Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
General FAQs
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Of course!
The best starting place is for you to ascertain what language / learning level you are at, as this tells you which course level is right for you.
Like most organisations in Europe, we use the CEFR system.
Go to linguisttraining.com/whichcourse and complete the free test to find your level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C3).
Then go back to that page and click the image for your level.
This will then take you to the page showing all the courses available at your level.
Voilà!
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Our courses are all online and you can access them any time you like. How long you commit to each each week, is totally up to you and your schedule and other commitments. You have access for 12 months from the date of enrolment, giving you more than enough time for any course.
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On some courses you will see the term 'Guided Learning Hours' or GLH.
Guided learning hours (GLH) represent the number of hours that an average learner might need to complete a qualification or course. These hours encompass not only formal teaching but also assignments, and assessment preparation.
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Absolutely! Our students study our courses from all over the world.
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Successful completion of a linguisttraining.com course (including the online Final Assessment) provides you with a Diploma certificate (which UK Public Sector organisations require you to have, to do assignments for them).
After you have done your course with us and earned your Diploma, if you then also wish to take an exam to get an Ofqual-accredited qualification, this is done separately through the CIOL, not linguisttraining.com. They are the only organisation in the UK able to offer this exam.
The Certificate in Community Interpreting (CICI) (Level 3) qualification is the only one that is different. With this course, all course material and the Final Assessment is included, resulting in an Ofqual-accredited qualification.
EXAMS
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Yes - we offer Exam Preparation Bundles for this. Visit linguisttraining.com/courses/examprepbundles
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You can access dictionaries and your own glossaries during a CIOL exam, but everything must be ‘hard copy’ – i.e., not electronic at all. You will have to print it out.
An example CIOL Qualification Specification says :
This is an open book exam during which candidates may use:
General bilingual, monolingual and specialist dictionaries
Published glossaries and / or personal word banks
Various reference materials including encyclopaedias
Candidates are not permitted to bring into the exam, course materials supplied by tutors or any electronic dictionaries or devices.
We strongly advise that you contact the CIOL directly, as they are the only ones who will give you a definitive answer.
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Any comments and recommendations given, represent the educated and considered views of a single, independent Language Partner and not that of an official Marking Team affiliated to the CIOL. As such, they are not ratified by the CIOL and, of course, we do not and cannot suggest that they guarantee a pass in the actual exam. It must be borne in mind that there are several reasons why translating a piece on a different occasion can differ from that carried out during the Exam. Notwithstanding that, we are confident in the ability and knowledge of our Language Partners who are experienced and professional linguists and we believe that their changes, comments and judgement are a valuable aid to you in your continued studies. We hope you do too!
ENROLMENT & PAYMENT
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Yes. Students can enrol on our courses and pay in their own currency, from every country in the world.
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For the DPSI, CertTrans and DipTrans, the course and examination are separate. We provide the preparatory course and support options, and the CIOL provide the examination. You must liaise separately with us, and the CIOL. Payments to us are just for the course / support options. Payment for the exam are made separately to the CIOL.
For the Community Interpreting Level 3, the fee includes all course material and the cost of the Final Assessment.
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Through finance providers Klarna and Clearpay, you can choose to pay in instalments. You will see these options at checkout.
They offer this service and linguisttraining.com aren't able to control what they offer you.
Options frequently offered are :
Monthly payments for up to 36 months.
Pay in 3 or 4 interest-free instalments
Pay in full in 14 or 30 days
Split the cost over 4 interest-free payments
Payments are on subscription via Clearpay or Klarna, but you’ll get access to everything straight away, from linguisttraining.com.
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Read how discounted Bundles work at linguisttraining.com/articles/bundles
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For the sake of clarity, it’s important to say that linguisttraining.com does not offer finance - we offer the facility for you to access finance from Klarna and Clearpay / Afterpay (depending on country). The figures we show are an example of the different finance options that Klaran and Clearpay / Afterpay may offer.
We cannot control what finance they offer you. What they offer depends on lots of factors, most of which we aren’t aware of.
When you get to checkout and see what they are offering, this is the only finance options we have.
FDTI course
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You have 24/7 online access to the course for a full 12 months from the date of your enrolment. During this time, you will access all course content and complete any Translation Practices / Mentor Sessions you may have enrolled on.
The length of time it takes to complete, very much depends on how much time you can commit to learning, and your learning speed (which varies from person to person). If you were able to commit 10 hours per week, for example, you may be able to complete the course in 1 to 2 months. However if your learning speed is slower, or you choose to repeat certain sections, it would take longer.
Bearing all this in mind, the current average completion time of our enrolled students for this course is:
39 DAYS
Calculated July 2025.NB. Some students take a break during their learning time, for personal reasons, so this average figure is an indication only, and has absolutely no bearing on how long it could take you.
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The FDTI course is an online training programme designed for freelance interpreters. It focuses on developing practical skills, accuracy, and confidence in interpreting across different scenarios.
