CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Diploma in Police Interpreting (DPI)

About the exam

Is it right for me?

The Diploma in Police Interpreting (DPI) is a professional qualification for those who work, or would like to work, as interpreters for Police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Level: degree level in terms of language skills required.

What are the benefits?

• Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised qualification
• Recognition of professional skills and career development
• Use the title DPI after your name
• Eligibility for membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists
• Widely recognised both by organisations who previously recognised the Met Test and now use the DPI as a standard of eligibility for work.

What format does the exam take?

The qualification is composed of five units:

• Unit 01 (Level 6): Interpret consecutively two-way in a police context and take a police statement
• Unit 02 (Level 6): Interpret simultaneously from English in a police context
• Unit 03 (Level 6): Provide a sight translation from English in a police context
• Unit 04 (Level 5): Translate a police statement into English
• Unit 05 (Level 5): Translate from English in a police context

Which languages can I take the exam in?

The DPI exam can be completed in a wide variety of languages. Contact us for more information.

Preparation

How can I prepare for the exam?

Please read the DPI Qualification Specification and the Candidate Information to find out detailed information about the exam format, criteria and regulations.

It is good practice to prepare for a professional qualification by following a course of study. Courses are available from external providers.
 

Preparing to take the DPI online

An online demo test is available if you are preparing to take the DPI online. This is recommended to familiarise yourself with the exam software in advance.

This YouTube video guide (click the link or the picture below) offers advice on joining the DPI Oral Unit. 

This YouTube video guide (click the link or the picture below) offers advice on joining the CIOLQ Online Exam Delivery Platform for written units. 

Sample exam papers

Non-members and Study Affiliates can purchase past DPI papers using this form:  DPI Past Paper Order Form

Final exam sessions for existing DPI candidates

Registration is closed to new entrants, for existing candidates seeking to complete a DPI see key dates links and Register tab for more information. 

Fees

To register for an exam two sets of fees are payable - Exam Fees plus mandatory CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fees which cover the cost of invigilation and online assessement.

Exam Fees

*Exam Fees are capped at £675; if the total cost of the units you are sitting exceeds this amount, the maximum Exam Fee is still £675.

CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fees

• Unit 01:                                       £60
• Unit 02 and/or 03:                     £60
• Unit 04 and/or 05:                     £60

Full CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fee (all five units): £180*

*The CIOLQ Virtual Centre Enrolment Fee is capped at £180, if candidates are taking 3 units or more.

For more information, please check our Exam Fees, Invoicing and Billing Policy on our Policies page.