You do not need to have completed any of the lower levels to take levels 3 or 6 and all of the content from Levels 1 and 2 are covered at Level 6.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

How long\ndoes a preparation course take for the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting?<\/b><\/a>
<\/p><\/h3>\nThe course takes place over 7 webinars, with each webinar lasting 2 hours.

<\/div>
If you join the live sessions, these take place over 7 weeks (one webinar per week).\n\n \n\nIf you prefer, you can watch recorded versions of the webinars which are available any time you want them, so that means you can compete the course in your own time. <\/div>

<\/div>
This means you can complete the course much quicker or slower depending on your preference. <\/div>

<\/div>
After the course, if you want to take the exam it is up to you when you book \u2013 you can book immediately or leave it until you have had more chance to revise.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Where can\na Level 3 interpreter work?<\/b><\/a>
<\/p><\/h3>\nLevel 3 is the entry level qualification for paid interpreters and is often a minimum requirement of interpreting agencies in the UK.\n\n \n\nIt allows you to interpret in community settings including:

\u00b7 Health <\/li><\/ul><\/p>
\u00b7 Mental Health <\/p>
\u00b7 Job centres \/ welfare <\/p>
\u00b7 Social services <\/p>
\u00b7 Housing <\/p>
\u00b7 Education <\/p>
\u00b7 Immigration <\/p>
\u00b7 Local government
<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What happens if someone\nfails the <\/span>Level 3 interpreting exam? <\/span><\/b><\/a>
<\/p><\/span><\/h3>\nWe prefer students to pass first time, which is why you don\u2019t need to take your exam until you are ready. If you do fail, you would need to pay for a resit, but the price of a re-sit is much lower than the first exam.\n\n\n\n\n
Is the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting nationally recognised \/ accredited? <\/b><\/span><\/a>
<\/p><\/span><\/h3>\n
The LearnQual Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting is an accredited qualification, which means it is UK Government regulated and nationally recognised by interpreting clients and agencies. <\/p>

<\/p>
This means the qualification can be used to work as a professional interpreter in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What is the highest level interpreting qualification?<\/b><\/span><\/a>
<\/p><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) is widely regarded as the highest level of interpreting qualification available outside of a university. <\/p>

<\/p>
The Level 6 DPSI is a very difficult, degree level qualification and is not recommended for anyone other than experienced interpreters who already have a Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting due to the high level of knowledge and experience required to pass. Even experienced interpreters and those with legal qualifications regularly fail the Level 6 DPSI. <\/p>

<\/p>
If you are just starting out in your career, we advise obtaining the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting, then gaining at least 2 years professional interpreting experience before undertaking the Level 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Where are you based?<\/b><\/span><\/a>
<\/p><\/span><\/h3>\n
LearnQual are based near Leeds, in Yorkshire. <\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
However, the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting is a 100% online course and exam, meaning that there is no need to travel and you can study from your home at a time that is convenient to you.<\/span>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Levels 1 or 2 are mainly for voluntary work and only includes the\nconsecutive interpreting skill.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
If you have been specifically asked to take a Level 2 by someone\n(e.g. a client who wants to offer you paid work) then that is fine but you may\nfind paid work outside of that client difficult to come by. Level 2 is also\nsuitable for voluntary work. <\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
\n\n\n\n<\/p>
Level 3 is best for paid interpreting assignments and will give you\naccess to a paid interpreting career. It includes both the consecutive\ninterpreting and sight translation skills. So, if you want to get started on a\npaid interpreting career that is the best starting point.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A community interpreter facilitates a conversation between two people who do not speak the same language (e.g. English and Polish) usually in a public service setting such as health, welfare, social services, housing, education, immigration or law.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
The speakers take turns to speak with the interpreter interpreting the conversation in between. They also sometimes provide sight translation services where they read out literature in English in the \u2018target\u2019 language (e.g. Polish).<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
As a guide for Level 3 your English should be at level B2 or above:<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>
<\/span><\/p>
In everyday speech, this level might be called \u201cconfident\u201d, as in \u201cI\nam a confident English speaker\u201d. The official level descriptor is \u201cupper\nintermediate\u201d. At this level, students can function independently in a variety\nof academic and professional environments in English, although with a limited\nrange of nuance and precision.<\/span><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
For Level 6, your English needs to be at level C1 or above:<\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
In everyday speech, this level might be called \u201cadvanced\u201d, and that is the official level descriptor for this level as well, also used by EF SET. At this level, students can function independently and with a great deal of precision on a wide variety of subjects and in almost any setting without any prior preparation.<\/span>
<\/p>

<\/p>
<\/span><\/p>
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>
If you are unsure, you can test your English here for free : https:\/\/www.efset.org\/quick-check\/take-test<\/a><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are 2 main levels of qualification for paid interpreters, Level 3 and Level 6.

