Career Affiliate membership is open to those using their language skills extensively in a professional context, or linguists who do not yet meet the entry criteria to be admitted as an Associate.
You can also apply as a Career Affiliate if your languages are of the standard to be a valuable professional tool, but are not the main focus of your work.
Who can join?
We expect Career Affiliates to be able to evidence spoken language skills of at least B2 in the CEFR in line with our CIOL Language Level Frameworks.
You can apply via the Career Affiliate Fast-track application form if you meet one of the following criteria:
- For non-native speakers of English, achieve a B2 'Working Level' result or higher in the CIOL Certified English Test.
- For non-native speakers of other languages achieve a B2 Level or higher in a CIOL Language Level Assessment.
- Hold a degree, IELTs or other language qualification demonstrating at least B2 level in spoken skills in the CEFR.
- Hold a Level 3 certificate in Community Interpreting which demonstrates at least B2 level spoken skills
If you do not hold a degree or language qualification but have least one year’s work experience (an average of 120 days professional practice per year) using your bilingual/non-native language(s) regularly in your work you can still apply based on work experience using the full application form at the bottom of this page.
Why join?
- Demonstrates your commitment and skills as a linguist to employers and clients
- Builds your professional network and builds your profile and personal 'brand'
- Training opportunities through CIOL's workshops and webinars, and access to the CIOL webinar library
- Take advantage of mentoring and other membership benefits
- Free download of The Linguist, CIOL's professional journal
- Monthly members' update including CIOL enews, events and updates
Continuing Professional Development: Career Affiliates can participate in Webinars and CPD events offered by CIOL and its professional divisions.
What does it cost?
There is a one-off non-refundable £30 assessment fee which must be paid as part of your application. The annual membership fee, payable once your membership has been confirmed is £105.
When can I join?
You can apply to join at any time of year. CIOL operates a rolling membership and your membership will begin on the day your application is successful and will be valid for a full calendar year.
What do I need?
The majority of applicants to Career Affiliate membership will use the default Fast-track application form based on your qualifications as below. You will need to create an online account first. Then upload a copy of the certificate of your relevant qualification and agree to CIOL’s terms and code of professional conduct.
If you are bilingual or multilingual with one or more years of work experience but do not hold a relevant qualification, you may still apply for Career Affiliate membership as a special case brought to our Membership Committee. In this case you will need to complete the full application form.
What next?
Once your application has been received, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement. CIOL will then assess the evidence provided and will confirm the progress of your application once it has been reviewed.
Apply with language qualification
Join with Fast-track application
Apply based on experience without qualifications
Apply with full application form
For further information on how to apply and/or admissions criteria, please contact the membership team.
