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Languages Work

The national information resource on careers with languages

Degree-level specialist qualifications

The Institute of Linguists Educational Trust’s (IoLET) Diploma in Public Service Interpreting is designed for those working with foreign or community languages and English in a public service context. Successful candidates progress into careers as interpreters in police stations, courts, hospitals, local government and the prison service. To sit the examination, candidates are advised to attend a preparatory course, usually delivered on a part-time basis, but this is not compulsory.

The NVQ in Sign Language Interpreting, award by Signature, is a work based qualification for those who can prove evidence of their existing knowledge and skills in interpreting from their work environment. Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence collected in real or simulated work settings. There is no requirement to complete a formal course in order to have your skills assessed but in practice many people do need specialist training. Some centres offer both training and assessment.

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