<\/div>
Level 3 is the entry level qualification for paid interpreters and is often a minimum requirement of interpreting agencies in the UK. It allows you to interpret in community settings like hospitals, job centres, social services, housing and local government.\n\n \n\nTo be successful at Level 3, interpreters need to be competent at consecutive interpreting and sight translation from English.<\/div>

<\/div>
Level 6 enables interpreters to work with the courts, police, prisons and immigration\n\n \n\nTo be successful at Level 6, interpreters need to be competent at consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, sight translation to and from English and in some cases, written translation to and from English\n\n \n\nLevels 1 and 2 also exist but they are aimed at voluntary (unpaid) interpreters. <\/div>

<\/div>
You do not need to have completed any of the lower levels (1 or 2) to study Level 3.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, the course isn\u2019t funded at this time, but we do have\neasy instalment options to make it more affordable. <\/o:p><\/span><\/p>
<\/span><\/p>
\n\n\n\n<\/p>
Some of our students get funding from the DWP (Job Centre) or \u2018back\nto work\u2019 charities, so it might be worth speaking with them to see if they can\narrange funding.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe course itself does not have a certificate, however, if you take and pass the exam at the end of the course you will receive an accredited certificate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can book your exam at a time convenient to yourself, when you are ready.

<\/div>
We don\u2019t believe in forcing students to book their exam by a certain date because we want to give you as much chance as possible to pass your exam<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe majority of other Level 3 interpreting qualifications require you to complete written essay assessments\/exams plus practical assessments\/exams.

<\/div>
Written essays are expensive to mark and time consuming to write which makes any qualification that requires written essays time consuming and expensive. <\/div>

<\/div>
Because our students only have to pass a practical assessment\/exam it means we save a lot of money and we pass those savings on to our students.
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterpreting is a practical skill and no interpreter has to write an essay as part of their job.

<\/div>
Therefore, we believe there is no point asking interpreters to write essays – the way you prove you are competent and earn your certificate is by demonstrating your abilities as an interpreter.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s very simple – you only need to make your first payment.

<\/div>
Once your first instalment is made you can join the course immediately and start learning.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, our Level 3 interpreting qualification is completely online so no need to travel.

<\/div>
You can either access our recorded webinars, join them live via a free Zoom link or combine live sessions with recordings.<\/div>

<\/div>
When you come to take the exam, that is also online via a free Zoom link<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo qualification is needed to join but you need to be fluent in 2 or more languages including English.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, it is exactly the same price regardless of how you pay.

<\/div>
The instalment options just exist to make it easier for students to afford the qualification.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are two parts to the exam:

<\/p>
Part 1: <\/b>consecutive interpreting. You interpret a conversation between a doctor and a patient <\/li>
Part 2: <\/b>Sight translation. You are provided a text in English of around 250 words, you read through it first and then you read it out loud in your other language – like you were reading it for someone who couldn’t read the English version.<\/li>

<\/li>
That\u2019s it – no questions, no essays, no writing. Just the practical.<\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou need to make your own mind up, but you can practice with other students to help you decide.

<\/div>
The advice and guidance in our preparation course will also help you to decide when you are ready. <\/div>

<\/div>
If you would rather take a mock exam before your main exam you can do so at a reduced price and this is useful in helping you to understand how the exam will work and whether you are ready to sit it.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can only take your exam when you have paid in full, but if you start paying in 8 instalments and want to take your exam earlier you can clear the remaining balance any time you like.

<\/div>
Many of our students take this option.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur live, tutor-led courses start regularly (at least one per month), but if you don\u2019t want to wait you can start your course using the provided self-study materials as soon as you sign up.

<\/div>
Often students go through the self-study materials 2 or 3 times and join the live sessions as well.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur qualification is UK Government regulated so it is the same as any other Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting.

<\/p>
The major difference is the way that we deliver the information and or exam only assessment approach. <\/p>

<\/p>
If you go to the ‘About<\/a>\u2019 page on the website you can find links to the Ofqual site where you can see our qualifications. That means they are genuine, quality products that deliver what they are supposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you pass the exam you will receive a total of 17 credits.

<\/div>
When you are looking for work as an interpreter, some agencies will ask for a minimum of 15 credits for you to register with them.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can see more about our company on our \u2018About\u2019 page by clicking here<\/a>, with links to our qualifications on the UK government qualification regulator including the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting<\/a>.
<\/p>

<\/p>
You can also find our registered company, Learnqual Ltd, on companies house (the government register of registered UK companies<\/a>).<\/p>

