Becoming a certified translator in the UK (English-Dutch) Thread poster: ClaraSolis
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Hi everyone,
I hope someone can help with my question.
In 2021, I started working as a freelance translator, translating between English and Dutch. Prior to this, I did some part-time translation work, but I became a full-time translator in 2021 after losing my job (the company went under due to Covid). I'm a native Dutch speaker and have been living and working in the UK for 12 years, so I have a good grasp of both languages.... See more Hi everyone,
I hope someone can help with my question.
In 2021, I started working as a freelance translator, translating between English and Dutch. Prior to this, I did some part-time translation work, but I became a full-time translator in 2021 after losing my job (the company went under due to Covid). I'm a native Dutch speaker and have been living and working in the UK for 12 years, so I have a good grasp of both languages. My freelance work has been going well overall, with positive feedback from clients and agencies.
However, I don't have a degree in translation. My educational background includes a Master’s in Graphic Design & Illustration and a Postgraduate qualification as a teacher. I studied multiple languages in secondary school (Dutch, French, English, Latin), but I know this doesn't carry much weight in the job market.
I'm wondering if there's a way to become a certified translator in the UK without enrolling in a university course. I want to be able to show my competence, especially if an agency asks for proof. So far, no one has, but I worry about being perceived as unqualified due to my lack of a formal translation degree.
I know about the DipTrans exam from the Chartered Institute of Linguists. Is this the right path for me? Their website suggests that the exam is very difficult, requiring months of preparation and a significant financial investment.
Does anyone have experience with the DipTrans exam? Or should I consider other certification options to validate my skills as a translator?
Thank you! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Hayley Wakenshaw 
United Kingdom
Local time: 00:07
Member (2018)
Dutch to English
| Try the ‘special consideration’ route? | May 24 |
A certified translator is not the same thing as a qualified translator, but I think what you want to know is if there is a way to show that you are a competent translator without having to get an official qualification.
Well. I can tell you how I managed it.
I also thought you needed a diploma to become a full member of CIOL. This turns out not to be true. They will consider your application as a special case if you have exper... See more A certified translator is not the same thing as a qualified translator, but I think what you want to know is if there is a way to show that you are a competent translator without having to get an official qualification.
Well. I can tell you how I managed it.
I also thought you needed a diploma to become a full member of CIOL. This turns out not to be true. They will consider your application as a special case if you have experience but no qualifications.
Here are the criteria for special consideration on the CIOL website:
“If you do not meet the qualifications criteria for Associate above, but you can evidence at least three
years’ work experience (minimum of 120 days per year) using your language skills to a professional
level (as set out in the CIOL Professional Language Levels Framework) then we can treat your
application for Special Consideration. References will be required to assist with the assessment of your Special Consideration application.”
(https://www.ciol.org.uk/sites/default/files/MembershipAdmissionsCriteria-Sep2023.pdf)
Full membership seems to be enough to convince most potential clients of my competence. After all, you usually do need a translation qualification to be accepted.
If you’ve been working since 2021, can show that you’ve completed enough hours, and can get a reference or two, then it may be well worth talking to the CIOL about this. They’re very friendly.
[Edited at 2024-05-24 16:07 GMT]
[Edited at 2024-05-24 16:10 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | The proof is in the pudding | May 26 |
I was so pleased to see Hayley Wakenshaw's post - she confirms what I wanted to say.
The CIoL has a tradition of being flexible and more interested in how well you actually translate than in qualifications.
Translation courses were simply not so common years ago, and many earlier generations of translators did not have degrees or diplomas in translation. (My own father for one, although he was never a member of the IoL/CIoL.) Translators often had degrees in the subjects they ... See more I was so pleased to see Hayley Wakenshaw's post - she confirms what I wanted to say.
The CIoL has a tradition of being flexible and more interested in how well you actually translate than in qualifications.
Translation courses were simply not so common years ago, and many earlier generations of translators did not have degrees or diplomas in translation. (My own father for one, although he was never a member of the IoL/CIoL.) Translators often had degrees in the subjects they specialised in, and they had learnt their languages like you, from real life and working in multilingual communities.
The Dip. Trans. gives you a chance to show how well you can translate, and is then a qualification in itself.
It goes both ways. I became an MCIL and later a Chartered Linguist, but was exempted from the Dip. Trans. on the strength of a diploma from a Danish university, as the Dip. Trans. is not set in Danish very often.
Get some guidance and ask to see papers from earlier years, so you can practise before you commit to spending money on the Dip. Trans. - but I would give it a try!
Best of luck! ▲ Collapse
| | | | | The other side of the coin | May 27 |
I really don’t think anyone cares whether you have a qualification. So unless you’re struggling to get work, I wouldn’t bother.
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| There are other advantages | May 28 |
You can probably join the CIoL as an Affiliate or student - they can also advise you about that - without the Dip. Trans. Then if/when you pass, you can become a full member.
It costs an annual subscription, of course, but you can then attend events if you live in the UK, and networking is useful.
Other advantages are listed here:
... See more You can probably join the CIoL as an Affiliate or student - they can also advise you about that - without the Dip. Trans. Then if/when you pass, you can become a full member.
It costs an annual subscription, of course, but you can then attend events if you live in the UK, and networking is useful.
Other advantages are listed here:
https://www.proz.com/forum/translators_associations/367724-iti_or_institute_of_linguists_or_both.html
I personally joined the IoL as it was then for historic reasons - they asked for three years' experience, while ITI wanted five, and I had just over three at the time! I had already joined the Danish counterpart, which has changed its name several times, but I found it worth the investment until I passed pension age.
Over the years, some quite good clients have found me through the Find-a-Linguist register. They tend to be one-off clients, although at least one came back several times.
They accept viable rates, which is important! ▲ Collapse
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