Which Course Is Right For You?
Not sure where to start? Follow these three simple steps to find the right course and level for your language background
Test your language level
All courses use the CEFR scale - the international standard for language proficiency. Before you choose a course, you need to know your CEFR level in your working language pair. Select your situation below:
My first language is NOT English
Test your English
e.g. English → FrenchYou'll be working into your native language, so you need to verify that your English is strong enough for professional-level work. Use the free British Council test to find your CEFR level.
Take the free English test →My first language IS English
Test your Other Language
e.g. French → EnglishYou'll be working into English, so you need a CEFR-rated test in your Other Language. Wikipedia's list of language proficiency tests is a good starting point - or search online for a test in your specific language.
Browse language tests →Find courses for your level
Click the button for your CEFR level to see all courses available at that level. Courses are available from B1 upwards - a strong intermediate level is the minimum for professional linguist training.
Not sure what these levels mean in practice? View the full CEFR level table for a breakdown of what each level involves in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Choose your pathway
Select whether you want to qualify as a Translator, an Interpreter, or both. Each pathway is a progression of courses leading to recognised professional qualifications.
The FDTI is optional but recommended if you are new to Translation. You can skip straight to CertTrans or DipTrans if your language level is strong enough (C1/C2). Translation is a written skill - you convert written documents from one language into another.
Interpreting is a verbal skill - you convert spoken language in real time. The CCI is your entry-level qualification, and the DPSI (available in Law or Health) is the advanced professional qualification. The FDTI is a useful foundation but not required.
If you want to offer both services professionally, you can study Translation and Interpreting concurrently or sequentially. Many linguists begin with the CCI (Interpreting) and CertTrans (Translation) at Level 6, then progress to the DipTrans for a Master's-level Translation qualification alongside their DPSI.
Not sure if you've chosen the right level?
That's completely understandable - the difference between Entry Level, Degree Level, and Master's Level isn't always obvious. If you start a course and realise you're ready for something more advanced, we're happy to offer a discount on the next level up, as long as you enrol within two months of completing your first course. Simply get in touch when you finish and we'll send you a discount code.
Our team is happy to help - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Click this table image to see all levels and how they relate to learning and work.