (Level 6), or DipTrans (Level 7) when you are ready. If you enrol on any of these within two months of completing the FDTI, we will give you a £50 discount - just get in touch and we will send you a code.
Can I start working as a Translator or Interpreter straight away after completing the FDTI?
Yes. Many UK public sector organisations require a Diploma before booking linguists for assignments, and the linguisttraining.com Course Diploma Certificate meets this requirement. You can begin taking on work as soon as you have completed the course and passed the online final assessment.
Is funding available for this course?
Funding availability for linguist training courses can change. 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 help. 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
