09 / RESOURCES FOR LINGUISTS
Good practice. A clear way forward.
A practical starting point for professional standards, interpreting and translation qualifications, and building a career in languages.
PROFESSIONAL REGISTER
NRPSI
The National Register of Public Service Interpreters is a useful reference for finding registered public service interpreters and understanding its registration requirements.
FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
Working already, or just beginning?
Explore the conduct guides below if you are developing your practice. If you are considering this career, start with the qualification routes and the ITI guides.
01 / PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Guidance worth keeping close.
These official codes provide a sound starting point for professional practice. Each organisation sets the requirements for its own registrants or members.
NRPSI / PUBLIC SERVICE INTERPRETING
Code of Professional Conduct
Standards for NRPSI registrants, including competence, impartiality, confidentiality and faithful interpreting.
ITI / TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING
Code of Professional Conduct
Guidance for ITI members covering professional values, competence, responsible use of technology, continuing development and business practice.
A practical reminder
- Accept assignments within your language skills and subject expertise.
- Agree the scope, output, timescale and terms before work begins.
- Preserve meaning carefully and raise unclear language or source material.
- Protect confidential information and disclose potential conflicts.
- Prepare for the setting and keep developing your skills.
A short reading aid based on the codes linked above. Consult the full code relevant to your practice.
02 / GETTING QUALIFIED
Choose the route that fits your work.
Professional linguist is a broad description. Interpreting and translation need different practical skills, so choose your intended work, language combination and setting before selecting a qualification.
SPOKEN LANGUAGE / CIOL
Public service interpreting
Explore the CIOL Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI). The official page explains assessment, preparation and candidate information.
WRITTEN LANGUAGE / CIOL
Starting in translation
The Level 6 Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) focuses on practical translation skills and is aimed at early-career development.
WRITTEN LANGUAGE / CIOL
Advanced translation
The Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) assesses professional translation at master’s level. Review the specification and preparation guidance before applying.
PUBLIC SERVICE / NRPSI
Joining the register
Check NRPSI’s current qualifications, experience and other entry requirements. Completing a qualification and obtaining registration are separate steps.
Check current language combinations, entry requirements, course suitability, fees and examination dates directly with the awarding body or provider. Availability varies by language and session.
03 / BUILDING YOUR CAREER
From language skills to professional practice.
ITI / CAREER GUIDE
Become an interpreter
An introduction to interpreting settings, skills and qualifications, to help you plan a route into the profession.
ITI / CAREER GUIDE
Become a translator
Explore the work of translators and the skills and qualifications that can help you get started.
Plan your next steps
- Assess your proficiency in both working languages, including reading and writing where relevant.
- Choose a setting and compare suitable training or university routes.
- Prepare for the assessment using the awarding body’s current specification and candidate materials.
- Develop relevant experience, professional contacts and a record of continuing learning.
04 / QUOTATIONS & FEES
Legal Aid rates: a useful reference.
Linguist Directory provides a guide to Legal Aid rates and preparing quotations for interpreting and translation. This is an external reference; confirm the applicable current requirements before preparing a quote.
Sources reviewed: 24 September 2026. Links lead to the organisations’ own websites, where the latest requirements and guidance are maintained.