<\/p>
And see our reviews from students here on Trustpilot<\/a>.<\/p>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Although not always a requirement, usually you need a minimum qualifications to become an Interpreter. You would need to hold a minimum of a Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting<\/a> (at least 60 hours of learning, and a recommended minimum of 15 credits).\nExperience is not always necessary, but also a bonus. Usually, interpreters are aged 18 or above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Strictly speaking, translators deal with the written word and would normally require a Degree in translation, or a minimum Level 6 or above equivalent (such as a Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)), plus relevant experience. <\/p>
You can also become a NHS interpreter, providing services in the spoken word and interpreting conversations between doctors and patients. The requirements to become an NHS interpreter are usually a minimum of a Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting (at least 60 hours of learning, and a recommended minimum of 15 credits). Experience is not always necessary, but also a bonus. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn average, a Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting<\/a> involves 60-80 hours of learning and can be completed in under 6 months. The LearnQual approach is a practical Level 3 and certification is based wholly on your abilities as an interpreter, which you demonstrate in a practical exam. Because there is no requirement for writing and rewriting multiple essays, the average time taken to achieve our qualification is 10-16 weeks, but ultimately that is up to because you would book the exam when you feel ready. Some learners complete the course quicker or slower depending on their personal circumstances, their prior experience and learning and how much time they have to dedicate to the course.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Interpreter Salary in the UK:<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>
An\ninterpreter who holds a Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting<\/a> can\nexpect to make an average of \u00a314.55 per hour (\u00a328,000 per year based on a 37\nhour week). <\/o:p><\/span><\/p>
\n\n\n\n<\/p>
If you\nhave a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service interpreting (DPSI)<\/a> you could get\nrates of up to \u00a336 per hour or more for some clients, such as legal clients,\nbut this is not always the case. If, for example, an NHS client is paying \u00a315\nper hour the rate will be the same regardless of qualification level. Rates of\npay can also depend on the language combination with ‘rare’ languages\n(languages with a low number of qualified interpreters) commanding higher\nrates. <\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Interpreters convey language\norally, while translators convey language in writing. <\/o:p><\/span><\/p>
Although\nlanguage ability is a common skill needed in both roles, the skills needed\nfor the two roles are often quite different. To be a translator you would need\nto be proficient in reading comprehension, transfer and target language\nproductions skills, along with needing to be able to work efficiently with\nComputer Aided Translation (CAT) tools, while interpreters need excellent\nlistening skills, a high level of spoken ability, clear pronunciation in both\nlanguages, an excellent memory and the ability to think and speak in two\nlanguages at the same time.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>
\n\n\n\n<\/p>
You can\nread more about interpreting skills in our blog How to Improve Your Consecutive interpreting Skills<\/span><\/a>.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
No. While the Diploma in Public Service interpreting (DPSI)<\/a> will be more than sufficient for you to work with the NHS, most of the\ninterpreting work available with the NHS can be accessed by interpreters who\nhold the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting<\/a>. <\/o:p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Our qualifications are Nationally accredited and approved by the UK government.<\/o:p><\/p>
\n\n<\/p>
While there isn\u2019t such\na thing as an ‘international qualification’ usually UK qualifications are\nhighly respected around the world so it is as close as you can get.<\/o:p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they speak\ntwo languages, interpreting is easy. That is not the case at all. Interpreting\nis a demanding job that takes dedication, understanding, skills and knowledge\nto provide. <\/span><\/p>
To be a high quality interpreter can take years of hard work,\nbuilding glossaries, studying language and specialisms and developing\nglossaries. <\/span><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting we offer at LearnQual is the ideal entry level qualification for anyone looking to become a paid interpreter (oral translator). <\/p>

<\/p>
It is suitable for people who are brand new to the profession, and also those who already have some interpreting experience. <\/h4><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
The Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) is the highest level of interpreter qualification, and is suitable for professional interpreters who hold the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting and have at least 2 years of professional interpreting experience.<\/span>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
If you are already working as a professional interpreter and do not need to attend a preparation course, you can take the exam only option of the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting for a reduced price. <\/span>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How Can I Become a Medical Interpreter?<\/b><\/h3>\n
If you aspire to work as an interpreter in medical settings, you will need several things. <\/p>

<\/p>
To be a paid interpreter, and to ensure you are delivering a professional, high-quality service the first thing to get is an interpreter qualification, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting (CCI)<\/a>. This qualification is nationally recognised as the entry level standard for paid public service interpreting jobs in not only medical interpreting contexts but also contexts such as job centres…<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
How Can I Get an Interpreting Job?<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you want to find work as an interpreter, there are 8 main steps that you can follow.<\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
This 8 Step Guide to working as an interpreter is a series of videos that explains how to get qualified, where, when and how you can work, where you might be able to gain some interpreting experience, who provides work, how to register for work, what you need to know about rates of pay, how to receive and accept assignments and how to complete them<\/span>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What to Expect from your First Interpreting Assignment?<\/span><\/h3>\n
The day has finally come \u2013 you have been studying a language for years, reached a high level of proficiency, completed an <\/span>interpreting course<\/a>, acquired your <\/span>interpreting qualification<\/a>, found interpreting work with an agency, and finally been given your first interpreting job (assignment). <\/span><\/p>

<\/span><\/p>
Now what..?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Contact Us<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
<\/p><\/span><\/h1>\n
Complete the form below and one of our team will get back to you. Alternatively, call our helpful and friendly team now on 0333 444 1302.<\/p>\n{“title”:””,”form_id”:”407″}\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-634","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=634"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3732,"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/634\/revisions\/3732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelearnhub.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}