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The course is suitable for aspiring interpreters, as well as practising freelance interpreters who want to refine their techniques, improve accuracy, and gain professional guidance.
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Yes, the FDTI course is fully online, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from any location.
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You will develop advanced interpreting techniques, improve note-taking, enhance fluency and accuracy, and gain confidence handling real-world interpreting scenarios.
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The course is provided by linguistraining.com, a trusted online training provider for professional interpreters.
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Absolutely. The course is designed for flexible learning, so you can progress at a pace that suits your professional or personal schedule.
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Yes, if you choose the Translation Practice Bundle option, you receive expert feedback on practical exercises and interpreting scenarios, helping you improve your skills and confidence.
DPSI Law course
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Award-winning DPSI preparation
Winner of the CIOL Nuffield Trophy for Best Group Entry for DPSI.Focused on the DPSI Law pathway
Covers legal interpreting contexts such as police procedures, court hearings, sentencing, and legal advice sessions.Aligned with CIOL DPSI assessment criteria
Exam-focused preparation for consecutive interpreting, sight translation, and written translation units.Flexible online learning
Self-paced access allows you to study alongside work or professional commitments.Optional mentoring and mock DPSI exams
Personalised feedback from experienced DPSI trainers to build confidence and exam readiness.
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This course is suitable for:
Interpreters preparing for the Level 6 DPSI in Law
Interpreters seeking to work with courts, police, and legal agencies
Candidates who want structured, exam-specific preparation rather than general interpreting training
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The CIOL does not formally endorse DPSI preparation providers. However, linguisttraining.com has been recognised through the CIOL Nuffield Trophy for Best Group Entry (when we were called Talking Heads Linguist Training), awarded for exceptional DPSI exam outcomes.
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Yes. The course is specifically designed to prepare candidates for the CIOL DPSI Law examination, following the official syllabus and exam structure.
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You have 24/7 online access to the course for a full 12 months from the date of your enrolment. During this time, you will access all course content and complete all Translation Practices / Mentor Sessions.
The length of time it takes to complete, very much depends on how much time you can commit to learning, and your learning speed (which varies from person to person). If you were able to commit 10 hours per week, for example, you may be able to complete the course in 4 to 6 months. However if your learning speed is slower, or you choose to repeat certain sections, it would take longer.
Bearing all this in mind, the current average completion time of our enrolled students for this course is:
5.1 MONTHS
Calculated July 2025.NB. Not all students choose to complete all exercises and Translation Practices, which we strongly advise to complete. Some students take a break during their learning time, for personal reasons, so this average figure is an indication only, and has absolutely no bearing on how long it could take you.
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Successful completion of the course and an online Final Assessment provides you with a Diploma certificate, which UK Public Sector organisations require you to have, to do assignments for them.
The course also prepares you for the CIOL exam, should you decide to also take this.
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With you already being at Degree level, the DPSI is perfect for you. Find more information at this page : linguisttraining.com/whichcourse
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Yes. The DPSI Law preparation course is delivered 100% online, with optional mentoring and mock exams available.
DPSI Health course
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Award-winning DPSI preparation
Winner of the CIOL Nuffield Trophy for Best Group Entry.Specialist focus on healthcare interpreting
Covers medical consultations, diagnosis discussions, treatment plans, consent, and mental health scenarios.Exam-aligned DPSI Health preparation
Practice tasks mapped to CIOL DPSI Health assessment requirements.Flexible online course structure
Study at your own pace with year-round access to materials.Optional mentoring and mock exams
Personalised support to improve interpreting accuracy and exam technique.
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This course is suitable for:
Interpreters preparing for the Level 6 DPSI in Health
Interpreters working or intending to work in NHS or private healthcare settings
Candidates seeking profession-specific DPSI exam preparation
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The CIOL does not formally endorse DPSI preparation providers. However, linguisttraining.com has been recognised through the CIOL Nuffield Trophy for Best Group Entry (when we were called Talking Heads Linguist Training), awarded for exceptional DPSI exam outcomes.
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Yes. The course is specifically designed to prepare candidates for the CIOL DPSI Health examination, following the official syllabus and exam structure.
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You have 24/7 online access to the course for a full 12 months from the date of your enrolment. During this time, you will access all course content and complete all Translation Practices / Mentor Sessions.
The length of time it takes to complete, very much depends on how much time you can commit to learning, and your learning speed (which varies from person to person). If you were able to commit 10 hours per week, for example, you may be able to complete the course in 4 to 6 months. However if your learning speed is slower, or you choose to repeat certain sections, it would take longer.
Bearing all this in mind, the current average completion time of our enrolled students for this course is:
5.1 MONTHS
Calculated July 2025.NB. Not all students choose to complete all exercises and Translation Practices, which we strongly advise to complete. Some students take a break during their learning time, for personal reasons, so this average figure is an indication only, and has absolutely no bearing on how long it could take you.
