The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is the UK’s Royal Charter body for language practitioners. We aim to enhance the recognition and promote the value of languages and language skills around the world. Founded in 1910, CIOL has a global reach with over 5,000 professional members worldwide and more than 1,500 Affiliates.
What is the CertTrans?
The CIOL Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) is a UK regulated qualification from the internationally recognised Awarding Organisation CIOL Qualifications. The qualification is wholly focused on translation and will improve career prospects and provides progression opportunities for people who want to work as translators or within the localisation industry.
The CertTrans is a Bachelor’s degree level qualification which provides evidence of professional and practical translation knowledge and skills. The qualification is aligned to the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 6 and is equivalent in level to BA degrees and other Level 6 qualifications.
Who is it for?
The CertTrans is designed to provide a qualification for those seeking to enter or advance their careers as professional translators and is currently available between English (source or target language) and Arabic (MSA), Chinese, French, German and Spanish.
Expanding availability into other language combinations is already planned subject to candidate and employer interest. If you would like to take the CertTrans in a different target language, with English as the source please contact us at info.certtrans@ciol.org.uk
When will it be available?
The first session of the CertTrans will run this November (2022). The qualification is open for registrations now and sample texts, a demo and study guide are all available on the CIOL website: https://www.ciol.org.uk/CertTrans
What’s in it for candidates?
John Worne, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Linguists said:
“The CertTrans will be an ideal qualification to develop and progress a career as a language professional and, of course, to progress onto the CIOL membership ladder – all the way to full Chartered Linguist status.”
“Success in the CertTrans means candidates have demonstrated that they can use their languages in a professional translation context – and these are vital skills for the economy and for society.”

What’s in it for language service companies?
Raisa McNab, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Translation Companies said:
“The CertTrans is a new, robust professional qualification for those starting a career as language professionals, or looking to validate their expertise with a formal qualification in the languages they practise in.”
“Do your freelance translators across the world all have formal qualifications? The CertTrans is available internationally, and CIOL Qualifications are widely recognised in the UK and around the world.”
