How can I prepare for the DipTrans?
The CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation is a high-level professional qualification, set at Master's/postgraduate level. It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that they are sufficiently prepared for the exam, competent in both the source and target languages, have very good writing skills and the ability to translate quickly and very accurately at a professional level.
It is essential that you read the Qualification Specification and our Candidate Information for detailed information about the exam format, criteria and regulations.
We also offer preparatory notes on translation:
- Preparing for the Diploma in Translation and Importance of translation theory
- Translation techniques
- Hints and pitfalls
DipTrans Courses and Support
It is good practice to prepare for a professional qualification by following a course of study. Courses are available in different regions of the UK and internationally. Please refer to the list of courses and contact course providers directly. Please note that as the Awarding Organisation for the DipTrans, we are unable to endorse or recommend any particular course.
Tips from DipTrans CIOL Award winners
Click the links below to watch the interviews with past Diploma in Translation CIOL Award winners for some tips on how to prepare for the exam.
- Overall best candidate - watch the interview with Madalina Onofras
- Best English-German candidate - watch the interview with Heike Kurtz
- Best literature translation - watch the interview with Mihail Banica
Source texts from past exams
- Example English source texts
- Examples in other languages
You can also purchase past DipTrans papers and Examiner Reports using these forms:
An illustrative examiner report from July 2022 is available here.
What set-up do I need to take CIOLQ online assessments?
Our Candidate Information will support and guide you in preparing and ensuring that your equipment, connection, software and settings are adequate to be able to successfully access our fully-invigilated online assessment platform.
Demo Test
An online demo test is available. This is recommended, to familiarise yourself with the exam software in advance:
The Online Exam Delivery Platform
This YouTube video guide (click the link or the picture below) offers advice on joining the CIOLQ Online Exam Delivery Platform for written units.
Units
The DipTrans is composed of three units.
Unit 01 - Written translation of a general text
Unit 02 - Written translation of a semi-specialised text in one of the following:
- Technology
- Business
- Literature
Unit 03 - Written translation of a semi-specialised text in one of the following:
- Science
- Social science
- Law
- Arts and Culture
All three units that comprise this qualification must be successfully completed within a three year period for candidates to be awarded the full qualification. The three year full exam completion period applies from the first year that a candidate receives a unit certificate. Once a candidate has received a ‘pass’ in any unit, they have two more years to successfully complete the outstanding part of the qualification. Candidates successful in both units will be awarded full electronic qualification certificates.
Next Exam Session
Registration for the DipTrans in January 2025 is now closed. You will be able to register and pay for the DipTrans in July 2025 soon.
Fees
For the January 2025 exams the following fees applied:
Individual Unit Fees (if taken separately):
Unit 01 - £500
Unit 02 - £385
Unit 03 - £385
Full exam entry (all three Units) - £895
For more information, please check our Exam Fees, Invoicing and Billing Policy on our Policies page.
Registration
Registration for the DipTrans in January 2025 is now closed. You will be able to register and pay for July 2025 soon.
If you are interested in taking the DipTrans at a later date, please express an interest here.
For help and support with registration and payment contact us at info.diptrans@ciol.org.uk