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Successful completion of the course and an online Final Assessment provides you with a Diploma certificate, which UK Public Sector organisations require you to have, to do assignments for them.
The course also prepares you for the CIOL exam, should you decide to also take this.
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Yes. The DPSI Health preparation course is delivered 100% online, with optional mentoring and mock exams available.
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Yes. The DPSI Health preparation course focuses on medical and healthcare interpreting contexts, aligned with CIOL DPSI Health exam requirements.
CertTrans course
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You have 24/7 online access to the course for a full 12 months from the date of your enrolment. During this time, you will access all course content and complete all Translation Practices / Mentor Sessions.
The length of time it takes to complete, very much depends on how much time you can commit to learning, and your learning speed (which varies from person to person). If you were able to commit 10 hours per week, for example, you may be able to complete the course in 4 to 6 months. However if your learning speed is slower, or you choose to repeat certain sections, it would take longer.
Bearing all this in mind, the current average completion time of our enrolled students for this course is:
7 MONTHS
Calculated July 2025.NB. Not all students choose to complete all exercises and Translation Practices, which we strongly advise to complete. Some students take a break during their learning time, for personal reasons, so this average figure is an indication only, and has absolutely no bearing on how long it could take you.
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The CertTrans at degree-level (level 6) is perfect for translators as their first qualification, and prepares / qualifies you for professional work. The DipTrans is for those who are advanced in their career as a Translator.
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Yes - there are 8 marked Translation Practices on this course, covering these parts of the exam (General, Business & Commercial, Government and Public Service).
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As the DipTrans is a continuation of the CertTrans, the courses are similar, but the DipTrans is more advanced. The CertTrans has more instruction in it.
DipTrans course
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The Big Bundle includes the full course, 3 additional CIOLQ Past Exam Paper Translation Practices (one for each exam unit), 3 DipTrans Mock CIOLQ Exams (one for each exam unit), an additional LanguagePartnerᵀᴹ Mentoring session and linguisttraining.com team support.
We advise that you complete the bundle in the following order:
Study and complete the full course first (which contains 9 marked Translation Practices and a LanguagePartnerᵀᴹ Mentoring session). This gives you the opportunity to practice your translation skills, receive feedback, and discuss those with your LanguagePartnerᵀᴹ Mentor.
We advise that you then carry out the extra Translation Practices, working with the feedback and improvements that you have made throughout the course.
Then have your second LanguagePartnerᵀᴹ Mentor session to discuss your work and any techniques you need to think about when translating within an exam environment.
Then sit your 3 Mock Exams, using all of the knowledge you have gained throughout the comprehensive course and extras process.
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You have 24/7 online access to the course for a full 12 months from the date of your enrolment. During this time, you will access all course content and complete all Translation Practices / Mentor Sessions.
The length of time it takes to complete, very much depends on how much time you can commit to learning, and your learning speed (which varies from person to person). If you were able to commit 10 hours per week, for example, you may be able to complete the course in 4 to 6 months. However if your learning speed is slower, or you choose to repeat certain sections, it would take longer.
Bearing all this in mind, the current average completion time of our enrolled students for this course is:
6.5 MONTHS
Calculated July 2025.NB. Not all students choose to complete all exercises and Translation Practices, which we strongly advise to complete. Some students take a break during their learning time, for personal reasons, so this average figure is an indication only, and has absolutely no bearing on how long it could take you.
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Yes! You can start the course as soon as you enrol and you can study whenever you like, 24/7, as all the content is online.
The only thing you have to schedule is the Mentor session/s.
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As the DipTrans is a continuation of the CertTrans, the courses are similar, but the DipTrans is more advanced. The CertTrans has more instruction in it.
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The CertTrans at degree-level (level 6) is perfect for translators as their first qualification, and prepares / qualifies you for professional work. The DipTrans is for those who are advanced in their career as a Translator.
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Yes - EN > EL is one of the language pairs we support. Please visit linguisttraining.com/courses/diptrans.
ILTD course
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You have 24/7 online access to the course for a full 12 months from the date of your enrolment. During this time, you will access all course content and complete all Translation Practices / Mentor Sessions.
The length of time it takes to complete, very much depends on how much time you can commit to learning, and your learning speed (which varies from person to person). If you were able to commit 10 hours per week, for example, you may be able to complete the course in 2 to 5 months. However if your learning speed is slower, or you choose to repeat certain sections, it would take longer.
Bearing all this in mind, the current average completion time of our enrolled students for this course is:
2.4 MONTHS
Calculated July 2025.NB. Not all students choose to complete all exercises and Translation Practices, which we strongly advise to complete. Some students take a break during their learning time, for personal reasons, so this average figure is an indication only, and has absolutely no bearing on how long it could take you.
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Yes - you are able to resit the final online assessment.