Chartered Institute
of Linguists

Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Translation (CertTrans)

​ċċċċċċ

What is the CertTrans?


The Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) is a degree-levelqualification thatprovides benchmark evidence of practical working-level translation skills and knowledge.

This qualification has been developed with early career translation skills as its focus, with progression opportunities to higher levels of professional translation in mind for those wanting to work as a translator for translation companies or to build a career as a freelance translator.

The CertTrans offers the opportunity to acquire a degree-level translation qualification, backed by the , which demonstrates the ability to work professionally in languages and which will also assist those who want to use their written skills in international organisations worldwide.

Click on the image below or to find out more on our .

The CertTransis set at a degree level and is aligned to the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) andEuropean Qualifications Framework (EQF)at Level 6.The qualification is also a stepping stonetowards the Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) which is set atMaster'slevel and is the widely recognised"gold standard"forprofessional translators worldwide.

Is the Q CertTrans right for me?


The Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) is a benchmark qualification for anyone wanting a career working for language services companies, as a freelance translator or to work for international organisations worldwide. It meets the need for a working-level translating qualification.

Qualifications (Q) serves professional linguists, sets professional standards and providesqualifications for translators and interpreters which are recognised widely in the UK and around the world.

What are the benefits?


The CertTrans is regulated by Ofqual and othersin the UK and isunderpinned by the expertise and standards of the . It will improve your employability and career prospects.

With it you will be entitled to:

  • Use the post-nominalsCertTrans after your name
  • Applyto join the as a member

What others say


“The CertTrans is a 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.”

Raisa McNab, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Translation Companies

What is the qualification's structure?


The CertTrans is composed of three units:

  • Unit 01 - General Translation Skills
  • Unit 02 - Business and Commercial Translation Skills
  • Unit 03 - Government and Public Service Translation Skills

You must take two units to achieve the qualification. Unit 01 is the mandatory core unitwhich must be selected,then you need to select one other mandatory option unit from either Unit 02 or Unit 03.

What format does the assessment take?


The assessments are taken online from your homevia our Q Online Virtual Centre and are available in theUKandinternationally across all timezones.Candidates will translate from a source language into English or from English into a target language. The passages set for translation will be of a standard of difficulty that translators at this level would expect to meet in their daily work.

Language combinations offered in July2025


Languages offered into English (target language):

  • Arabic (MSA), Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

English (source language) into:

  • Arabic (MSA), Bulgarian, Chinese, Danish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.

Expandingavailability into further language combinations will be considered based on candidate and employer interest. We review candidate expressions of interest regularly and may add new languages in the future, if there is asufficient demand.​ċċċċċċ

The best advice from course providers and tutors is always to look at past papers. A sample of past papers isavailable here.

If you are thinking of taking the CertTrans in the future or are interested in other language combinations, you can express an interest, sign up to be kept up to dateand tell us more about your plans here.