Chartered Institute
of Linguists

DPI overview

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.